The allure of island getaways often conjures up images of far-flung tropical paradises, but sometimes, the ideal retreat is closer than you think. If you're considering a unique and relatively nearby holiday destination, look no further than Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. Both of these islands offer a slice of paradise with their own distinct flavours. However, choosing between the two can be quite the conundrum, especially if you're not familiar with what each has to offer.

Norfolk Island holidays provide a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a touch of solitude that’s perfect for travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With a variety of Norfolk Island holiday packages available, you can tailor your trip to include historical tours, outdoor adventures, or simply leisurely days soaking in the sun.

On the other hand, Lord Howe Island boasts a pristine environment that's a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, teeming with rare flora and fauna. While Norfolk Island tours offer a more historical lens, Lord Howe Island focuses on the richness of its natural habitat.

For those who are enticed by Norfolk Island, you'll find that Norfolk Island accommodation packages often include a range of options, from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious lodges. Similarly, Lord Howe Island has its own array of lodging choices, each with its unique appeal.

In this blog, we'll delve into a comparative analysis of Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island to help you make an informed decision for your next island escape. From activities and culture to natural beauty and accommodation, we'll break down what each destination has to offer. Your dream island holiday may be just a click away!

An Island Holiday Comparison

Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island are both popular holiday destinations for Australians looking for a quick island getaway. They both tick many of the boxes – short flight time, no passport, stunning scenery, fresh air and a laid-back vibe – making it difficult to pick which destination to explore first.

In this article, we’ve outlined some of the key differences between the two islands, providing a comparison to help you decide where to travel on your next Lord Howe Island or Norfolk Island holiday.

Getting Around:

Being a pristine world heritage site, Lord Howe Island is all about walking and pedal power. Bicycles are the preferred method of transport, and car hire options are quite limited. Norfolk Island on the other hand, has very hilly terrain and if you want to explore all corners of the Island, you’ll definitely need to consider car hire for your Norfolk Island travel needs.

Culture & History:

After being settled in 1788, Norfolk Island was used as a convict settlement until 1855, with a brief period of abandonment from 1814 to 1825. After Pitcairn Island became overpopulated, their population consisting of ancestors to the mutineers of HMS Bounty, relocated to Norfolk Island in 1856, shortly after the last convicts left the island. This rich history means that there are plenty of museums and historical sites to visit during your holiday on Norfolk Island.

Lord Howe Island was also discovered in 1788 and from the 1790s to the 1870s, it was a major whaling station for British and American whaling vessels, who populated the island with cattle. In the early 1830s, Lord Howe Island was settled and by this time, many of the native birds had been hunted to extinction. Tourism slowly became Lord Howe Island’s major industry, and by 1974, an airstrip was placed on the island, boosting travel to the island.

Beaches:

Of course, the part you want to know most about: What are the beaches like? Fortunately, Norfolk and Lord Howe both offer some of the most amazing, pristine waters in the world. Norfolk Island is perfect for those who want to explore and find their own way. There are hidden coves, beaches and troves of nature everywhere you turn, with beaches for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Among our favourites are Emily Bay and the secluded Anson Bay, both spectacular beaches suited to families and surfers, respectively.

Lord Howe Island also hosts a range of beautiful white sand beaches. We recommend Neds Beach for families and barbeques, as its calm waters host a beautiful array of different fish to feed, including Mullet, Kingfish, Emperor and Silver-Drummers. Blinky Beach is every surfer’s and kite-surfer’s dream and locals have dubbed the experience “Champagne Surf”. Or head to North Bay, a secluded beach accessible only by foot or water, where you can watch migratory seabirds and find dome amazing snorkelling exploring the wreck of the “Favourite”.

World Heritage Listing:

Norfolk Island plays host to the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area, a relic of Norfolk Island’s rich history as a penal colony, and also where the original settlers, mutineers from HMS Bounty lived after re-locating from Pitcairn Island in 1856. On this heritage site, there’s a plethora of leftover facilities from when convicts lived on the island, including the Norfolk Island Gaol.

The entirety of Lord Howe Island and its surrounding areas, including Balls Pyramid, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to this status, and in an attempt to maintain their rich array of flora and fauna, only 400 tourists are allowed on the island at any given time.

Local Industry:

Norfolk Island has a lot of small businesses on the island, and you’ll definitely want to bring back some of their amazing liqueurs, honeys and cheeses once you’ve tried them. We recommend a visit to the Sunday morning markets located near the visitor centre to discover all of Norfolk’s amazing produce.

Due to Lord Howe Island being a world heritage site, there’s not much that can be grown at a sustainable level. As such, while you’ll still be treated to amazing wining and dining everywhere you go, the majority of the food that you consume is actually flown in from New South Wales.

Getting There:

Norfolk Island is relatively easy to get to, with commercial jets departing Australia from the international terminal in Brisbane and Sydney. No passport is required when travelling direct from Australia, however, it is easier to be processed through customs if you do have one. Lord Howe Island is a domestic flight only but is a bit trickier to get to, and large parties should plan well in advance as flights are not as regular as those to Norfolk, and you’ll be flying in a small Dash-8 airplane. Similarly, Lord Howe Island has a maximum tourist population of 400 at any one time, so early bookings are essential.

Book Your Island Escape:

Check out our current deals for Norfolk Island packages and Lord Howe Island packages, inclusive of airfares and accommodation.

Give us a call on 1800 800 722 if you’ve got any questions about the Spacifica Travel’s Norfolk Island or Lord Howe island packages or want help deciding which one best suits your interests and requirements.