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Our Very Own Galapagos?
Welcome Lord Howe Island! | |
A little over 600 kilometres from the north coast of NSW, less than a 2 hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane - you'll find an an enormous submerged plateau; the remnants of a long extinct volcano. Near the middle of this plateau, flanked by luxuriant coral growth, is a multi award winning, World Heritage-listed paradise called Lord Howe Island.
The marine environment of this far-flung part of NSW is utterly unlike any other part Australia, with a variety of tropical and temperate species brought on converging currents, and a large number of plants and animals which occur nowhere else on Earth. So if you're a fan of any activity that happens in, on, under or near water then here's your next port of call.
Scroll down and you'll see some of the highlights, plus a couple of the 20 or so different options you'll have when deciding where to stay whilst you're on the island.
| | Standing tall at 875 metres, Mt Gower is Lord Howe’s highest mountain. Rated as one of Australia’s best day walks, the Mt Gower hike is a challenging eight hour return trek, complete with rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops.
Walkers traverse around 14 kilometres across the mountain’s rugged terrain, encountering some of the island’s rarest plants and wildlife along the way.
Standing atop Gower’s iconic peak, amongst its misty forest inhabited by the island’s famous Woodhens, walkers experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the island and its crystal blue waters.
| | 23 kilometres southeast of the island, the world’s tallest sea stack and the site of some of Australia’s most remarkable diving can be found – the 551 metre tall Ball’s Pyramid. Exploring the caves and waters surrounding the basalt spearhead, divers come face-to-face with a mass of spectacular sea creatures.
From huge schools of Violet Sweep, Rainbow Runners and Amberjack, to Marlin, Dolphin, Turtles and Wahoo, the underwater world will astound. Many rare species, like Spanish Dancers and Galapagos Whalers also make these waters their home.
| | | Home to 500 fish species and 90 species of coral, Lord Howe’s snorkelling is second to none. A luxuriant garden of Staghorn coral dominates the iconic snorkelling destination that is Erscott’s Hole, a natural wonder within a protected intertidal groyne. Snorkelers can get up close to tame fish conditioned to daily visits by glass bottom boats. The amazing Double Header Wrasse and the chameleon-like Blue Fish, which can change its body colour from dark green to sky blue in a matter of seconds, are common sightings. | | Wade into the sparkling water at Ned’s Beach, at the island’s north-east, to hand feed the fish. You will instantly be surrounded by a feeding frenzy of Mullet, Wrasse, Garfish, Silver-drummer, Spangled Emperor and Kingfish. Golden sand leads into calm waters ideal for kids, who paddle at the edge or snorkel above a colourful kaleidoscope of fish and corals along a fringing coral reef. Masks, fins and snorkels are stored at Ned’s Beach for the cost of a contribution to the ‘honesty box’, in a testament to times past. | | | From $1700 Per Room Per Night | Celebrated as the pinnacle of luxury on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, Capella Lodge rests atop romantic Lovers Bay, at the foot of the imperious mountain twins rising dramatically above. An inspired architectural design welcomes spectacular views of the ocean, reef and mountains into the Lodge.
| | From $1650 Per Room Per Night | Renowned for its warm and friendly service and laid back ambience, Arajilla Retreat encapsulates the very essence of Lord Howe Island, offering guests a haven of tranquillity and peace in luxury Lord Howe Island accommodation. Perfectly positioned on the northern sheltered end of the Island’s lagoon, nestled under a canopy of Kentia Palms and Banyan Trees, just behind Old Settlement Beach, meandering pathways lead through native gardens, to the beach, to the serene Day Spa, to Arajilla’s luxurious Lord Howe Island accommodation suites and renowned restaurant.
| | From $218 Per Room Per Night | The breath taking beauty and tropical ambiance will entrance you from the moment you arrive. A week or two at Milky Way Villas at Old Settlement beach on Lord Howe Island will long be remembered as your “holiday of a lifetime”. They offer excellent one bedroom or two bedroom self contained villas with fully equipped kitchen and en-suite bathroom. Complimentary transfers to all restaurants. | | From $185 Per Room Per Night | Somerset is perfectly situated between Neds Beach and the Lagoon, on a level area of the Island, allowing easy walking and biking to nearby shops, restaurants and the Visitor Centre.
The 3 star self-catering units are nestled in subtropical palm groves alive with splashes of colour from Hawaiian hibiscus and fragrant frangipanis. The grounds are well planned, with tracks meandering through the palms & gardens, giving a sense of seclusion and mystery.
| | Prices are AUD and a guide only and are subject to change and availability. From prices for accommodation are per room based on two people sharing unless otherwise specified. | |
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