Australian islands are stunningly diverse but only a few can compare to the incredible Lord Howe Island — an iconic destination that frequently surfaces among the country’s must-visit spots. Lord Howe is by no means a hidden gem, yet it remains somewhat elusive even to locals, with only 400 visitors allowed access at any given time. Tucked protectively between towering mountains and subtropical forests, the island offers an affordable alternative to Hawaii with the same aquamarine waters, excellent walking trails, an abundance of luxury accommodation, underwater activities, and stunning landscapes to boot. No combination of adjectives can oversell its World Heritage-listed surroundings so without further ado, here’s what you need to include in your Lord Howe Island itinerary if you’re planning a trip.
Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe is synonymous with natural beauty, seclusion, and luxury and those who have visited will attest to its countless charms. At 11 km long and 2.8 km wide, it’s a tiny dot in the Tasman Sea but offers unlimited adventure with world-famous natural wonders, waterfalls, local eateries, and beautiful sandy beaches. A remnant of an extinct volcano and about 75% protected park preserve, the island is also home to many endemic species and unique places that make for must-visit attractions. Here are some of the best things to do on a trip to this local escape that rivals the beauty of Hawaii.
1. Tackle the spectacular Mount Gower hike
The first thing that catches your eye as you fly into Lord Howe Island is Mount Gower, the island’s highest mountain which stands tall at 875-metres with a distinctly Jurassic appearance. Hiking it is a bucket list experience for many but it’s not for the faint of heart. Regarded as one of Australia’s finest walks, the challenging 8-hour return trek is a serious walk for serious hikers that comes with several rope-assisted climbs and steep drops but you will be rewarded with postcard-worthy views of the island and beyond. If you’re interested in undertaking this challenging route, make sure you go prepared as a certain level of fitness is required to trek this 14km route.
Easier walks include the moderate Mt Eliza walk, the easy Old Gulch walk which is just 0.3km one way, and the 3km return Malabar walk which commences at Neds Beach with lovely views along the way.
2. Snorkel the world’s southernmost coral reef
There are plenty of reasons to visit Lord Howe, but for water lovers, the island’s extraordinary coral reef is reason enough. The world’s southernmost coral reef can be found at the Lord Howe Island Marine Park and divers are welcome to explore its many wonders up close. With over 90 species of coral and 500 tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate fish species, there is plenty to discover in this vibrant underwater playground. Thanks to the island’s striking gin-clear waters, swimmers, kayakers, and those on boats can also easily see what’s beneath the waves. It’s often regarded as one of the world’s most pristine reefs and largely unspoiled thanks to its remote location. Read more about it here.
3. Check out Ball’s Pyramid
One of the most impressive natural wonders of Lord Howe Island is Ball’s Pyramid, the tallest sea stack in the world. The 7 million-year-old erosional remnant of a shield volcano rises dramatically out of the southwest Pacific Ocean making for a spectacular sight. While it is visible from various viewpoints around the island, it’s highly recommended to take a charter boat trip for the rare chance to experience its grandeur up close. Interestingly, Ball’s Pyramid is also home to the Lord Howe Island stick, a huge and prehistoric insect that was believed to be extinct for over a century until it was rediscovered here. Read more about this fascinating monolith here.
4. Explore the beaches
With crystal clear blue waters and fabulous views, the picturesque beaches are among the main drawcards of the island. Lord Howe Island has 11 beautiful beaches and many hidden coves, inlets, and bays that you can often get all to yourself. Head to Ned’s Beach to see a magnificent diversity of coral, fish, and marine life close to shore in its sublime clear waters, the popular Blinky Beach for incredible surfing and soft white sands, North Bay for excellent snorkelling or the crescent-shaped, Old Settlement Beach which offers plenty of relaxation opportunities and lovely mountain views. Find more beaches at Lord Howe here.
5. Book a dream stay on the island
Lord Howe Island’s brilliant luxury accommodation options lure travellers from far and wide looking to kick back and relax. Guests can choose from luxury lodges, self-contained apartments, and cosy guesthouses.
Arajilla Retreat is nestled in a forested area at the island’s tranquil northern end, just a stone’s throw from Old Settlement Beach, and is the island’s premier spot for doing some downward dogs. The acclaimed Pinetrees Lodge, which has been voted Australia’s top hotel by Tripadvisor three times in the past, offers ultimate indulgence with a side of stunning views while Capella Lodge boasts panoramic ocean and mountain views with the island’s best natural landscapes on your doorstep. Find more accommodation options here.
6. Dine at the fabulous cafes and restaurants
For a destination that doesn’t do things by halves, it’s no surprise that dining at Lord Howe is just as impressive. Seafood is naturally the star of the show here with some standout cafes and restaurants including Anchorage Restaurant for divine modern Australian cuisine, the charming Coral Cafe at the Lord Howe Island Museum and Visitor Centre which serves hearty breakfast and lunch, alongside elegant dinner options a few nights a week, Arajilla Restaurant for some upscale fine dining featuring locally sourced premium ingredients, and the Golfy Bar and Restaurant at the Lord Howe Island Golf Club where you can also enjoy stunning sunset views over the lagoon and Mount Gower.
What is the best time to visit Lord Howe Island?
While there’s no bad time to visit Lord Howe, some months are more favourable than others. September to May are popular thanks to the warm and pleasant weather and opportunities for ocean activities but the winter months also offer ample sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Keep in mind that the island has a limited capacity of 400 beds at a time so it’s essential to book your trip well in advance. Read more about Lord Howe Island here.
Getting there
Unless you have your own boat, the only way to reach Lord Howe Island is by air. Regular flights from Sydney are available and take only about two hours. You can also find plenty of flight services from Port Macquarie and Newcastle.