Where is it – Lord Howe Island is situated 550 kilometres east of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia and less than two hours from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie airports. 

How do I get to Lord Howe Island? - Lord Howe Island is less than two hours flying time from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie. QantasLink flies 32-seater Dash-8s direct from Sydney most days, with multiple daily flights in busy periods. In peak season there are flights direct from Brisbane twice a week and direct from Port Macquarie once a week. There are connecting services from all Australian capital cities and most New South Wales and Queensland regional ports.

How big – the Island is 11 kilometres long and less than three kilometres at its widest point. 

Island population - A paradise where only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time and there are only 350 residents. 

What to Do – Activities

SCUBA DIVING – dive the world’s southernmost coral reef

FISH LIFE – four per cent of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world

BIRD LIFE – ultimate seabird destination

HIKING – one of the world’s best one day hikes

BALLS PYRAMID – the world’s tallest sea stack

WATER ACTIVITES – safe, close, clean and clear! Kayaking and canoeing, Glass bottom boat , surfing, beaches, fishing

GOLF - Play a round of golf on one of the most scenic golf courses in Australia

LORD HOWE ISLAND MUSEUM AND VISITORS CENTRE – Learn all about it

KENTIA PALM NURSERY – it’s the biggest export on the Island

 

Where can I stay on Lord Howe Island? - There are 18 properties on the island, which vary in standards and size, and offer a variety of services and facilities. Visitor numbers on the island are limited to 400 at any one time. The island has several fine restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine and offering a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers.

When is the best time to go to Lord Howe Island? - Anytime! September to May is usually fine and mild or warm to hot, and average daytime temperatures are at 25 degrees Celsius throughout spring and summer. It’s cooler in winter (June to August), with day-time temperatures around 19 degrees, but it still has the mild conditions that islands experience.

How do I get around the island? - There is no need for public transport, as all accommodation properties meet flights, (providing free transport for arriving and departing guests) and you're within walking distance from most shops, restaurants and beaches. There are bicycles and helmets for hire and a limited number of rental cars.

What do I need to bring? - Dress is casual, smart casual for evenings. Bring shoes for bush and reef walking, backpack, fishing gear, sunscreen and shady hats. A raincoat and wind-cheater are recommended owing to sudden showers that can occur at any time of the year. In winter bring some warmer clothing – trousers and a sweater or two – in case of colder weather.

What else do I need to know?

• Accommodation must be booked and confirmed before arrival.
• English is the language spoken – there are no facilities for translation
• There are no snakes, sand-flies or stingers.
• The number of cars on the island is limited and a 25 kph speed limit applies.
• There are two banks on the island, but there is no international currency exchange or ATM – credit cards are accepted, and some businesses accept eftpos, but guests should bring AUD cash from the mainland.
• Electricity is 240V AC 50 cycles, three-pin plug – the same as mainland Australia.
• The weight limit for luggage on Lord Howe flights is 14kg per person of checked baggage and 4kg of carry-on baggage. Excess baggage, such as golf clubs and surfboards, are carried on a subject-to-load basis.
• Many holidaymakers are delighted that there is no mobile phone coverage on Lord Howe Island, but public phones and faxes are available.
• Time: Australian Eastern Summertime during daylight saving. During winter, Lord Howe Island is 30 minutes ahead of Sydney time.
• Conference Facilities: Some accommodation establishments are able to cater for conferences with up to 30 or 40 delegates. There are two church halls, bowling club rooms, golf club house and a 150 seat community hall/cinema.
• Medical: A hospital and dispensary is situated on Lagoon Road and the doctor and nursing staff are on 24 hour call in emergencies.
• Supplies: A variety of stores carry groceries, liquor, fruit, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, clothing, souvenirs and snacks. There is also a hairdressing salon, beauty and masseur facilities, arts and crafts.
• Lord Howe Island is World Heritage-listed and is surrounded by a Marine Park. It is an excellent example of ecotourism, where sustainability principles are a part of daily life.