Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a subtropical island found 500 km off the coast of New South Wales. Lord Howe and the jagged pinnacle, Ball's Pyramid nearby, are remnants from a huge and ancient volcano. Crystal coral reefs, bordered with sandy beaches and crystal blue waters surrounded the island. Thriving rainforests, Kentia Palms, banyan trees, pandanus, and soaring forest-clad mountains cover about two-thirds of the island. In 1982 Lord Howe Island was World Heritage listed because of its rare flora and fauna and its extraordinary natural beauty.

The island was first sighted by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball on his way to Norfolk Island in 1788. First settlement on the island in the 19th Century supported itself as a supply point for ships in the whaling industry. As the whaling industry dropped off, the inhabitants searched for a new source of income. This resulted in cultivation of the native palm they used to thatch their houses, the Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana). Along with a successful tourism industry, Kentia Palm export has now made Lord Howe Island famous throughout the world.

The island is only 11km long and most facilities, accommodation, and restaurants are clustered around the small township. There are 17 accommodation choices ranging between 4.5 star to budget style apartments and cafes and restaurants for those dining out. You do need to pre-book accommodation before you go, as island visitor numbers are strictly monitored.

Along the self-guided, well-marked walks, the island has many points of interest along the way such as huge figs trees, the rare Lord Howe Island woodhen, a shipwreck, rock pools, a mutton-bird colony, shearwater nests, and fabulous scenic views. The most challenging of these walks is Mount Gower which must be done with a licensed guide through rainforests, cliff hugging tracks, and up rope-assisted steep inclines.

For attractions and sightseeing, visit Attractions Australia.