Lord Howe Island

Be captivated by an island paradise that boasts subtropical forests, sandy beaches and crystal clear water. World Heritage Listed, Lord Howe Island covers an area of 14.55 square kilometres and features coral reefs, lagoons, volcanic peaks, world-class hikes and much more. Go on a bespoke journey and uncover one of Australia's best-kept secrets.

Where should you visit on Lord Howe Island?

Welcome to Lord Howe Island

Be enchanted by an island paradise that was created over 7 million years ago by volcanic activities, 2000 metres below sea level. This spectacular place is World Heritage Listed due to its rare flora and fauna, seabird colonies and aquatic animals. Discover turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, unique wildlife, an array of hikes, and much more.

Located 600 kilometres east off the mainland from Port Macquarie and 779 kilometres northeast of Sydney. The best way to reach the island is by plane from Sydney Airport. The flight time from Sydney to Lord Howe Island is approximately two hours.

In 1788, Lord Howe was discovered by Henry Lidgbird Ball. He named this piece of paradise after Richard Howe, a famous British admiral. Approximately 300 people live on the island and the climate is subtropical. The best time to visit is between September and May. However, even during the winter months, you can experience warm sunny days!

Dining

Despite being a tiny island, Lord Howe offers a great assortment of dining options during your stay. For a modern Australian cuisine, sourced from local produce, go to Arajilla. Located in the Lord Howe Township, here you can enjoy an extensive list of Australian wines and delicious food while overlooking the bush. Capella Lodge offers a three-course dinner menu that focuses on showcasing the fresh and regional produce.

Things to do and see

Discover the island's hidden gems by bicycle, go snorkelling or relax at Blinky Beach. Swim, snorkel and hand-feed fish at Ned's Beach. The best time to do this is at low tide! Enjoy the views at Salmon Beach or for some of the best views of the southern part of the island, go to Malabar.

Conquer Lord Howe Island's highest mountain, Mount Gower with a guide! A challenging eight-hour hike, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views. Or if you prefer something less intense, take a leisurely one-hour walk to Transit Hill.

Go bird watching, paddle boarding, fishing or snorkelling. Dive and discover a hidden dive site, the iconic Ball’s Pyramid. If you prefer to take it easy, relax and indulge with a massage, beauty treatment, or enjoy a yoga session.

Flora and fauna

A nature lover's paradise, Lord Howe is bursting with rare and unique flora and fauna. In fact, 241 species of indigenous plants have been found living here. Erscott’s Hole is home to over 500 different species of fish and 90 species of coral. The 12-centimetre-long Lord Howe Island phasmid (stick insect) is one of the rarest insects in the world.

Are you a bird watcher?

Lord Howe is a premier location for bird watching. There are 14 species of sea birds breeding on the island and raising their chicks. And more than 130 permanent and migratory bird species. Between November to June, keep an eye out for Red-tailed Tropicbirds. Or the Lord Howe Island Woodhen which was saved from extinction by a local conservation effort.

How to get to Lord Howe Island?

The best way to reach the island is a direct flight from Sydney Airport which takes approximately two hours. If you have more time, you could sail by yacht to Lord Howe which would take approximately five days.

There are also flights departing from Brisbane and connecting services from most Australian capital cities. The airline, QantasLink offers year-round scheduled services to Lord Howe Island from Sydney. Eastern Air Services also operates from Port Macquarie. Your dedicated travel specialist will arrange all of your flights so all you have to do is enjoy!

Where to stay?

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located on Lord Howe Island and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.