Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island is located in the Southern Ocean, about halfway between Australia and Antarctica. It is part of the state of Tasmania.

Geography

The island is located at at 54°30′ S 158°57′ E. It is the Southernmost Point of Australia (including islands).

The island is about 34 km long and 5 km wide, with an area of 128 sq km. In 1997 it became a world heritage site, and it is also a Tasmanian State Reserve.

History

The island was named after Colonel Lachlan Macquarie (1762-1824), a colonial governor regarded by many as the real founder of Australia.

On December 23 2004 the island was rocked by an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale, one of the largest ever recorded. There was, however, little damage. It is considered part of the prelude of earthquakes prior to the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake.

Demographics

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) maintains a permanent base on the island. The base's residents are the island's only inhabitants, ranging from 20 to 40 people throughout the year.

Fauna

Fauna found on the island includes: Subantarctic Fur Seals, Antarctic Fur Seals, and Southern Elephant Seals – over 80,000 individuals. It is the breeding place of Royal Penguins – which breed only on this island, Rockhopper Penguins, and Gentoo Penguins. Rabbits are also found on the island.

See also

• Administrative Heads of Macquarie Island
• List of islands of Australia
• List of sub-antarctic islands
• List of islands of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

External link

• AAD homepage