Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a crescent-shaped remnant of an ancient volcano in the Tasman Sea, about 600 kilometres east of Port Macquarie and 780 kilometres northeast of Sydney. It is only about 10 kilometres long and up to 2 kilometres wide, yet it holds rainforest, mountains, beaches and the world's southernmost coral reef. The Lord Howe Island Group is World Heritage listed.

Limited visitor numbers

To protect the island, tourist accommodation is capped, which keeps visitor numbers low. This makes Lord Howe feel uncrowded even in peak season, but it also means you must book accommodation and flights well ahead.

Getting there

Lord Howe is reached by air, with flights from mainland airports including Sydney and Brisbane, and seasonal services from other cities. Baggage limits on the small aircraft can be strict, so check before you pack. Most visitors book flights and accommodation together.

Getting around

The island is small and most people walk or cycle. Bikes can be hired, and there are limited cars. Many accommodation providers offer transfers from the airport.

The lagoon

A sheltered coral reef lagoon lines the west coast. It is ideal for snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, kayaking and swimming. Ned's Beach on the eastern side is known for fish that swim close to shore.

Walks

• Mount Gower: a challenging full-day climb to the 875 m summit, only with a licensed guide.
• Malabar Hill and Kim's Lookout: views over the island and the northern cliffs.
• The Goat House Cave and other walks: through palm forest to lookouts.

Check track conditions and walk with care: some tracks are steep and exposed.

Wildlife

Lord Howe is known for its seabirds, including providence petrels and noddies, and for the Lord Howe woodhen, a flightless bird that was brought back from the brink of extinction. The island's waters support coral, fish and turtles.

Ball's Pyramid

About 23 kilometres southeast of the island, Ball's Pyramid is a dramatic volcanic sea stack. Boat trips and scenic flights offer views, and diving and fishing trips go there when conditions allow.

Biosecurity

The island has strict biosecurity rules to protect its unique plants and animals from pests and diseases. Check what you can bring, clean your shoes and gear before travel, and follow local instructions.

When to go

The island is pleasant year-round. Summer is warm and popular, with warmer water for snorkelling. Winter is cooler and quieter, and some businesses close for part of the off-season. Seabird activity varies through the year.

History

The island was first sighted by Europeans in 1788 by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, commanding HMS Supply on a voyage between Botany Bay and Norfolk Island. Settlement began in the 1830s. Today fewer than 500 people live on the island.

Suggested stay

Most visitors stay five to seven nights, enough time to walk, snorkel, take a boat trip and relax.

Things to do on the water

Beyond snorkelling in the lagoon, you can join a glass-bottom boat trip, go diving at sites around the island and Ball's Pyramid, kayak or paddleboard across the lagoon, or try fishing with a licensed charter. Turtles are often seen in the lagoon. Conditions change with the weather and tides, so follow local advice and the instructions of operators.

Island life

With a small permanent population, Lord Howe has a relaxed pace. There are a handful of shops, cafes and restaurants, and many visitors enjoy the island's tradition of leaving bikes unlocked. Mobile coverage and internet are more limited than on the mainland, which many visitors see as part of the appeal.

Conservation

The island has been the focus of major conservation work, including programs to protect native birds and plants from introduced pests. These efforts are part of why biosecurity rules are so important for visitors. Supporting local guides and following the rules helps protect the island for future generations.

Planning your budget

Lord Howe is a premium destination, because of the cost of flights and limited accommodation. Booking well ahead, travelling outside peak periods and looking for package deals that combine flights and accommodation can help.

Before you go

Flight schedules, baggage limits and accommodation availability change seasonally. Confirm details with your airline and accommodation provider, read the island's biosecurity requirements, and check whether any walks or activities need advance booking, especially the guided Mount Gower climb.