Macquarie Island

Nestled between Australia and the Antarctic this small island is a wildlife sanctuary to an estimated 1 million penguins as well as thousands of seals. The island was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of it being the only place on Earth where rocks from the earth’s mantle, or last protective barrier in the crust, are exposed above water. The island is in effect made of the Earth’s deep crust. The population on the island is at most 40 scientists during the summer and 20 in the winter months due to the harsh weather conditions and the difficulties in getting there through the harsh Southern Ocean. This makes the journey to Macquarie both highly memorable and for those with a stern stomach/wallet.

The main sight on the island is the remarkable collections of penguins and other animals which inhabit the area, including Fur Seals and the potentially dangerous Elephant Seal which is the largest species of seal in the world. Many of the scientists who work on Macquarie are also happy to act as the tour guide and provide fascinating tours of the protected regions on the island.

No reviews yet

You can be the first to review 'Macquarie Island'.