Macquarie Island
Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island

This island halfway between Australia and Antarctica is the only place in the world where rocks from the Earth’s mantle are exposed above sea level—a rocky formation known as the Macquarie Ridge. The remote island hosts seasonal migrations of penguins and seals, as well as some 3.5 million seabirds of 13 different species.

Learn more

The Basics

This UNESCO World Heritage-designated sub-Antarctic island in the Southern Ocean attracts visitors to its remote shores largely for its fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities. Large rookeries of king, royal, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins impress with their sheer size, and it’s common to see huge Southern elephant seals lazing about on the beaches or play fighting in the surf. The only development on the island is a small research station with a population that fluctuates between 20 and 40 people at any given time. Most travelers visit the island as a stopover on longer cruises to the Antarctic from Australia or New Zealand.

Show all

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Visitors to Macquarie Island must be escorted by a Tasmanian park ranger; this is typically arranged through cruise companies that visit the island.
  • Travelers who suffer from motion sickness should reconsider visiting, as the Southern Ocean has some of the roughest seas in the world.
  • Weather on the island is cold, wet, and windy, even in the summer, so be sure to dress in warm layers.
  • Visitors are required to remain on designated trails and stay at least 16 feet (5 meters) from wildlife.
Show all

How to Get There

The only way to reach Macquarie Island is by boat (or by helicopter from a boat). The trip from Hobart can take three to four days, depending on sea conditions. Visitors are generally ferried ashore by smaller boats, like Zodiacs.

Show all

When to Get There

Cruise itineraries that include Macquarie Island sail mostly during summer in the Southern Hemisphere (November to March).

Show all

Visiting the Research Station

While the research station on Macquarie Island isn’t meant for visitors, it’s worth a stop for the chance to get a Macquarie Island stamp in your passport or mail a postcard or letter with a Macquarie Island postmark. The research station sometimes has souvenirs, like t-shirts and magnets, for sale.

Show all
EN
7035f38b-4885-4934-a2e5-a8899c209e81
attraction_detail_overview
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Macquarie Island?
A:
Attractions near Macquarie Island:

More Tours in Tasmania