Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) are an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean, 4000km southwest of Perth, Australia, between Madagascar and Antarctica. The islands were first discovered by the American Captains Heard and McDonald in 1853 and 1854, respectively, and who aptly named the islands after themselves. From 1910 until 1947 the islands were under British Administration. Today, the islands are administered by the Australian Antarctic Division, as part of the Australian Department of the Environment.
Heard Island is largely ice covered, but is home to an active volcano, Big Ben, and Australia’s highest mountain, Mawson Peak.
These uninhabited and remote islands are important areas for scientific research as they are home to many seal and bird species. They are designated as a World Heritage site as well as a nature reserve. As a result, a permit is required to travel to the islands.
There are no diseases to report for these uninhabited islands.Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
Heard & McDonald Islands