WHAT TO SEE & DO, WHEN TO VISIT, HOW TO TRAVEL, WHERE TO STAY
Just a two-hour flight from Sydney and a million miles from the cares of the rest of the world, World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is one of the world’s true hidden gems.
With beautiful beaches, technicolour coral reefs, lush rainforests, a tranquil lagoon and towering peaks, this tiny island in the Pacific delights luxury travellers at every turn.
WHAT MAKES LORD HOWE ISLAND SO UNIQUE & SPECIAL?
Lord Howe Island provides easy access to the world’s southernmost coral reefs – delighting snorkellers and divers with an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
More than 70% of the island is a permanent protected park reserve, and the surrounding ocean is also protected as a Marine Park.
Recognising its exceptional natural diversity (from the landscapes and vegetation, to its abundance of marine and birdlife – including endemic species such as the ord Howe Woodhen), Lord Howe Island was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Listed more than 40 years ago. The pristine landscapes are preserved by capped visitor numbers; there are hardly any cars and no mobile phone coverage; life generally moves at a much more relaxed pace on Lord Howe Island, inviting visitors to really slow down and recharge in the most spectacular of surrounds
WHAT TO DO? WHO WILL LOVE LORD HOWE ISLAND?
Lord Howe Island may only be 11km long and 2.8km wide at its widest part, but the tiny island packs a lot in.
HONEYMOONNERS
A gourmet picnic for two in picturesque Lover’s Bay, a romantic sunset from Malabar Hill (don’t forget to pack a torch for the return walk), or a quiet afternoon in your private plunge pool at Capella Lodge make for a perfect luxury honeymoon vacation on Lors Howe Island. Elopements and intimate weddings can also be arranged on the island with a little advance planning.
FAMILIES
The pristine environment, safe swimming lagoon and very few cars make Lord Howe Island a very safe destination for families of all ages. The variety of activities available on the island are guaranteed to keep all the generations equally entertained. Serviced private villa accommodation like Island House caters perfectly for carefree memory-making vacations for families of all sizes.
NATURE LOVERS
See turtles swimming in Settlement Bay, hand feed the fish (garfish, spangled emperor and yellow-tail kingfish) at Ned’s Beach and wander with endemic Woodhens in the native Kentia Palm forests along the Little Island Walk.
HIKERS
Lord Howe Island is traversed by an almost endless count of scenic walking trails, from meandering short scenic walks to the most challenging of guided hikes (including an 8-hour climb to the summit of Mt Gower or a self-guided walk to Goat House Cave on Mt Lidgbird).
WELLNESS SEEKERS
Lord Howe Island provides the space and pace to really stop and breathe. Enjoy early morning swims in the lagoon, walking in the lush forests of Kentia palms and Banyan trees, a soothing massage and outdoor yoga classes.
SCUBA DIVERS
See a diverse abundance of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fish species as you dive the island’s reefs, underwater caves and drop-offs with more than 60 world-class dive sites just a short boat ride from the shore. Dive charters and equipment can be arranged. Snorkellers are equally-well rewarded in Lord Howe, and those who prefer not to get wet can enjoy a glass bottom boat cruise.
BIRDWATCHERS
Offering some of the best birdwatching in Australia, more than 200 species of birdlife have been sighted on the island, including Shearwaters (mutton birds), masked Boobies, Providence Petrel, a wide range of migratory and resident seabirds as well as the endemic, flightless Lord Howe Woodhen.
ANGLERS
Surrounded by marine park and with no commercial fishery, keen anglers will enjoy an abundance of fish-life and the opportunity to chase Lord Howe Kingfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Wahoo; Black, Blue and Striped Marlin and more with guided local fishing charters. Limits apply to some species, and a catch-and-release policy is encouraged.
FOODIES
Enjoy an abundance of fresh seafood (join the locals at Benny’s Fish Truck for fresh-caught seafood treats) or woodfired pizzas at the local brewery (topped with ingredients grown next door). Beach BBQs are a ‘thing’, as are picturesque picnics. Sample local gin’s flavoured with wild lemons first planted by the early settlers to help sustain them between passing ships; and enjoy the talents of local chefs who embrace the ‘catch of the day’ and fresh island-grown produce.
AND STILL SO MUCH MORE ..
Surfing, kayaking, stand-up-paddle boarding and golf are just some of the many more activities available on Lord Howe Island.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LORD HOWE ISLAND
A wonderful year-round destination, each new season brings different highlights for luxury travellers to Lord Howe Island.
SPRING – September, October, November
A spectacular time of year to enjoy warm sunny days and clear visibility for snorkelling and diving; whilst still not being too hot to enjoy some of Lord Howe Island’s more challenging hikes. Spring is also a great time of year for birdwatchers.
SUMMER – December, January, February
A fabulous time to visit Lord Howe Island to enjoy the best of beaches and an idyllic sub-tropical alternative to the Great Barrier Reef islands at this time of year. The island offers fabulous opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing and more.
AUTUMN / FALL – March, April, May
With fewer visitors than in the peak summer months, Autumn serves up some great reasons to visit – the warm sub-tropical days still perfect for enjoying all the island has to offer and birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to see the Providence Petrel’s spectacular courtship displays.
WINTER– June, July, August
Whilst traditionally the quietest part of the year for visitors to the island, Lord Howe Island’s mild winters are a great time enjoy the island’s more challenging spectacular hikes.
Check with our Travel Design team as some properties, restaurants and operators may use these quieter months to close for a short refresh and maintenance.
BEST PLACES TO STAY ON LORD HOWE ISLAND
From a honeymoon-perfect luxury lodge to serviced private villas perfect for the whole family, our Travel Designers can match you with your perfect place on Lord Howe Island – ausdesign@southern-crossings.com
HOW TO GET TO LORD HOWE ISLAND
Lord Howe Island is a 2 hour flight from Sydney with scheduled services operating daily – alternatively ask our Travel Designers about private charter flight options.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO LORD HOWE ISLAND
Lord Howe Island has a resident population of just under 400 people, and visitor numbers are also capped at 400 people at any time of year ensuring that you can always enjoy an uncrowded and unhurried island experience.
There are no snakes or poisonous spiders, and the tranquil lagoon provides a perfect family-friendly spot to swim.
Walking and cycling are the main modes of transport on the island. There is no public transport, no traffic lights and only very limited rental cars (along with a speed limit of 25km/h). Accommodation providers can provide a warm welcome and airport transfers.
Scheduled flights to Lord Howe Island have an allowance of 7kg carry-on and a maximum of 14kg checked luggage per person to be guaranteed to accompany you on your flight. Excess luggage may need to be transported on the next available flight.
There is no mobile phone reception on the island. The accommodation we recommend includes internet access.
Due to the remote nature of the island, visitors should advise their accommodation of any special dietary requirements well in advance and carry with them enough of any required medications for the duration of their stay.
Header image: Lord Howe Island CREDIT tom-archer.com
