Lord Howe Island

Fast facts

• World Heritage-listed paradise – the perfect place to get away from it all
• A magical dot in the Tasman Sea, less than two hours’ flight from Sydney or Brisbane

Why go there

Lord Howe Island is music for the soul, a place to revitalise and de-stress.

At any one time, you’re one of only 400 visitors on Lord Howe, an island of unspoilt beauty where life is relaxed and unhurried. With bicycles the best way to get around and no mobile phone reception, there’s plenty of time to relax and attune yourself to the idyllic surroundings.

World Heritage listed for its remarkable geology and its rare collection of birds, plants and marine life, Lord Howe is surrounded by the world’s southernmost coral reef. Crystal clear waters teem with marine life and rare coral, protected as part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park.

Don’t miss

• Strolling through native Kentia palm and Banyan tree forests or over white-sand beaches.
• Cycling. Bicycles are the usual way of getting about – who’s in a hurry?
• Snorkelling over pristine coral reefs, right off the beach.
• Trekking up Mt Gower, a gruelling but rewarding eight-hour exercise described as one of the best one-day hikes in the world.
• Exploring the reef. At low tide, grab a pair of sandshoes and walk out on the rock platform to see the coral and fish in the rock pools at Middle beach or hand feed fish at Ned's Beach.
• Scuba diving. More than 50 sites – teeming with fish, colourful coral and green turtles – attract diving enthusiasts from around the world.