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Lord Howe Island Travel Tips
When to Visit
Lord Howe Island boasts a mild climate year round, with an average daily temperature of 19 degrees in winter and 25 in summer, although the seabreezes and evenings can often feel cooler. The most popular time for visitors is between September and May when the full range of activities are available, including incredible diving and snorkelling. Many businesses close during the months of June to August, so this is often a good time to find a winter bargain. For nature lovers looking at bird watching, hiking and photography, this is a year round paradise.
Language
English is the go-to here, with a charming Aussie lilt and laid-back island pace. There’s no distinct local language, but the friendly island banter and warmth make it feel like its own dialect of hospitality.
Time Zone
Lord Howe Island runs on a charmingly unique UTC+10:30 ! Yep, that extra half-hour matters!
During daylight savings, Lord Howe Island jumps to UTC+11, just a further half-hour again.
This unusual island time is just a short hop from Sydney, Gold Coast, Port Macquarie or Newcastle direct.
Lord Howe Island is a peaceful retreat where clocks take a back seat and nature leads the way.
Who needs round numbers, anyway?
Currency
As a part of Australia Lord Howe Island still uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). An ATM is available on the island, but there may be limited withdrawal amounts and higher fees due to the remote location. Credit cards are widely accepted.
As for general costs, Lord Howe Island is akin to mainland Australia prices, though slightly elevated due to the difficulty and cost in having goods transported to and stored on the island.
Travel Insurance
Domestic Travel Insurance is recommended when travelling to Lord Howe Island.
While medical services are available, and Lord Howe Island being part of Australia, it is recommended to cover items which are not covered for regular travel.
Domestic Travel Insurance may cover unexpected emergencies such as trip cancellations, loss or damage to luggage, and activities that most visitors partake in such as hiking, snorkelling, and diving.
For a quote or for any questions regarding Domestic Travel Insurance cover, make sure to speak to the Spacifica Travel team when booking your next holiday.
Electricity
No need for any adapters here—it’s all Aussie all the way with Type I sockets and 240V voltage. Just another reason this little island paradise is so easy to love.
How to get there
Direct flights to Lord Howe Island depart from Sydney, Port Macquarie, Gold Coast and Newcastle. All other cities fly via Sydney to Lord Howe Island.
Durations of flights vary from around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
It is advisable to book flights in advance, as availability is limited due to the restricted number of visitors allowed on the island each year and the small size of the aircraft.
Smaller planes mean reduced baggage allowance, so always check your ticket information!
Entry Requirements
Entry to Lord Howe Island is easy, being part of New South Wales, Australian citizens do not require a passport or visa to visit.
However, a government-issued form of identification, such as a driver's license, is necessary for travel.
Middle names are not required on hotel or flight bookings, but first and last names must match your ID. It's also essential to check any travel restrictions or entry requirements that may be in place due to environmental conservation efforts or special regulations for the island.