South East Mutton Bird Islet — small Tasmanian seabird islet

Size and physical features

Despite its prominence on charts, the islet is very small: about 0.52 hectares in area (0.52 ha), roughly equivalent to 1 acre (1 acre). Its highest point rises to approximately 22 metres above sea level (22 m), about 72 feet when expressed in imperial units (72 ft). The shoreline is steep and exposed, and the limited flat ground restricts plant cover and human use; the islet is best understood as a rocky nesting site rather than a place for recreation.

Environment and wildlife

The islet is notable for seabird breeding. It is included in the Port Davey Islands Important Bird Area because of its role in supporting breeding colonies of shearwaters and other seabirds; the local name "muttonbird" commonly refers to the short-tailed shearwater, a species that nests on many nearby islands. Seabird activity strongly influences the ecology — burrowing, guano deposition and trampling shape the sparse vegetation and soils on such small islets.

Protection, management and access

South East Mutton Bird Islet lies within Tasmania's Southwest National Park (Southwest National Park) and is part of the broader Tasmanian Wilderness that has been inscribed as a World Heritage Area (Tasmanian Wilderness, World Heritage Site). These designations reflect both natural values and strict protections: landing is generally discouraged or restricted to scientific and management purposes to avoid disturbing nesting birds and to limit erosion.

Importance and conservation

Although tiny in area, the islet has outsized conservation value because small islands often provide predator-free breeding habitat that is scarce on larger, inhabited landmasses. Conservation efforts for such islets focus on monitoring seabird populations, preventing introduced predators, and managing human visitation. Changes in sea level, storm intensity and fisheries can indirectly affect the site, so it is monitored as part of regional conservation programs.

Quick facts

• Group: Mutton Bird Island Group (map).
• Location: off south-western Tasmania, near Port Davey (local coast).
• Area: 0.52 ha (1 acre).
• Maximum elevation: 22 m (72 ft above sea level).
• Protected within Southwest National Park and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area.