Find Your Paradise on This Remote Australian Island

Lord Howe Island offers so much more than fun in the sun.

Adjusting my mask and snorkel , I drop away down into the piddle , gently kick my fins to propel myself above multitudes of coral as brightly colour fish like doubleheader wrasse and bluefish swam by . Theprotected Ethel Waters around Lord Howe Islandare home to approximately 500 species of fish and over 90 species of red coral , and I wanted to see as many as I could . Later , peer down through a shabu - bottomed boat , I watched in awe asmassive turtlesswam right underneath the vas , providing yet another glance into this subaquatic wonderland .

During my time onLord Howe Island , just a two - hour flight fromSydney , I saunter whitened sand beach , enjoyed carefully curated beachfront picnics , scaled mountains , and kayak above lambent coral forests , peer down for a birds - eye view of the splendor . I was one of only 400 visitors allow on Lord Howe Island each day , itself home to a mere 445 residents , so despite the finish ’s incredible allure , it never once felt crowded .

Biodiversity enthusiasts will peculiarly apprise this slice ofUNESCO World Heritageparadise , as it ’s surrounded by a protected nautical park with 70 % of the island devote as aPermanent Park Preserve . It ’s also pullulate withendemic speciestotally alone to Lord Howe ’s ecosystem . Nearly half of the island ’s 241 indigenous plant metal money , including the coveted Kentia Palm , primed in this category , while 60 % of the island ’s 1,600 telluric insect are establish nowhere else , including its most famous insect — theLord Howe Island Phasmid . This approximately five - column inch - long giant stick insect was long imagine to be extinct , but in 2001 , it was line up onBall ’s Pyramid , the globe ’s tallest ocean stack at over 1,800 invertebrate foot , located about 14 miles southeast of Lord Howe Island .

Destination NSW

Become one with the ocean at Lord Howe Island.|Photo courtesy of Destination NSW

Bugs aside , visitors of all kind will find great deal of opportunity to snorkel , diving , kayak , SUP , relax on the beach , tramp , birdwatch , golf game , and explore . Cyclingis a popular way to get around this small island , which has few cable car — another plus when it comes to respect the environment and have some much requisite rest and relaxation .

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Snorkel, dive, kayak, and SUP to your heart’s content

It would n’t be an island escapade without water activities galore . Go snorkel diving , diving , kayaking , or SUPing , take a methamphetamine hydrochloride - bottomed gravy holder ride , hop aboard a sundown lagoon sail , sun yourself on the beach , or sign up for a scenic summer trajectory for a view from above .

Ned ’s Beachis a special spotlight where you’re able to hand - feed Lepisosteus osseus , silver - drummer , kingfish , and more . Pisces food for thought and snorkel gear rental are usable at the beach — just remember to bring coins for the honour system boxwood . Old Settlement Beach and the Lagoon are also expectant spots for kayaking and SUPing , with rentals available from onsite gravy holder sheds .

Some of the island ’s most captivating sights lurk a bit further offshore , so hitch a ride on a methamphetamine - bottomed snorkel diving duty tour with a train scout good manners of operator likeEnvironmental Tours , Marine Adventures , andIslander Cruises . And to venture even further out , make the head trip out toBall ’s Pyramid , the world ’s tallest sea pile and a beloved locating for spot fish like violet slam , amberjack , rainbow runners , and even ballina monkfish . Around 60 diving sites beckon swimmers within a relatively light distance from Lord Howe Island , so you ’ll have plenty of choice .

Destination NSW

Lord Howe Island’s distinctive topography is a major part of its charm.|Photo courtesy of Destination NSW

Stretch your legs on a scenic hike

Explore Lord Howe Island on ft via a figure of differenthikes and walkstraipsing through the island ’s mountain , timber , and ocean vistas , from a boardwalk perambulation along Old Gulch to a rockier and exorbitant trek up Mt. Eliza . A more straining climbing takes visitant toMalabar Hill , dotted with drop that provide habitat for nuzzle birds . There , you might be able to sneak a peek at red - tag tropicbird performing their courting rituals — birdwatchingis self-aggrandising on the island , with 200 mintage and counting flocking to Lord Howe ’s shores , so be sure to bundle your field glasses . Still not satisfied ? Sure - footed tramper can challenge themselves with a guided excursion up 2,870 - base - tallMt . Gower , a rope - assisted journey that hire about eight minute to complete and covers around nine miles of soaring trails .

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Find your zen

Performing Sunday salutation on a four flush overlooking the ocean with 360 - degree survey of the crashing waves below ? Yes , please . JoinLord Howe Yogato center yourself in nature ’s abundance with public classes or individual school term . Afterwards , lift down with a massage , aromatherapy , or other offerings from a variety show ofservice supplier and spas on the island .

Party it up on the beach

The island life is all about the open air , and a fancy beach field day or a DIY barbecue is the perfect way to dine al fresco . Love Lord Howeprepares perfect picnics perfect with delectable eats like an miscellany of Malva sylvestris , crackers , dips , fruit , and more , along with a Champagne toast and other refreshing beverages . The lavish setup includes humble tables , shock , rugs , decorations , and everything else you ’ll need , from lawn games to sunscreen . you may also prefer to tamp down your own supplies and heading to one of the local beach for a laid - back meal in the sand , or claim a communal beach barbecue station and grill up some local seafood .

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Get your fill at tasty bars and restaurants

Fancy an indoor spread ? Dig into a number of toothsome dining pick on the island , admit the new addition to the restaurant fit , Driftwood Bar & Restaurant , which just opened in October and sharpen on Asian fusion Creation . Elsewhere , Lord Howe Island Breweryserves up wood - fired pizzas , smoked brisket , salads , and more alongside beer brewed right on on the island . Lord Howe Island Golf Club ’s Sunset Bar and Grillis an ideal place to eat after a secret plan of golf game , and plenty of spirited fun wait over atLord Howe Island Distilling Company . UpmarketAnchorage Restauranthas you cover near Lagoon Beach , whileCoral Cafe , located at the island ’s museum and visitor center , propose effortless bite alongside fascinating historical and cultural exhibits .

Kick back at cozy guesthouses and luxe resorts

fitting execute the gamut on Lord Howe Island , including everything from lowly guesthouse and Airbnb - style rentals to worldly concern - renown properties conform to for coddle . Self - cater options includeLagoon LandingandBowker Beach House , both perfect for couples seeking a touch of independence , while families gravitate towardSomerset Apartments . Luxury getaways includeArajilla Retreat , known for its tranquil , lush grounds replete with banyan trees and Kentia palms just steps from the beach . Another upscale pick , Island Housefeatures two modern eight - someone home , each equipped with libraries , high - remainder kitchens , and top - of - the - line outdoor adventure gear .