Heard Island & Mcdonald Islands🇭🇲
Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) are an Australian external territory and volcanic group of barren Antarctic islands, located roughly 4,099 km southwest of Perth, in the southern Indian Ocean. The landscape is dominated by the large active volcano called Big Ben. There are no neighboring countries since these islands are isolated and located in the midst of the ocean. These islands are known for their untouched and pristine ecology, attracting researchers and scientists. There aren't any recommended things to visit as it's mostly visited by researchers for scientific purposes.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid traveling without permission: As these islands are a protected territory, unauthorized visits are not allowed.
- Avoid littering: It's critical to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the environmentally sensitive area.
- Avoid going unprepared: Given the isolated location and harsh conditions, it's important to carry all necessary supplies, including medical, food and water.
- Avoid harming the flora: The islands feature unique flora that should not be disturbed or damaged.
- Avoid unauthorized scientific activities: Any research or scientific activities must be approved by relevant authorities.
- Avoid disturbing the wildlife: The islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, disturbing them is forbidden by law.
- Avoid unsafe exploration: Certain areas can be dangerous due to harsh weather conditions and active volcanic activity.
- Avoid without communication means: Reliable means of communication are essential for any emergency.
- Avoid visiting without a guide: Authorized and knowledgeable guides are necessary for navigating and understanding the islands' complex ecosystem.
- Avoid leaving a trace: The aim is to keep the islands as pristine as possible, hence, visitors should strive to leave no trace of their visit.
Overall
7
Crime 🔫
10
The crime rating is 10 since, being uninhabited, there are no crimes reported in Heard Island and McDonald Islands. There are no cities in this territory. It's is visited mainly by scientists for research purposes.
Terrorism 💣
10
There have been no terror incidents reported in Heard Island and McDonald Islands making its terrorism rating 10. Being uninhabited and isolated, it is unlikely for any such incidents to occur.
War ⚔️
10
There is no history or current threat of war in Heard Island and McDonald Islands, consequently, it has a war score of 10. Being uninhabited and remote, there is no likelihood of war.
Natural Disasters 🌊
5
Given the geographical location and features, Heard Island and McDonald Islands are susceptible to volcanic activity and extreme weather conditions. The landscape is dominated by the large active volcano known as Big Ben. However, as there are no inhabitants, the risk to human life is low.
Medical Care 🏥
1
Medical score is 0 as there are no inhabitations, hence, no medical facilities present on the islands. The visitors, mainly researchers, bring their own medical supplies.
Tap Water Quality 💧
1
The rating for tap water quality is 0 as there are no available water supplies like in populated regions. Water needs to be brought to the islands by those visiting.
Disease Burden 🤒
10
The score for disease is 10 as there are no inhabitants, hence, no reported cases of diseases or health issues.
Corruption 💸
10
The corruption score is 10 as there are no inhabitants, hence, no government functionaries or businesses, resulting in no incidents of corruption.
Safety for Women ♀️
10
The safety for women score is 10 as there are no inhabitants, hence, no risk of gender-based crime.
Safety for Queer People 👬
10
Rating for safety of queer people is 10 as there are no inhabitants, hence, no risk of crime or discrimination.
Censorship 📺
10
The censorship score is 10 as there are no inhabitants, hence, no media or government regulation, leading to an absence of censorship.
Public Transportation 🚌
1
The public transportation rating is 0 as there are no inhabitants, hence, no public transportation. Transportation to and within the islands is mainly through sea vessels for research expeditions.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While there are no inherent dangers from crime or social issues due to there being no inhabitants, the main safety concerns arise from the harsh and unpredictable weather conditions and the potential for volcanic activity. Visitors should be well-prepared and respectful of nature, following all guidelines to prevent environmental damage.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are no embassies or consulates on these islands, as it's an uninhabited territory. The Australian department of foreign affairs and trade handles affairs related to the islands.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
There are no specific vaccinations needed for these islands beyond those recommended by your doctor based on your medical history.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
There are no known dangerous animals on the islands. You might encounter various types of indigenous seabirds, seals, and penguins but none pose a risk to humans. It's important, however, to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.
🛂 Visa Requirements
You need to obtain an entry permit from Australian Antarctic Division to visit Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
💲 Currency
As an uninhabited territory, it does not have any economy, hence no currency. Any expedition arranged will have its costs and everything will be provided by the expedition team.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Given it's uninhabited, there are no facilities for credit card transactions.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Work and travel opportunities are limited to research and scientific exploration in Heard and McDonald Islands due to its remote location and lack of inhabitants.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Travel and living costs are generally contained within the cost of the organized expedition. It's subjected to the cost of sea/air transportation, supplies, and permission and varies according to the organization handling the expedition.