Lord Howe Island Area, New South Wales

Lord Howe Beach With its abundance of rainforests, coral reefs, beaches and volcanic peaks, this World Heritage-listed island is truly unique.

Only 11 kilometres long, Lord Howe Island is packed with diverse plant and marine life. The island has a limit on visitor numbers so you'll never compete for space. Because of its location, the island enjoys a temperate all-year climate. The sea water is consistently warm.

The island draws nature-lovers and adventure-seekers alike. Apart from pristine beaches, lagoons and hidden coves, the island offers wonderful bushwalking opportunities. It also makes an ideal romantic getaway. Scuba diving and snorkelling are very popular activities.

The island boasts the world's southern-most coral reef. Here you'll find crystal clear water, over 500 species of fish and 90 coral species. Whales and dolphins appear offshore in season. Deep-sea fishing, tennis, cycling or just drinking in the tranquillity are other favourite pursuits on the island.

This magnificent island is like nowhere else in the world. We're sure you'll agree.

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Easy to explore

The island, 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, is about 11 kilometres long and 2.8 kilometres wide, mostly covered by rainforest and palm forests – and is easily explored on foot or by bicycle.

Exotic seabirds

Lord Howe is a perch for exotic species of seabird whose migrations might take them as far north as Japan and Siberia. Large colonies thrive on the island, which has the largest breeding concentration in the world of the red-tailed tropic bird.

Great diving

The snorkelling and scuba diving is sensational. Divers can find plate coral, black coral trees, and fish that include lionfish, bull rays, leopard fish, box fish and parrot fish. Learn-to-dive packages and charter vessels are available.

Lord Howe Island

Located 450 kilometres off mainland Australia, Lord Howe Island is the lone survivor of an extinct volcano chain. Its incredible natural environment, with rainforest-clad hills, green lagoons and unique wildlife, is perfect for cycling around. more

Marine habitat

The island, with more than 240 species of native plant, is lapped by warm ocean currents and ringed by coral reefs that provide a habitat for many exotic species of tropical fish.

World heritage rainforest

It's not hard to see why Lord Howe Island is listed as a World Heritage site. The fabulous rainforests support kentia palms and birds that you won't see anywhere else. As for Norfolk Island, its natural attractions include rainforest, and stands of giant Norfolk Island Pine, once used for ships' masts. more