Escape to Lord Howe Island – one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Renowned for its pristine natural beauty, Lord Howe Island boasts rugged volcanic peaks, verdant rainforest, uncrowded white-sand beaches and a choice of luxury accommodation options.
Located in the Tasman Sea just 500km off Australia's east coast, Lord Howe Island is less than a two hours flight from either Sydney or Brisbane and offers the perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
A UNESCO World Heritage listed site, Lord Howe Island is acclaimed for its rare bird and plant life and is one of Australia’s premier bird-watching destinations.
At around 1455ha, the crescent-shaped main island – the remnant of an eroded volcanic caldera – is around 11km-long and 2.8km at its widest point.
The volcanic peaks of Mt Gower (875m) and Mt Lidgbird (777m) dominate the southern end of the island, while to the north steep hills culminate in dramatic sea cliffs. Between lies a lowland region covered in tropical rainforest and fringed by 11 pristine white-sand beaches.
Choose from numerous and well-marked bushwalking trails that wind through Kentia palm and bayan forests to secluded beaches framed by soaring basalt cliffs.
Along the way, look out for some of the more than 130 species of permanent and migratory birds nesting on the island. Try to spot the flightless Lord Howe woodhen – one of the world’s rarest birds – then stroll up to the Malabar cliffs to watch red-tailed tropicbirds, flesh-footed shearwaters, masked boobies and the Kermadec petrel, among others.
For panoramic views over the island, spend the day hiking to the summit of 875m-high Mt Gower or explore the sheltered lagoon by kayak. The crystal clear waters of the lagoon also offer year round snorkelling and windsurfing above the world’s most southerly coral reef.
Or scuba dive alongside some of the 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral that inhabit the surrounding waters of Lord Howe Island. With more than 50 dive sites you’re spoilt for choice. Try the famous Balls Pyramid, located just 26km to the south of the island, to see a spectacular underwater topography of volcanic drop offs, trenches and caves.
Surfers may want to ride the beach breaks off Ned's Beach, Middle Beach and Blinky Beach on the north coast or try the waves outside the lagoon at Salmon Beach and Old Settlement Beach on the south coast.
Lord Howe offers several properties that cater to a range of budgets, but for that special occasion try Lord Howe's premier resort – the Arajilla Retreat, a luxury haven of tranquility and relaxation located just a short walk from Old Settlement Beach.
Arajilla (above photo) offers a choice of just 12 spacious and well-appointed suites nestled under a canopy of Kentia palms and towering Banyan trees. Be pampered with a soothing Ayurveda massage in the wellness spa and savour fine food and wine in the elegant restaurant.
Note: There is a limit of 400 visitors to Lord Howe Island at any one time.
Anytime! Lord Howe Island provides a mild, year-round climate. Summer temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F) degrees, while winter (July and August) temperatures average 19°C (66°F) with a low of 12°C (53°F).
Read more about climate: Lord Howe Island weather guide…
Lord Howe Island is a located in the Tasman Sea, around 600km (370mi) east of Port Macquarie and 780km (485mi) northeast of Sydney.
The most convenient route to Lord Howe Island, from overseas or interstate, is by air to either Brisbane Airport or Sydney Airport, followed by a connecting flight to Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH).
QantasLink – the regional air carrier of Australian airline Qantas – offers daily flights to Lord Howe Island from Sydney, and weekend flights from Brisbane.
Read more about how to get to Lord Howe Island…
Latest update: Lord Howe Island: 12 May, 2022
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