Lord Howe Island
Fast facts
- An isolated yet accessible World Heritage-listed destination – the perfect place to get away from it all.
- A magical island in the Tasman Sea, less than two hours’ flight from Sydney or Brisbane.
Why go there
Lord Howe Island is a place to revitalise, de-stress and calm the soul. It’s one of just four island groups in the world possessing World Heritage status, a tribute to its “remarkable volcanic geology, its exceptional range of ecosystems, its rare collection of plants, birds and marine life… and last, though by no means least, its exceptional natural beauty.”
Surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef, Lord Howe is Australia’s top birdwatching spot. Look for red-tailed tropic-birds somersaulting backwards during their courting ritual. The island is home to 130 permanent and migratory bird species, while more than 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral thrive in its crystal-clear waters.
Views from Lord Howe’s Mt Gower are sensational and walks on the island are a delight. Lord Howe’s iconic Ball’s Pyramid is the largest monolithic sea rock in the world – while at the southern end of the island, majestic twin peaks, Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower, tower 875 metres high. For true bliss, book a massage and spa treatment after your day’s walk.
Don’t miss
- Exploring the Valley of the Shadows on the east coast, filled with 40-metre high forests of Kentia palms and towering banyan trees.
- Kayaking around The Lagoon.
- Walking From Malabar Hill along the cliff edge down to Kim’s Lookout, about a kilometre to the west, for fabulous views across The Lagoon to the southern tip of the island.
- Enjoying a spa treatment and excellent dining options – from sushi to focaccia – while staying in luxury accommodation.
- Snorkelling off the beach – hosts of moon wrasse swim right up to you in The Lagoon.
- Birdwatching. The rare Lord Howe Island Woodhen is just one species to look for. Lord Howe Island has 18 species of land bird and serves as a breeding ground for 14 species of seabird.
