The island is about 34 km long and 5 km wide, with an area of 128 sq km. In 1997 it became a world heritage site, and it is also a Tasmanian State Reserve.
History
The island was named after Colonel Lachlan Macquarie (1762-1824), a colonial governor regarded by many as the real founder of Australia.
On December 23, 2004 the island was rocked by an earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale, one of the largest ever recorded. There was, however, little damage. It is considered part of the prelude of earthquakes prior to the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake.
Demographics
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) maintains a permanent base on the island. The base's residents are the island's only inhabitants, ranging from 20 to 40 people throughout the year.
He claimed MacquarieIsland for Britain and annexed it to the colony of New South Wales in 1810.
Bellingshausen landed on the island on November 28, 1820, defined its geographical position and traded his rum and food for MacquarieIsland'sfauna with the sealers.
In 1933 the authorities declared the island a wildlife sanctuary, and eventually transferred it to the Commonwealth of Australia under the administration of the Australian Antarctic Territory on December 26, 1947.
The island was claimed by Britain and annexed to the colony of New South Wales in 1810.
The island was transferred to Tasmania in 1890 and leased to Joseph Hatch in 1902.
In 1933, the island was declared a wildlife sanctuary and was eventually transferred to Australia under the administration of Australian Antarctic Territory in 1947.
Feeds |
Contact