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A rich history
From early settlements and gaucho corrals to ship wrecks, monuments and distinctive architecture, there is much to delight the history enthusiast.
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Stanley Jetty
Cruise ship passengers at Stanley's jetty
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Falkland Colours
A weathered shed and its spectacular backdrop on Carcass Island; inspiration for artists and photographers alike
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Aerial view of Stanley
A view of Stanley dotted with the bright colours typical of this seaside town.
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Government House
First built in the 1840s, Government House is the residence of His Excellency the Governor.
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Bluff Cove Lagoon
Beautiful blue skies, the long white sandy beach and colourful foliage characterise Bluff Cove Lagoon (c) Hattie Kilmartin
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A Falklands beach
Light surf on a typical coastline (c) S Cameron
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Gorse in full bloom
Spring on Pebble Island (c) A White
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Old House Stream
Old and new river crossings at the Old House Stream, Chartres, West Falkland
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Port Howard
The road takes you through the West Falkland settlement and to the ferry terminal
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Port Edgar
North and South Head in Port Edgar
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Sunset at Weddell Island
Resemblng a volcano, the sun goes down in a blaze of glory (c) M Beaton
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Golden seal
A seal basks at dusk on Sea Lion Island
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Escaping penguin
A Gentoo penguin makes a frantic effort to reach the beach as a seal closes in behind it
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Albatross
Black-Browed Albatross in flight (c) G Moulds
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Weddell Island
Sundown gives the bay a golden glow
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Driving in convoy
Visitors are ferried back from Bluff Cove Lagoon (c) Hattie Kilmartin
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Getting ready for shearing
Sheep are gathered from the nearby hills ready for shearing at Bluff Cove Farm (c) Hattie Kilmartin
Volunteer Point
Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands. The site is a cornucopia of bird activity, home to king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins – as well as waterfowl and endemic subspecies like the dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit and thrush. In 2006/07, Falklands Conservation counted approximately 750 adult king penguins and 550 chicks, making Volunteer Point the largest, most accessible king penguin colony in the world outside of South Georgia.
Volunteer Beach itself is a beautiful white sandy beach, approximately 2km long, and is where many of the penguins can be seen entering and leaving the ocean. Magellanic penguin burrows line the shore; visitors need to tread with care to avoid the unintentional collapse of the homes of these birds. During the summer a warden resides on-site to ensure that tourists abide by the Countryside Code and do not interfere with sensitive breeding birds like the King Penguins.
Warden: Micky Reeves
Ph +500 32000 or +500 53353;
Land owner: Johnson's Harbour Farm - Jan Cheek
Ph +500 31399 or +500 21372; Email jancheek@horizon.co.fk
Access: By road and off-road track, standard road access to Johnson's Harbour, then 4WD required to reach the point. Visitors are strongly recommended to hire a guide unless travelling in convoy with experienced off-road drivers. The track has a succession of gates and un-marked paddocks;it is often very boggy requiring great driving skill and local knowledge and the journey may take several hours if conditions are poor. The track is usually closed between April and November to preserve its condition.
Flora/Fauna: King, gentoo and magellanic penguin, ruddy-headed goose, Falkland steamer duck, black-throated finch, dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit and thrush, Hudsonian godwit, stilt sandpiper, whimbrel.
Activities: Wildlife watching, camping, hiking, exceptional photography opportunities, guided 4WD tours
Accommodation: Camping available on-site - campers should be self-sufficient including their own water supply. Outside toilet available.
Download the Falkland Conservation brochure about Volunteer Point:
Volunteer Point, East Falkland (600kb)
