Big Ben (Heard Island)

Big Ben is the volcanic massif that dominates Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean, with its highest point at Mawson Peak, an active volcanic summit. The massif forms the principal topographic feature of the island and is largely glaciated.

The volcano and surrounding glaciers occupy most of the island; rugged volcanic ridges, lava flows and extensive ice cover characterise the landscape. Scientific visitors study volcanism, glaciology and subantarctic ecology, while tourism is highly restricted because of remoteness and environmental protection.

Big Ben is an active volcanic complex that has produced recent eruptions and ongoing volcanic activity recorded in the modern era. The island and its volcanic features are part of the Heard Island and McDonald Islands territory administered by Australia and have been subjects of scientific expeditions.

Located on Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean, Big Ben occupies the central and eastern parts of the island group, which lies well south of the Australian mainland and is uninhabited except for occasional scientific teams.

• Summit height: The summit, Mawson Peak, reaches 2,745 metres and is the highest point on Heard Island and in Australian external territories.
• Volcanic nature: An active volcanic massif that is largely ice-covered, forming most of Heard Island and dominating the island’s topography.

Big Ben on Heard Island is extremely remote and has no airstrip or regular passenger service. It can only be reached as part of an Australian‑approved scientific or expedition voyage aboard an ice‑capable vessel (no public scheduled transport); landings are rare and require permits from the Australian authorities.