10 magnificent photographs of Lord Howe Island

By Australian Geographic March 6, 2019
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Seven-hundred kilometres off the coast of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, lies a little oasis of sandy white beaches, subtropical forests and crystal clear waters. Welcome to paradise, also known as Lord Howe Island.

A stunning UNESCO World Heritage paradise, Lord Howe Island is your entry into an ancient world that’s teeming with life. A remnant of a now-extinct shield volcano, dating back 7 million years, Lord Howe’s crescent shape embraces a sheltered lagoon and the southernmost coral reef on the planet.

With only 400 visitors allowed on the treasured island at any one time, its unique natural attractions, from vivid coral to the famous twin peaks of Ligdbird and Gower mountains, are ripe for exploration.

Accommodation
There’s a bounty of accommodation options on offer (400 beds to be exact), including the recently relaunched Capella Lodge. Celebrated as one of Lord Howe’s exclusive retreats and inspired by the carefree spirit of the Australian beach house, the lodge boasts spectacular views of the subtropical Pacific paradise. Service is relaxed, cuisine is exceptional and the vibe is decadently laid-back – this is barefoot luxury at its best.

Conservation
Undisputedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, the island is made up of 75 per cent protected park preserve, encompassed in a marine park, and is as fascinating as it is beautiful. With a legacy of world class conservation projects under its belt, the latest project has been 10 years in the making and is the largest undertaking of its kind anywhere in the world.

Discover LHI as a volunteer over the cooler months (May to September 2019), and get involved in the conservation of an incredible natural paradise. The LHI Conservation Volunteers program (CVLHI) offers visitors and residents alike a chance to take part in fascinating citizen science activities and inspiring educational experiences that help protect Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage-listed environment.

The program runs from May until September 2019 with a different focus each month so you can time your trip to align with your interests:
May – Birds
June – Marine
July – Plants
August – Invertebrates
September – Protecting Paradise.

Find out more about the program here.

Activities and tours
From feeding the inquisitive fish at Ned’s Beach to snorkelling amid vibrantly coloured corals and hiking to the towering peak of Mt Gower, you can indulge in as much, or as little, activity as you desire on Lord Howe. Hire a bike and explore the island, join a guided nature tour or fishing charter, squeeze in a spot of birdwatching or golf, or take to the protected lagoon waters for some sea-kayaking and paddleboarding, or track down the perfect break and surf the day away. Alternatively, wander onto the white sand, spread out your towel and drink in the sights and sounds of this unique slice of subtropical paradise.

Warm up with these tours and activities this cool season:

Find out more about Lord Howe Island tours and activities here.