Heard and McDonald Islands are a group of remote volcanic islands located in the southern Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica. The islands are administered by Australia and are considered an external territory of the country.

The islands are largely uninhabited and have no permanent population. The only people who visit the islands are scientific researchers, Australian government officials, and occasional tourists.

The islands are of volcanic origin and are dominated by two large active volcanoes, Mawson Peak on Heard Island and McDonald Island. The islands are known for their extreme weather conditions, with strong winds and snowfall occurring throughout the year. The islands are also surrounded by rich marine life, including seals, penguins, and various species of fish and birds.

Heard Island and McDonald Island were discovered by a British navigator in the 19th century and were annexed by the Australian government in 1947. The islands have been designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in recognition of their unique and important natural values.