“A place so extraordinary, it’s almost unbelievable.”
Those are the words the great naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, used to describe Australia’s Lord Howe Island.
High praise for a tiny island that floats, unruffled by the rest of the world, in the Tasman Sea – about 600 kilometres off the Aussie east coast.
Lord Howe (named in 1788 for the Admiral of the British Navy) is a pocked Eden, just 11 kilometres long and 2 kilometres at its widest point.
But Nature packs a punch in that small space – with lush rainforests, towering mountains and coral reefs.
A good way to get your bearings is to enlist Jae from Wildside Walks. Jae has legged just about every inch of the island and can take you on half and full day treks – including Valley of the Shadows, an erotherworldly forest of giant Banyan Trees and native Kentia Palms.
There’s also a hike to the top of the Malabar Ridge for sweeping views to the island’s south, including Mount Gower – Lord Howe’s highest peak.
Roughly crescent-shaped, Lord Howe’s outstretched arms cradle an ocean lagoon so clear it’s almost luminous.
Dad and daughter team, Dean and Kayla, from Lord Howe Island Environmental Tours can take you for a glass bottom boat expedition to the home of the world’s most southerly coral reef.
The tour includes the option to snorkel and perhaps spot marine species endemic to the island, including Lord Howe’s own version of ‘Nemo’ and the Double-Headed Wrasse.
If you want to explore the waters surrounding the island more deeply, Aaron and the team from Dive Lord Howe can take you to one of more than 300 dive sites. They even offer the chance to snorkel with Lord Howe’s Galapagos Sharks!
If that sounds a little ambitious, Dive Lord Howe can set you up with water therapy that’s way more laid-back – including kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
More of a landlubber? Rent a bicycle from Wilsons Hire and you’re all set for a two-wheel excursion of this tiny but beautiful island. With hire cars on the road as rare as hen’s teeth… and a top speed limit of 25 kph… cyclists rule Lord Howe!
Wheel your way through the main village with shops, bars and restaurants… then pootle past the Museum and Visitor Information Centre, a great place to learn more of Lord Howe’s natural history.
Then swing by the island’s golf club – where an honesty system means you can play a round anytime. And with tee-offs and putting holes that take in ocean and mountain views, why wouldn’t you?
It’s easy to cycle to one or more of Lord Howe’s 11 official beaches – including a tourist favourite: Ned’s Beach.
Head to the beach shed, throw a few gold coins in the honesty box and you can grab a cup or two of fish food. Then wade into the clear shallow waters and prepare yourself for a feeding frenzy – as hundreds of species of fish flock to feed, any time of the day.
Feeling hungry too? There are BBQ’s strategically based at picturesque points across the island. Or you can let Danielle from Love Lord Howe do all the work.
Danielle has perfected the art of the picnic – and can set up a glorious spread at a scenic location. Love Lord Howe won the prestigious Excellence in Food Tourism category at this year’s Australian Tourism Awards.
Time for a cleansing ale? Point your wheels towards Lord Howe Island Brewery – one of the world’s most remote, sustainable and unusual breweries, set in a thriving plant nursery.
Brewmaster, Alastair, has a special licence to go into the island’s Permanent Park Preserve and select native botanicals to cultivate and flavour his beer. And the plants aren’t just for pints.
Glass greenhouses grow tomatoes, basil, mushrooms and other fresh veg to top the brewery’s wood-fired oven pizzas.
Where to stay on Lord Howe Island? For a little speck in the Pacific, there are more choices than you’d expect!
Shelter in the lee of Earl’s Anchorage, 10 minutes’ walk from town. It offers light, airy self-contained accommodation set in private palm gardens.
At the top of the pile for holiday digs is Capella Lodge. Rumoured to be a favourite with Chris Hemsworth, the lodge features fabulous, luxury pavilions overlooking incredible coastal and mountain views.
Another indulgent choice is Arajilla – set in a secluded palm and Banyan forest and yet just a few minutes stroll to Lagoon Beach.
Each beautiful suite comes with a separate living area and all exquisite meals are included in your stay.
How to get to the island? Easy. Eastern Air Services have regular flights from Coolangatta Airport.
Dreaming of a Lord Howe Island holiday? RACQ Travel makes it easy – now offering an exclusive package. Search RACQ Travel to plan your next island escape.
