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Lord Howe Island is one of Australia’s true hidden treasures, featuring rugged volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and a vibrant collection of plant, bird and marine life. From must-do activities to the best time of year to visit, this is our essential guide to everything you need to know for a memorable holiday in this beautiful, remote corner of Australia:
The Lord Howe Island Group is made up of 28 islands, islets and rocks in the Pacific Ocean, the largest of which is Lord Howe Island itself. Located around 700 kilometres east of the New South Wales coastline, a maximum of 400 visitors is permitted on the island at any time to protect and preserve this unique, UNESCO World Heritage site.
Measuring just ten kilometres long and two kilometres across at its widest point, Lord Howe features eleven beautiful beaches, a tranquil lagoon and a barrier coral reef, all of which are protected as part of a permanent park preserve. Much of the island is densely clad in untouched forest, with the airport and main settlement set on lower ground near the northern end. The southern half of the island is dominated by two massive peaks: reminders of the volcanic activity which created the island more than seven million years ago.
The island’s warm, sub-tropical climate means there really isn’t a bad time to visit. During the summer months of December to February, temperatures sit around the mid-20s, dropping to the low 20s in autumn and spring. If you plan to visit during the quieter, winter months (June to August), you can still expect to enjoy mild, settled weather.
It’s a two-hour flight from Sydney to Lord Howe Island, with Qantas Link operating daily flights year-round. There are also weekly direct services from Port Macquarie, Gold Coast or Newcastle with Eastern Air Services.
When you arrive on the island, you will transferred from the airport by your accommodation provider. There are some rental cars available for hire so you can explore the sights at your own pace, although many visitors prefer to hire a bike or explore on foot. You can go paddleboarding or kayaking on the tranquil waters of the lagoon, or take a guided tour of the island to experience favourite spots and remote highlights such as the Valley of the Shadows.
With a strict limit on visitor numbers, finding the right accommodation to suit your needs is the first step when planning your visit to Lord Howe. Your personal travel manager can help you find the right option to suit your holiday needs, from self-catering cottage stays to exclusive luxury lodges such as Capella Lodge.
Birdwatching: The island is one of Australia’s most renowned bird-watching destinations, and its forests, sea cliffs and beaches are home to a variety of unique species. Take a walk along the northern coastal walkway to reach Malabar Hill, where birds species like terns, petrels, shearwaters and red-tailed tropicbirds gather on the cliffs to nest in their thousands.
Hiking: There’s a wide selection of walks to choose from, crisscrossing the island’s interior and weaving along its sea cliffs and beaches. The trail to the summit of Mt Gower is one of the island’s most iconic treks: although only 4.5 kilometres each way, you should allow eight hours to complete the challenging climb.
Lagoon adventures: protected by the world’s southernmost coral barrier reef, the island’s lagoon is teeming with life. Take a glass bottom boat tour, a kayaking expedition or a snorkelling adventure and you may be lucky enough to spot stingrays, turtles and giant wrasse in the crystal-clear waters.
Beaches: there are eleven beautiful beaches to choose from, where you can enjoy a variety of activities from snorkelling and swimming to sunbathing on the pristine white sand. Popular spots include Blinky Beach, which is renowned for great surfing and body boarding) and Ned’s Beach, where you can hand feed the resident population of friendly fish.
Fishing: Lord Howe is considered one of the world’s great fishing destinations, with an abundance of game fishing species such as kingfish, tuna, wahoo and marlin to tempt anyone keen on fishing for a prize specimen.
Diving: take a day trip to the Admiralty Islands or the spectacular sea stack known as Ball’s Pyramid, where you can enjoy a variety of diving adventures ranging including coral walls, cave dives and drift dives.
Time: as part of the state of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island operates on the same time zone as Sydney during the daylight-saving months (AEST). During the winter months, the island is half an hour ahead of EST.
Money: the currency on Lord Howe Island is Australian dollars. Most retailers, including restaurants and accommodation, accept cash, eftpos and credit cards. Withdrawals and deposits for most banks can be made at the Post Office, and there is a 24-hour ATM located at the Lord Howe Island bowling club.
Keeping in touch: mobile service is not available on Lord Howe Island, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy an unplugged holiday. Wi-Fi is available (charges apply) at some accommodation providers and at the Lord Howe Island Museum.
The island uses the same 220V supply voltage and three-pin outlets as mainland Australia.
Lord Howe Island is one of Australia’s most unique, must visit places: a World Heritage listed island paradise of unique and endemic wildlife, pristine environments and spectacular landscapes. Talk to your personal travel manager about planning your idyllic island escape.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
