Lord Howe Island

Snorkelling, diving and reef tours

Located at the crossroads of five major ocean currents, Lord Howe Island Marine Park is home to a diverse mix of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate species which are found nowhere else on Earth. See over 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish inhabiting the reef alongside awe-inspiring trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs. With more than 60 world-class dive sites, most located just a short boat ride (10-20 minutes) from shore, snorkelling and scuba diving is a must. 

Ned's Beach, Lord Howe Island

From September to May, hire gear or join a scuba diving tour with Dive Lord Howe. Snorkel or see the ocean through a glass-bottom boat with Lord Howe Environmental Tours, see turtles with Marine Adventures, freedrive with Liv for the Sea, enjoy a sunset cruise with Sea Lord Howe and see the famous Ball's Pyramid with Reef N Beyond.

Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island

Water sports

Lord Howe Isand’s pristine waters offer visitors and locals an opportunity to surf some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches against stunning backdrops of lush rainforest and mountainous landscapes. Blinky Beach, locally dubbed Champagne Surf, is a popular choice for catching some waves, and Ned’s Beach can also offer great surf in the right conditions.

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tom Archer

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are a great way to explore the sheltered waters of Lord Howe Island’s lagoon. Circumnavigate Rabbit Island or take a picnic lunch and explore the beaches of North Bay and Old Settlement Beach. Boards and kayaks can be hired at Lagoon Beach. Why not try your hand at kiteboarding, windsurfing or sailing to explore the island's scenic coastline? Keep an eye out for sea creatures, such as turtles and Spanish dancers, through the clear aquamarine water. 

Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island

Hiking and day walks

Although only 11km long and 2km wide, Lord Howe is criss-crossed with dozens of delightful, well-marked walking trails. Choose between easy strolls such as the Valley of the Shadows, which zig zags between groves of Banyan trees and Kentia palms; moderate cliff-top hikes like the Malabar Hill walk, where you’ll see seabirds wheeling on the thermals; and the challenging Mount Gower climb. It's rated as one of the best day treks in the world. With rope assisted climbs and steep terrain, you must hike with a local expert on a guided tour with Sea to Summit Expeditions or Lord Howe Environmental Tours. 

Malabar Hill, Lord Howe Island

Avid hikers will love the Seven Peaks Walk, a five-day guided hike by Pinetrees Lodge that takes in cliff-top trails, the famous twin peaks (Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird), the cloud forest and rest stops at beautiful beaches.

Seven Peaks Walk, Lord Howe Island

Fishing and charter trips

Catch garfish from the shore or join a fishing tour with Sea to Summit Expeditions to head outside the reef (commercial fishing is not allowed within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park) to catch wahoo, kingfish, trevally and yellowfin tuna. You can also hand-feed fish at Ned’s Beach Special Purpose Zone, which is protected by a no-take area.

Lord Howe Island Wharf, Lord Howe Island

Outdoor activities

Boasting more than 130 permanent and migratory bird species, the Lord Howe Island is bird-watcher's haven. See red-tailed tropicbirds performing their balletic, airborne courting rituals from the Malabar cliffs; watch countless shearwaters (known locally as muttonbirds) return to the island at dusk each day; and masked boobies nesting along the sea cliffs. Many seabird colonies are easily accessible along walking tracks and roads.

Neds Beach, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Evan Fawell | Tourism Association

Cycle the island’s 13km of scenic roads and tracks winding through lush rainforest to amazing views, restaurants or the shops. With the speed limit set at 25km per hour, cyclists rule the island roads and pedal power is the favoured mode of transport. Some accommodation suppliers provide guests with bikes for their stay, or you can hire them from Wilson’s Bike Hire.

Biking, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tourism Australia

Overlooking Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island Golf is one of the most picturesque courses in Australia. The nine-hole layout winds through a lush palm forest and extends into gently undulating fairways along the ocean’s edge.

Lord Howe Island Golf Course, Lord Howe Island

Wellness experiences

After you've hiked across the island and snorkelled around it, recover with a relaxing or remedial massage and acupuncture at Lord Howe Island Physiotherapy. Join a yoga class with Lord Howe Yoga or explore the spa and beauty treatments offered at your hotel or retreat. Renowned for its relaxing spa, Capella Lodge offers Indigenous-inspired treatments such as the Buruwang Dreaming kelp exfoliation and the Sacred Stone Therapy using basalt stones from the island's beaches.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island 

Where to stay

There are just 400 visitor beds on Lord Howe Island, which is part of what makes it so special. Enjoy stays in guesthouses and family-friendly self-contained apartments through to exclusive luxury lodges. Because Lord Howe Island's accommodation is limited, it’s important to book flights and accommodation at the same time. 

Renowned for its friendly service and laid-back ambience, Arajilla Retreat is a popular option near Old Settlement Beach where the turtles often swim. For views of the ocean and Mount Gower and Lidgbird, as well as spa treatments, stay at Capella Lodge. On the shores of the lagoon, you'll find Pinetrees Lodge, famous for exceptional dining.

Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island

Getting there

Lord Howe Island is 700km northeast of Sydney. SmartLynx offers regular flights from Sydney. Eastern Air Services offer weekly flights and charters from Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast and Newcastle.