Lord Howe Island New South Wales

The Lagoon, Lord Howe Island, NSW. Photo credit: Don Fuchs; Destination NSW

Lord Howe Island New South Wales

There are plants and animals on Lord Howe Island to be found nowhere else on earth. 80% untouched forest, with an offshore marine park equally as unique and biodiverse, this is an island devoted to nature.

Whether walking the shoreline or diving in Lord Howe Island’s waters – it’s worth exploring.

Only 400 tourists are allowed here at any one time. Together with residents, that means a maximum population of 800.

There’s one road, no camping (except with permission of the island Board) and only planes with 36 seats or fewer are permitted to land. It is the southernmost reef on earth.

Things to do on Lord Howe Island

Get out to sea
Lord Howe Island diving is like having your own personal ocean. Swim, snorkel, surf, and scuba dive amid 500 different species of fish and 90 different corals. The South Pacific Ocean which surrounds Lord Howe is said to be the cleanest in the world – and getting amongst it all is a delight. You’ll find equipment hire shops around the island.

Beaches
There are 11 beaches to explore. Neds Beach was voted Australia’s cleanest in 2004, and is a good spot to hand-feed fish. Take some bread and expect to see metre-long Kingfish, Silver Drummer and Wrasse.
Add some adventure to your beach exploration – hire a kayak.

Fishing
Lord Howe Island is renowned for its fishing and deep-sea fishing tours. You’ll be able to catch the likes of yellowfin tuna and kingfish on the latter.

Glass-bottomed boat tours
Dive Lord Howe Island’s waters and never get your feet wet. Learn about the reef, its ecosystem and the species that call it home from the spectacular vantage point of a glass-bottomed boat. There are plenty of other boat tours round Lord Howe Island too.

Yachting
If you’re around in October, watch the Gosford to Lord Howe Island yacht race. More than 20 yachts take part in this annual event.

Learn about the island – and protect it
The Lord Howe Island Museum gives a good history of the island and the daily life of its residents. If you fancy your learning a bit more hands on, book onto a regeneration tour. You’ll learn about the island’s complex ecosystem while helping to protect the island by clearing litter and weeds.

Walks
There are some fabulous walks on Lord Howe. They’re clearly marked and range from a leisurely stroll to a challenging 875 metre climb up Mount Gower – rated as one of the best day-trekking adventures in the world.

Bird watching
Lord Howe is regarded as Australia’s finest destination for bird watching, with a resident population supplemented by various migratory species all year round.

Golf
There is a golf course on Lord Howe, as well as facilities for bowls, tennis, and spa treatments.

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Gardeners' World

Lord Howe Island is a volcanic dot (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the Tasman Sea. Discovered in 1788, it was inhabited by islanders whose livelihood came from supporting the whaling fleets that were common in the area until the 1880s.

As the whaling industry died, the islanders discovered that the world’s gardeners had fallen in love with the decorative kentia palms with which they had been thatching their homes for years.

Exporting kentia seeds became the island’s major industry. Aside from tourism, it still is.