Situated 600 kms east of the central coast of NSW, this pristine, eco friendly destination is a must see.  Qantaslink provides direct scheduled flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie to Lord Howe Island.  A mere 11km long and 3km wide, this World Heritage Listed group of islands offer natural beauty, unique flora and fauna, and also proudly boasts the world’s most southerly coral reef.

What is World Heritage Listing?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (better known as UNESCO) essentially functions as an organisation seeking to build peace through international cooperation in Education, Sciences and Culture. That is only a brief overview of what this wonderful organisation does. UNESCO has identified a significant number of countries around the globe, and added them to the World Heritage List to ensure the preservation of natural and man made sites that contribute to the significant history and culture of that nation.  

How did Lord Howe Island make the list?

The Lord Howe Island Group provides an important breeding ground for nesting land and seabirds, and is home to a number of endemic species of flora and fauna, some rare and endangered. The surrounding Marine Park, along with the 75% of Park Reserves has contributed to Lord Howe Island being classed as a ‘national environmentally significant’ group of islands, and it was added to the World Heritage List in 1982. The local residents and governing bodies are committed to the maintenance, protection and conservation of the island.

What impact does the World Heritage Listing have on Tourism?

The number of visitors to the island at any one time are limited to ensure the ability to conserve the world heritage values and control the impact on the islands and the Marine Park.  Strict quarantine measures are in place, and it is important for tourists to adhere to the biosecurity requirements to protect the Island.  There are around 350 residents, and at its peak, the Island can accommodate up to 400 tourists.  On a yearly basis, up to 16,000 people will visit Lord Howe.

There is so much to see and experience on this beautiful island.  Local guides share their vast knowledge of the flora and fauna on guided bush walks and treks around the national parks. Non motorised water sports, scuba diving, fishing, golf, bicycling, swimming, golf and tennis are just some of the activities on offer. 

Exploring Lord Howe Island

Promoting eco tourism and sustainability, there are limited vehicles on the island so the opportunity to walk or cycle amongst pure, fresh sea air is an absolute pleasure.  There are a number of walking trails from all access tracks which are hard surface and wheelchair friendly, graded tracks with minimal steps though to marked routes which include steep gradients.  There are much more demanding and harder treks where it is recommended to hike with an experienced local guide up to Mt Eliza and Mt Gower, and the views are well worth the climb.  You will find boot scrub bays at many starting points to reduce the spread of weeds and diseases. 

Snorkelling provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the abundance of marine life.  Some of the more popular spots are Neds Beach, Sylphs Hole and the lagoon foreshore.  Explore on your own or join a guided snorkel tour.  There are accredited dive schools on the island with the opportunity to explore a number of diverse sites in the lagoon, around the Admiralty Islands and Balls Pyramid.  If you would rather stay above the water, you can witness the spectacular colour of reef fish and turtles from the glass bottom boat.

Bird watching enthusiasts will be delighted during breeding season with a plethora of landbirds and migratory seabird species. Join guided bird photography tours, lectures, guided walks and boat trips.

Lord Howe Island is on sale now for travel from October 2020.  There are a number of accommodation options including 3 and 4 star self contained studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments, a private beach house,  through to all inclusive 5 star luxury at the Capella Lodge and Arajilla Retreat. All packages include return economy airfares, airport meet and greet with return transfers, evening restaurant transfers and a complimentary Historical Movie presentation, along with a complimentary Lecture by Ian Hutton, photographer, naturalist and local tour guide. 

Spacifica Travel are travel consultants specialising in Lord Howe Island Holidays. Browse our latest Lord Howe Island Travel Deals or get in touch on 1800 800 722 to book.