LORD HOWE ISLAND
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Lord Howe Island Dive into crystal clear waters, interact with rare marine life, hike countless nature trails, and bask beneath clear skies on Lord Howe Island – Australia’s timeless paradise WRITER: LILY SAWYER | PROJECT MANAGER: DEANE ANDERTON
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A T I NY, CRESCENT-SHAPE D volcanic remnant off the eastern coast of mainland Australia in the Tasman Sea, Lord Howe Island (Lord Howe) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protected for its biodiversity and renowned for its rare natural beauty. A highly coveted island with only 400 tourists permitted at any one time, visitors feel privileged to experience its secluded coves abundant with marine life and breathtaking landscapes peppered with endemic flora and fauna. In the warmer months between November and March, the warm embrace of a deliciously temperate subtropical climate can be felt as you sink into golden sands and bathe beneath the sun’s gentle rays on palm-fringed beaches. Blue tides lazily lap the shores and the balmy summer breeze flutters, whispering its silent song as peaceful birds dip, dive, and weave above. Perhaps the sooty tern or redtailed tropicbird will make an appearance – seabirds which flock to the island in their thousands at this time of year. Ned’s Beach, in particular, is an ideal snorkelling spot where mullet, wrasses, garfish, silver drummers, spangled emperors, and kingfish abound, and it’s possible to handfeed the friendly schools.
Blinky Beach, meanwhile, is best suited to those looking to catch the perfect wave or craving an untethered swim out into seemingly endless turquoise waters that extend far beyond the shore. Dramatic cliffs and lush forests cover much of the island and several majestic peaks protrude skywards, including the tallest, Mount Gower, which tempts adventure seekers to take a guided walk to its summit with unparalleled 360-degree views – an ideal activity to undertake during the island’s cooler Autumn and Spring months. The eight-to-nine-hour hike takes the best part of a day but rewards those who dare journey to the peak with views of the sparkling ocean as the sun sets and Ball’s Pyramid – the world’s tallest volcanic sea stack – adorned with warm, golden light. Alternatively, for those that prefer to explore what the island has to offer protected from the elements, the Lord Howe Island Museum offers a fascinating insight into its history, and Chase ‘n’ Thyme offers guided bus tours of the island, whilst there are bars, restaurants, and eateries offering the freshest ingredients paired with coveted views of dramatic landscapes.
Credit: Evan Fawell
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Industry Insights
Lord Howe Island Tourism Association As Lord Howe becomes increasingly sought-after by travellers and nature enthusiasts alike, the Lord Howe Island Tourism Association continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding the island’s biodiversity and delicate ecosystem. The association outlines how the tourist experience has evolved on the island and the enduring qualities that make it a truly timeless destination. Credit: Rachel Bigsby
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Credit: Evan Fawell
Credit: Chelsea Scott
Credit: Evan Fawell
Outlook Travel (OT): Lord Howe has been welcoming visitors since the turn of the 20th century, first by ship, then by flying boat. How has tourism evolved on the island since then? Lord Howe Island Tourism Association (LHITA): One of Lord Howe’s most captivating characteristics is its timelessness. In many ways, everything is as it always was – extraordinary natural treasures, laid-back rhythms, and some of the world’s most unique experiences. Parts of the visitor experience have evolved, though. These days, we’re pleased to welcome guests by a quick flight – less than two hours from Sydney, for one! As residents, many of us have also been lucky enough to see Lord Howe’s natural environment become even more remarkable as a result of ongoing community conservation initiatives. The success of the 2019 Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project (LHI REP), for example, has resulted in an incredible resurgence of local flora, fauna, and endemic seabird
populations – there has never been a better time to come and see paradise for yourself. OT: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what does ecotourism look like on Lord Howe? LHITA: The island’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 recognised so much of what makes Lord Howe special – an ecosystem developed from submarine volcanic activity, the world’s tallest sea stack and southernmost coral reef, a diverse array of habitat types, an important breeding ground for seabird colonies, and being home to a variety of unique and endemic plant and animal species. For us, ecotourism is about protecting all of that for future generations whilst inviting visitors to engage with and enjoy it. By welcoming no more than 400 visitors to the island at any one time since 1986, we’re arguably one of the first destinations globally to recognise the risks of overtourism and take real steps to mitigate them. We’ve resolutely maintained the
visitor cap, both to maximise the benefits of tourism to local operators and safeguard the island’s natural assets. Perhaps the most important element of our approach to ecotourism is an invitation to every visitor to become a part of the conservation story by thoughtfully immersing themselves in the island’s natural environment – reconnecting with themselves, their travel companions, and the world around them. OT: What measures have been taken to formalise or quantify the island’s ecotourism considerations? LHITA: Lord Howe has greatly enhanced its ecotourism credentials over the last decade. On top of the existing Lord Howe Island Marine Park covering all island waters and Lord Howe Island Permanent Park Preserve – equivalent to a national park covering about 70 percent of the island – the destination also opened its own waste recycling centre in 2000. Outlook Travel Issue 26 | 5
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Credit: Chelsea Scott
In 2020, a solar farm was also established to provide approximately 70 percent of the island’s reticulated energy. As a result, Lord Howe was named the world’s fifth-most sustainable tourist destination in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 and, four years later, the island was declared totally free of destructive rodents after the AUD$10+ million LHI REP was complete. These credentials are an important measure of the island’s commitment to sustainable tourism but, ultimately, the visitor experience speaks for itself. The care taken to protect Lord Howe’s natural environment is evident everywhere you look – in the landscapes, lifestyle, and way visitors are invited to engage with the island. 6 | Outlook Travel Issue 26
“ We ’ v e r e s o l u t e l y maintained the visitor cap, both to maximise the benefits of tourism to local operators and safeguard the island’s natural assets” – LO R D H OW E I S L A N D TO U R I S M A S S O C I AT I O N
OT: Research indicates environmental and sustainability considerations are increasingly important to tourists. How have you
seen this reflected in your visitor market? LHITA: We’re really pleased travellers are increasingly seeking unique, authentic, and environmentally responsible experiences – it’s what Lord Howe has always naturally done best. Perhaps one of the more tangible reflections of this increased interest in travel experiences that offer genuine and responsible interaction with the natural environment is the success of the Lord Howe Island Dark Sky Festival. Initially launched in 2025 to drive ecotourism in the island’s shoulder season, the festival has seen annual visitation growth and is now gearing up for its third iteration in 2027, offering a diverse range of science,
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dining, and nighttime experiences that celebrate Lord Howe’s spectacular nocturnal environment and our community’s commitment to preserving our dark skies. OT: With such incredible access to the ocean, what sort of culinary experience can visitors expect on Lord Howe? LHITA: The remarkable thing about being on the island is how connected you are to the weather and elements – everything runs on the ocean’s timetable. When conditions allow our fishing charters to head out with guests and find the schools, the whole island prospers with the catch. Superb kingfish and trevally, along with endemics like the bluefish and
seasonal visitors such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna all make for exceptional eating. What makes Lord Howe’s culinary scene distinctive is every eatery is in tune with that rhythm. When the seafood is in season, it goes on the plate almost straight off the boat. When it isn’t, the kitchens turn to showcasing other ingredients with just as much care – it’s as honest and seasonal as dining gets.
Credit: Evan Fawell
OT: Finally, what key activities and experiences can visitors to Lord Howe enjoy? LHITA: For an island that’s just 11 kilometres (km) long, there’s a hugely diverse range of activities and experiences to enjoy on Lord Howe.
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On land, you can take a guided hike to the iconic peak of Mount Gower with Lord Howe Environmental Tours or Sea to Summit Expeditions and discover the island’s flora, fauna, and history on a nature walk with naturalist Ian Hutton at Lord Howe Island Nature Tours or from the comfort of a bus tour with Chase ‘n’ Thyme Tours. For self-led explorations, hire a bike from Wilson’s Hire and visit Lord Howe Island Distilling Co. and Lord Howe Island Perfumery Co. for local treasures, and make sure to leave space for a session of mindful 8 | Outlook Travel Issue 26
restoration with Lord Howe Yoga. On and under the water, take Lord Howe Environmental Tours’ glassbottom boat and Marine Adventures’ turtle tour or head out to the world’s tallest sea stack with Reef N Beyond Eco Tours’ Ball’s Pyramid expedition. For a wilder adventure, go deep with Dive Lord Howe or reel in dinner on a fishing trip with Sea Lord Howe or Sea Buoys Ocean Charters. Then, of course, there’s the experience of simply being here. Lord Howe is the kind of destination that doesn’t demand an itinerary – it invites
you to slow down, take it all in, and reconnect with the simple pleasure of being somewhere truly special.
Tel: (02) 6563 2114 tourism@lordhoweisland.info
https://lordhoweisland.info/
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“ We ’ r e r e a l l y p l e a s e d t r a v e l l e r s a r e increasingly seeking unique, authentic, and environmentally responsible experiences – it’s what Lord Howe has always naturally done best” – LO R D H O W E I S L A N D T O U R I S M A S S O C I AT I O N
Credit: Rachel Bigsby
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In Focus
Lord Howe Island Marine Park Home to the world’s southernmost coral reef, the Lord Howe Island Marine Park gives visitors the opportunity to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime diving and snorkelling experience in crystal-clear waters.
Credit: Evan Fawell
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TH E E XTE N S I V E BA R R I E R coral reef off the western side of the island shelters a broad, shallow lagoon and 3-km sandy beach behind it, whilst fringing reefs on the eastern side are immediately accessible from the shoreline, enabling visitors to snorkel straight from its golden sands to spot tame reef fish and green turtles. Home to an extraordinary array of tropical, subtropical, and temperate marine species, divers seize the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the reefbuilding coral at Ball’s Pyramid and Comet’s Hole, not to mention the possibility of glimpsing inshore fish species found nowhere else on Earth. This includes the doubleheader wrasse, McCulloch’s anemonefish, or Lord Howe Island butterflyfish, all of which are endemic to this isolated pocket of the Southwest Pacific. Prefer to marvel at the kaleidoscope of marine life with your feet firmly on solid ground? There are plenty of tour operators offering glass-bottomed boat tours of the lagoon, whilst select charters present an opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to reel in local delicacies such as kingfish, yellowfin tuna, or wahoo.
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RECOMMENDS
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Eat: FOR A TA S T E OF T H E LO CA L L A N D S CA PE … Located just a short walk from the Lord Howe Island Jetty, Driftwood Bar & Restaurant (Driftwood) is a modern Southeast Asian and Thai fusion hotspot loved by locals and visitors alike. Head chef, Thorne Nyker, is known for his ability to transform the freshest and most simple local ingredients – particularly seafood – into gastronomic masterpieces. For example, Driftwood’s steamed local flame snapper paired with a delicate yellow soy broth and ginger shallot relish is a firm favourite amongst guests, whilst the wahoo ceviche topped with tobiko perfectly showcases local flavours. Beyond the impeccable gastronomy, the restaurant thrums with a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Staff also offer a courtesy shuttle service, graciously returning guests to their accommodation post-meal. 12 | Outlook Travel Issue 26
Do: FOR E X PLOR I NG T H E I S L A N D’ S BE S T-K E P T SECRETS… Lord Howe Environmental Tours
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PLAN YOUR NEXT
Adventure
Lord Howe Environmental Tours is a nature-based tour operator on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, offering visitors an immersive way to experience the island’s remarkable marine and terrestrial environments. Its experiences include glass-bottom boat coral viewing, ultimate snorkelling and the challenging Mount Gower Trek. The company focuses on showcasing Lord Howe Island’s unique natural beauty, including the world’s southernmost coral reef and the rare mistforest ecosystems of Mount Gower. Its knowledgeable guides provide information about the island’s wildlife, ecology and environment, helping visitors better understand and appreciate this protected destination. Equipment such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling gear and wetsuits is also available for hire. Lord Howe Environmental Tours is certified by Ecotourism Australia, reflecting its commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism and conservation.
Ph: (02) 6563 2260 | A/H Ph: (02) 6563 2214 Email: lhet2898@gmail.com | www.lordhoweislandtours.com
Sleep: FOR BA R E FO OT LU X U RY… Set privately at Lord Howe’s southern end, Capella Lodge offers views of both the mountains and the turqoise lagoon across nine luxury suites. The relaxed beach-house aesthetic delivers a barefoot luxury vibe, whilst contemporary architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the outside in. Guests can look forward to fresh gourmet breakfasts, sunset cocktails and canapés, a multicourse dinner menu with wine pairings, and a generous in-suite bar, replenished daily. The Capella Spa offers treatments using local island botanicals to relax and rejuvenate. FOR A N AU T ICA L V I L L AG E … Nestled amongst Kentia palms, Earl’s Anchorage offers flexible accommodation, perfect for families or extended groups. Choose from one- and two-bedroom bungalows,
a three-bedroom penthouse, and the fully accessible Smokey Cape bungalow, each with handcrafted timber furniture and cosy furnishings. With pedal-assisted e-bikes available, guests can explore the island at their own pace.
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Landmark Attractions Ball’s Pyramid Standing at 551 metres (m), Ball’s Pyramid is the tallest volcanic sea stack in the world, best viewed from the lofty summit of Mount Gower. This topographic spectacle is also one of Australia’s most remarkable diving sites thanks to its isolated, open-ocean volcanic structure; divers can encounter rare species like Spanish dancers and Galapagos sharks, and it is the only known place where the Ballina angelfish can be spotted.
Admiralty Islands This small cluster of rugged volcanic islets and rich dive sites are located just 15 minutes by boat off Lord Howe’s northern coast. Divers can explore coral reefs where large schools of colourful fish dwell at depths of up to 40 m and marvel at striking underwater volcanic formations. A number of operators offer daily guided tours, and diving and snorkelling experiences to the Admiralty Islands, weather permitting.
Xxxxxxxx Old Gulch This small, Surama is an pebbly Amerindian beach village nestled in (mainly the north inhabited of Lord Howe by Macushi is a must-see people) as you walk andthe theshort site for distance the firstfrom community the picnic area ecotourism at North Bay. initiative A 200 in Guyana. m gap in the The basalt localcliffs community created the manages 50 m storm and boulder maintains beach Surama where, Eco-Lodge, at low tide, visitors which offers can rock-hop tourists a chanceto across tothe stay eastern in traditional side ofhuts, the inlet try local to discover food and theexplore bright blue nearby Herring nature trails. which are filled with colourful Pools, coral and marine life.
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Getting There and Around LO R D H OWE IS easily accessible by air travel, just a two-hour flight from major airports on Australia’s eastern seaboard. Direct flights operate yearround from Sydney via regional carrier Skytrans, which holds a codeshare partnership with Qantas – so travellers can still earn and use Qantas points when flying to Lord Howe and have access to the Qantas lounge. Eastern Air Services also offers direct flights, departing from Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) and Newcastle Airport (NTL) on the New South Wales (NSW) Mid North Coast, and Gold Coast Airport (OOL) in Queensland (QLD). With no commercial passenger ferries or cruise ships servicing the
island, arriving by boat is only an option for those able to sail a private yacht or charter boat across the Tasman Sea. As accommodation and flights are limited due to the 400-person sustainable tourism visitor cap, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation and flights at the same time to ensure smooth travel. Advanced travel plans of between six and 12 months are ideal, however trips with shorter lead times are more accessible in the shoulder seasons of February to June and September to November. As Lord Howe is just 11 km long and 2 km wide, its compact size makes getting around easy once you’ve arrived. Road traffic is intentionally low
due to the protected nature of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many local operators offering complimentary bike rental with your stay. Travellers can also rent bikes from Wilson’s Hire, whilst many accommodation providers offer transfers to local restaurants and tour operators. A very limited number of rental cars and electric golf carts are available on the island, although these are generally reserved for visitors with limited mobility or families with very young children and must be booked well in advance. However, as the island is not short of dedicated hiking trails and boardwalks, much of the island is best explored on foot, whilst most coastal areas are highly walkable. Outlook Travel Issue 26 | 15
(02) 6563 2114 tourism@lordhoweisland.info https://lordhoweisland.info/
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