Please Note: Rabbits and rats are posing a severe threat to World Heritage values on Macquarie Island, as research reveals widespread damage to terrestrial ecosystems. These impacts include devastating effects upon native fauna, flora, geomorphology, natural landscape values and nutrient recycling systems.

A Draft Plan for the Eradication of Rabbits and Rodents on Subantarctic Macquarie Island has been developed to achieve the restoration of Macquarie Island’s biodiversity and natural systems as much as possible. See our web pages for further details.

On 3 December, 1997 Macquarie Island was listed as a World Heritage Area - the second Tasmanian World Heritage Area. Macquarie Island is a site of outstanding geological and natural significance on a world scale.

The island is one of only a very few in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean where fauna in the region can breed. Around 3.5 million seabirds and 80,000 elephant seals arrive on Macquarie Island each year to breed and moult. Fur seals are beginning to re-establish populations on the island after nearly being exterminated in the early 19th century.

Location
Where is Macquarie Island?

Geoconservation
Learn about the remarkable geology of the island which led to World Heritage listing

Animals and Plants
Discover the unique wildlife and vegetation of Macquarie Island

History of the Reserve
Despite its remote location Macquarie Island has a rich history

Guidelines for Tourist Operations and Visits
Visitors must have an Access Authority, or must be accompanied by an authorised person, in order to enter or remain in the Reserve

Management Plan
A detailed document covering all aspects of Macquarie island and its management

Special Management Areas
Special Management Areas are declared from year to year to further protect vulnerable species, vegetation communities or sites extremely vulnerable to human disturbance.