Lord Howe Island

Why Lord Howe Island is special
The remote, alluring and semi-tropical Lord Howe Island of Australia is heaven for nature lovers - and for vacationers seeking a reprieve from their hectic lives back home.

Lord Howe Island tips and insights
Imagine an unspoiled island ...
that has all of the following and you would be thinking of Lord Howe Island.

• Natural beauty
  It boasts a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon, golden sand beaches, and magnificent coral reefs.
  
• Striking landscapes
  They include twin misty volcanic peaks commanding one end of Lord Howe Island - and a natural forest that blankets most of this gem of Australia.
  
• Uncrowded
  There are only 350 residents and just 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any given time.
  
• Peace and tranquility
  The Lord Howe Island lifestyle is casual and uncomplicated - there are few cars and no traffic (bicycles and feet are the principal modes of transportation) - and there is purposely no cell phone reception.
  
• You don't have to rough it
  There are comfy small lodges, bungalows, and guest houses on Lord Howe Island.

Many activities await you including, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, hiking, golfing, bird watching, and glass-bottom boating.

From Sydney by air
This crescent-shaped Australian island is two hours by plane from Sydney.

Size
Lord Howe Island measures a little over 10 kilometers (6 miles) in length and 2 kilometers (1 mile) at its broadest point.

Caldera
It is the eroded caldera remnant of a 7-million-year-old volcano, which was 10 times as large as its current size.

Discovery
Lord Howe Island was discovered in 1798 and settled in 1834.

Preservation
A concerted effort of locals and admirers has helped preserve its precious natural environment.

Nearby jagged islet
The 562-meter (1844-foot) high craggy islet named Ball Pyramid is another remnant of the volcanic island group. This breathtaking spire juts up from the sea about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Lord Howe Island. Viewing the Ball Pyramid up close is a must. You can do this by plane or boat.
When to go
For the best weather, visit Lord Howe Island during the Southern Hemisphere summer (mid-December to mid-March).

Location in Australia