(Austral Islands), a group of five islands in the Pacific Ocean, in French Polynesia. Area, 174 sq km. Population, 5,000 (1971). The islands of Tubuai, Rimatara, Rurutu, and Raevavae (also Raivavae, Vavitu) are of volcanic origin. They are hilly, with elevations to 435 m on Raevavae, and surrounded by coral reefs. Maria Island is a low-lying coral island. The climate is tropical and humid, with trade winds. There are coffee, vanilla, and coconut plantations on the islands. The principal city is Mataura. The Tubuai Islands were discovered by J. Cook in 1777.