6c94.jpg "Enjoying the outdoor bath at Sierra Escape - Mudgee")
059d.jpg "Arts & Culture")
064b.jpg "Adventure & Sport")
63a5.jpg "Beach Lifestyle")
d855.jpg "Family Holidays")
Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge. Credit: Julian Kingema
Lord Howe Island
Paradise found
Imagine a tiny outcrop in the Pacific Ocean, covered in lush greenery, surrounded by aquamarine waters home to an untouched coral reef teeming with marine life, where only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time. It’s little wonder National Geographic named Lord Howe Island one of the world’s best destinations. There are few better places in the world to drop in – and tune out.
Highlights
Snorkelling, diving and reef tours
Surrounded by a pristine UNESCO World Heritage marine park, with more than 450 fish species and 90 coral species – many of which only occur here – Lord Howe Island is an underwater paradise. The lagoon is protected by the world’s most southerly coral reef – a fantastic spot for snorkellers and beginner divers. You might spot green and hawksbill turtles, blue knifefish, three-banded coralfish and doubleheader wrasse amongst a multitude of other brightly coloured fish.
You can hire snorkelling and diving gear to explore on your own, or join a guided tour. Sail the lagoon a glass-bottom boat with Marine Adventures, try night snorkelling with Lord Howe Environmental Tours, or explore the reef on an aqua scooter with Reef N Beyond. You can also hand-feed fish at Ned’s Beach Special Purpose Zone, which is protected by a no-take area.
Snorkelling on Lord Howe Island
The Lord Howe Island Marine Park is one of the best diving spots in the world, with more than 60 dive sites and many that remain undiscovered. The underwater world around Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack, is home to a unique coral community with giant fan corals, as well as rare Spanish dancers and the rare and protected Ballina angelfish.
Experienced divers can head outside of the reef with Dive Lord Howe Hire Centre. Other great dive spots include Admiralty Islands, Comet's Hole, Tenth of June and Rupert's Reef.
Tropical sea life and reefs off Lord Howe Island
Water sports
The uncrowded waves at Blinky Beach are excellent for surfing, and the calm shallows of North Bay and Old Settlement Beach are superb for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tom Archer
Hiking and day walks
You’ll need a guide for the challenging day trek to Mount Gower on the island’s southern end. There are gentle walks too, such as Valley of the Shadows amid groves of Banyan trees and Kentia palms. You can also spot red-tailed tropicbirds perform their spectacular airborne courting displays on the Malabar Hill walk.
Mount Gower, part of the Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island
Fishing
Catch garfish from the shore or join a fishing tour and head outside the reef to catch wahoo, kingfish, trevally and yellowfin tuna. Commercial fishing is not allowed within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, so you'll find an abundance of fish. Be sure to check the regulations before you head out as there are sanctuary zones in the marine park and limits apply to certain species.
Lord Howe Island Wharf, Lord Howe Island
Getting there
Lord Howe Island is 700km northeast of Sydney. QantasLink offers regular flights from Sydney. Regular flights from Port Macquarie and Newcastle are also available through Eastern Tour Services with Eastern Air Services.
