🇭🇲 Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Territory and Sovereignty

Basic Information

About territory

Heard Island and McDonald Islands are a remote Australian external territory located in the southern Indian Ocean. These sub-Antarctic islands were first sighted in the mid-19th century, sparking initial interest from sealers. The islands were formally claimed by the United Kingdom in 1908 before being transferred to Australian jurisdiction in 1947. For a decade following the transfer, Australian research expeditions maintained a station on Heard Island, furthering scientific understanding of the region. Today, the islands remain largely uninhabited, recognized for their unique ecosystem and geological features.

Codes & Identifiers