Lord Howe Island
A piece of paradise in the South Pacific
The southernmost coral reef in the world is home to tropical fish species that should not actually exist at this geographical latitude. Like the rest of the island, the underwater world around Lord Howe Island is unparalleled.
S uperlatives in connection with vacation destinations can sometimes be misleading. However, if you are looking for a truly untouched destination, Lord Howe Island is the perfect choice. The small island is home to 380 people who are happy to share their unique natural paradise with guests. In addition to a crystal-clear lagoon with a coral reef, tropical rainforest, and the 875-meter-high Mount Gower, the island in the middle of the South Pacific offers other amazing natural experiences.
Even the landing approach takes your breath away. Remnants of volcanic activity characterize the dramatic landscape of the island. Two rocky giants, towering several hundred meters above the waves of the Pacific Ocean, are covered with dense subtropical vegetation of all kinds. The landscape of Lord Howe Island also includes caves, idyllic lagoons, crescent-shaped beaches, a lush green hinterland crisscrossed by hiking trails, and the southernmost coral reef in the world.
The island’s remoteness gives it a unique flora and fauna. Countless animal and plant species can only be found here, such as the Lord Howe Woodhen. The wood rail is a flightless bird that has survived for thousands of years without any natural enemies such as feral domestic cats or similar threats.
Deliberate Restraint
Lord Howe Island has been one of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1982. Even more significant is the tourism strategy of the mini-island, which lies two and a half hours off the east coast of Down Under: With the unreserved support of the island’s population, tourism officials imposed a guest cap decades ago. A maximum of 400 guests per night are allowed to stay on the island. This limit protects the fragile ecosystem and is crucial for the preservation of endangered species on the island.
A long time ago, the island’s population took a far-sighted approach, following examples around the world where tourism had gotten out of hand. Lord Howe Island, the locals decided, should never become a repeat of Santorini, Venice, or Phuket.
The Insular Garden of Eden
Eight hundred kilometers northeast of the metropolis of Sydney, Ball’s Pyramid rises like a prehistoric warning finger out of the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The 562-meter-high pyramid-shaped rock needle, rising abruptly out of the ocean, is the last remnant of an ancient volcano. The uninhabited rocky island is part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park.
Lord Howe Island, 20 kilometers away, is the complete opposite of Ball’s Pyramid. Inhabited, densely overgrown, and magnetic in every aspect, the island is a breathtaking tropical beauty. The two mighty mountains of Lidgbird and Gower may look like a Bond villain’s hideout, but the northern part of Lord Howe sparkles in the sun with its idyllic lagoon, perfect crescent beaches, and dark green interior.
The island’s remoteness and relative youth – it was only formed around seven million years ago – have given it a unique flora and fauna. Countless plant and animal species are endemic, meaning they can only be found here. Quarantine restrictions prevent the introduction of unwanted animal or plant guests that could upset the incomparable ecological balance.
Always Nice and Slow
There is no public transportation on Lord Howe Island, and the few vehicles are reserved for locals. All accommodations offer free transportation for arriving and departing guests. After that, visitors get around either by bicycle or on foot. Hiking is a particularly enjoyable activity on the island, with numerous signposted trails leading to stunning viewpoints.
The climate is mild year-round, with pleasant sea breezes preventing the summers from becoming too hot and ensuring that the surrounding sea remains comfortably warm even in the middle of winter. An added bonus for travelers is the absence of snakes and annoying sand flies. Even jellyfish are unknown here, guaranteeing undisturbed swimming in the open sea, as well as snorkeling and diving in the subtropical reef banks.
Beach Beauties
A short walk from the main settlement, Ned’s Beach offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling. The shallow sandy beach is also ideal for children. You can splash around on the shore or snorkel over a colorful kaleidoscope of fish and along a small coral reef. Masks, fins, and snorkels are kept on the beach in an „Honesty Box“ for a small donation: visitors borrow the equipment, enjoy the underwater world, and then return it to the box along with a few dollars before heading back to the hotel. What sounds like a relic from days gone by still works perfectly well in the 21st century.
A somewhat strenuous path leads from the main settlement over a ridge to the pretty North Bay beach. But the effort is worth it, as the view of North Beach and Mount Eliza is unique. From the beach, visitors can watch large flocks of seabirds, take short hikes to other viewpoints, or simply spend a relaxing day on the white sandy beach. The underwater world here is also impressive and completely undisturbed. If you get into the water, you will see a colorful variety of fish, rays, and vibrant corals. With a bit of luck, you may even come across turtles, which are often found in the sheltered bay.
Enthusiastic surfers and bodyboarders make a pilgrimage to Blinky Beach to experience what locals call „champagne surf.“ Located on the east side, the beach is the most popular spot for a wave ride. The pristine, white beach is also an ideal place for a relaxed picnic, a refreshing splash in the turquoise water, or a leisurely spot of beach fishing.
Mount Gower – Almost Alpine
At 875 meters, Mount Gower is the highest elevation on Lord Howe Island. The mountain is considered one of the best day hikes in all of Australia—strenuous but richly rewarding with unforgettable views. The eight-hour excursion includes rope-assisted ascents and dizzying differences in altitude over a short distance. Hikers cover around 14 kilometers through rugged terrain and encounter some of the rarest plant and animal species on the island.
From the top of the peak, in the middle of a mysterious cloud forest, there are breathtaking views of the southern end of the island and the deep blue South Pacific, whose surf can often still be heard at this lofty height. It is advisable to hike to the highest mountain on the island as part of a guided tour.
Unlimited View
Two paths lead to Transit Hill, located roughly in the middle of the island. The walk begins near the administrative center and winds via the picturesque Blinky Beach along a narrow path to a viewpoint. The circular walk takes about an hour and is worth it for the fantastic panoramic view alone. Tropical red-tailed birds, which gracefully perform their courtship ritual in the air, can often be seen from the Malabar viewpoint between September and May. The cliffs, which drop dramatically into the surrounding ocean, are home to the world’s largest nesting site for this bird species.
Malabar, located in the north of Lord Howe Island, also offers fantastic views. The panorama of the towering volcanic peaks of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower to the south contrasts with the view of the Admiralty Islands to the north. The two-hour walk there and back from the small main settlement leads through dense palm forests where muttonbirds have their burrows.
Like an Aquarium
The southernmost coral reefs in the world are found around Lord Howe Island. A unique mix of temperate and tropical ocean currents allows an unimaginable variety of corals, reef fish, large pelagic fish, and delicate invertebrates to thrive in this incomparable ecosystem. Many fish and coral species are found nowhere else on the planet.
Just fifteen minutes away by boat is a fascinating group of volcanic formations off the north coast. The Admiralty Islands are large rocky needles surrounded by coral reefs. Large schools of fish frolic here at depths of 15 to 40 meters. Divers love the Admiralty Islands because they offer some of the best dive sites in Australia. Noddy Island, Rupert’s Reef, Sugarloaf Island, Bombora, and North Rock are just a few of the dive sites that showcase the incredible diversity of marine life found here.
The Insider Tip: Accommodation at Its Best – Capella Lodge
The motto „if only, then only“ fits perfectly with the most spectacular accommodation on Lord Howe Island. Capella Lodge is pure luxury, but deeply relaxed. The boutique hotel offers breathtaking sea and mountain views while guests enjoy the stylish yet serene atmosphere. The luxurious lodge, designed in an elegantly light style, has just nine suites, a restaurant, and a small spa area. The restaurant, with its oversized window fronts, offers a fantastic view. Elegant, modern suites provide accommodation for two to four people.
