A pleasant combination of the tropics and temperate zone, Tubuai is the largest of the Austral Islands and also the administrative center for the archipelago. Encompassing 45 sq. km. (17 sq. miles), Tubuai is 568 km. (355 miles) due South of Tahiti. Visual beauty to equal any tropical paradise is offered by an immense turquoise lagoon bordered by brilliant white sand beaches. Inside the necklace of coral reef that protects the lagoon are several motu islets, surrounded by superb snorkeling grounds. These warm and shallow lagoon waters provide an ideal nursery for colorful and delicious tropical fish, clams, sea urchins and lobsters. Two mountain ranges rise from the heart of the island, with Mt. Taita the highest peak at 422 meters (1,393 feet). A 24 km. (15 miles) dirt road circles the oval shaped island, connecting the quiet villages of Mataura, Taahuaia and Mahu, home to the island's 2049 inhabitants. An interior road winds through fertile plains and marshlands, where taro, potatoes and peaches grow along side coffee, corn and oranges. Wild ducks sit in pairs on the red dirt road and cows graze in green pastures. This sheltered harbor is located close to the former site where Fort George was established by Fletcher Christian and his mutineers from the "Bounty", when they tried to settle on Tubuai in 1789. The main village of Mataura has the administrative offices, town hall, gendarmerie, small hospital, post office, schools and churches. Chinese families operate the island' s stores and bake bread.