A place where you can totally disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural experience, some call it the "Hawaii of Australia". If this is something that appeals to you, find below some helpful information about the island.

Getting There

You don’t need your passport, it’s in New South Wales! Getting there is easy, with direct flights from either Brisbane or Sydney with Qantaslink or from Port Macquarie, Newcastle or Gold Coast with Eastern Air Services. Tip: Be sure to get a window seat to take in the vast blues below as you fly over the ocean.

Getting Around

With Lord Howe Island being only 11km long and 2.8km across, getting around is very easy. The main methods of transport are walking or cycling – bicycles and helmets are readily available for hire. There are a limited number of vehicles for hire (maximum speed limit of 25km/h).

Facts about the Island

• The population of Lord Howe is around 400 people and they also cap the number of tourists to only 400 at any one time to preserve the Island’s precious natural environment. You have to have accommodation booked before you travel to Lord Howe.

• The water temperature remains between 18 and 26 degrees due to the warm ocean currents which flow through the area. As there are no rivers that flow into the ocean and the island is so far offshore it has some of the clearest waters surrounding it.
• The Best time to scuba dive on the island is from September to June, where visibility is usually around 30 metres. There are over 60 spectacular coral reef dive sites to explore, all within a short 10-20 minute boat ride.
• View the world’s tallest ocean rock stack of Ball’s Pyramid.
• Lord Howe Island was World Heritage Listed in 1982 due to the island being virtually untouched forest with many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.
• The film “The Shallows” was largely filmed on the Island in 2015/16.
• There is no mobile phone coverage on the island and the internet is very limited. You can connect to the "Public Internet" and purchase GB.
• Lord Howe Island Museum, which opened in 2002, has a range of innovative displays on the island’s World Heritage environment, community, and history, going back to 1788 when the Island was discovered by HMS Supply of the First Fleet, and covering 166 years of continuous settlement since 1834. Tip: The Lord Howe Island Museum offers Wi-Fi on its premises.
• Being 75% protected national park, the island is said to be one of the cleanest places on earth.
• 47% of its indigenous plants and 60% of its insects are found nowhere else in the world. In it's marine park new species are frequently discovered.

Places to discover

Mount Gower – due to the sheer cliff faces and ropes required to complete the hike. Mount Gower can only be done with a Guide, it's not for the faint-hearted as its an eight-hour return trek. Not for the faint-hearted, this day walk has undoubtedly one of the best views on the island when you reach the summit.

Goat House Cave – is a sizeable overhanging cave that provides stunning views back over Lord Howe Island. This 4km hike takes about 4 hours to complete.

Kim’s Lookout to Malabar Hill – one of the best viewpoints to capture Mt Gower in the frame. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Ned’s Beach – you can get up close and feed the fish in the clear calm aqua water. Tip The best time to do this is at low tide. Bring a few dollars for the fish food from the honesty box.

Blinky Beach – the most popular place on the island to catch a break.  If you are up early a great place for a sunrise photo as well

The Lagoon – perfect conditions for paddle boarding! This is the most central point on the island, nearby to shops and cafes, as well as where most tours depart from.

This list of places to discover only highlights some of things on offer on this beautiful island. If you would like more information or would like to discuss package options, please get in touch with our team of specialist travel consultants on 1800 800 722.