By Sea
If you are planning to visit Heard and McDonald Islands, it is very important to note that this kind of trip needs elaborate prior planning and arrangements. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative to obtain the necessary permission from the Australian Antarctic Division as these islands have been declared as reserved and protected. It is a division under Australian Department of the Environment and Water Resources situated in Hobart. Only after considering the reasons behind your visit, Australian authorities grant approvals.
The Spit Bay has a temporary base from where these islands can be accessed. Since, there are no ports or harbors, the ships may provide you access till the offshore of these islands.
Vessels operate from Freemantle in Australia to Heard Island. There is only one or two expedition organising groups which facilitate the tourists to visit the Heard Island. Even before stepping on the Heard Island, extreme precautions are taken to wear only sterile garments and footwear so that the ecology of these islands do not get disturbed in any possible ways.
