We’re a little bit obsessed with Lord Howe Island, given that it looks like the setting for Jurassic Park, and the fact that it has the world’s tallest sea stack in the neighbourhood. But arguably the greatest treasure to be found here lies beneath the waves, since Lord Howe Island Marine Park is home to the world’s southernmost coral reef, one which can be explored by divers and snorkellers lucky enough to visit the island.
Lord Howe Island Marine Park
In the crystal clear waters of the appropriately-named Lagoon Beach, you’ll also find the only fringing coral reef lagoon in NSW. Fringing reefs are more common on Australia’s west coast, as well as in the waters around the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Caribbean, so it’s a rarity to find one here.
We can thank the convergence of cool ocean waters and warmer currents from the north for that, as Lord Howe Island Marine Park creates an environment that allows tropical and temperate species of marine life to thrive. More than 500 species of fish and over 90 coral species find a haven in these waters, with many of them being unique to the area.
The marine park covers an area of around 460 square kilometres, and was established in 1999 to protect the carefully-calibrated ecosystem. A habitat protection zone extends all around Lord Howe Island and Ball’s Pyramid, whilst sanctuary zones extend out to sea from Lagoon Beach in the west, Ned’s Beach in the north, and from the wilder southwestern coast.
The beauty and uniqueness of the reefs and marine life helped Lord Howe Island Marine Park to become the first ever World Heritage Site in New South Wales, back in 1982. It’s since been joined by the Gondwana Rainforests and the Greater Blue Mountains Area, but as the most remote of the trio, it’s one of NSW’s true hidden gems.
How to explore the marine park
Access here is carefully controlled – only 400 visitors are allowed on Lord Howe Island at a time, for starters – and that extends to the waters. Recreational fishing is permitted from the shore or from boats, with anglers reeling in kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and more. Certain species, such as bluefish, have a limit on the number you can catch.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are the most popular ways to explore the waters, with Sylph’s Hole and North Bay being two of the most favoured sites. At Ned’s Bay, you can use diving gear from the ‘honesty box’ if you leave a donation. Experienced divers can strike out for the trenches and caves formed by the long-dormant shield volcano that created the island, and all in all there are around 50 dive sites to explore. Tour operators can help you organise your trip and find the best spots.
The best way to learn about the ecosystem of Lord Howe Island Marine Park might be a tour on a glass-bottomed boat. Led by local guides, you’ll be able to learn about the park’s marine life and the efforts to protect it. Elsewhere, the Lord Howe Island Museum holds regular talks about the island and the surrounding waters.
We’re pretty much sold on a visit as soon as we can organise the funds, how about you?