Blinky Beach, Lord Howe IslandCREDIT: tom-archer.com
Scenic coastal views of Blinky Beach looking towards Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island.
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15 reasons to visit
Lord Howe Island
Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: tom-archer.com
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Ranked the world’s fifth best region to visit by global travel authority Lonely Planet in 2020, Lord Howe Island is pure paradise. Measuring just 11km by 2km, the crescent-shaped UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is the ultimate getaway, with fine weather and just 400 visitors allowed at any time. With one of the world’s most southerly coral reef systems on its doorstep as well as spectacular twin peaks ripe for hiking, Lord Howe Island, less than two hours’ flight from Sydney, will take your breath away. Here are 15 memorable ways to spend your time here.
Snorkel and dive among exquisite reefs
The meeting of tropical and cooler waters around Lord Howe Island has helped to nurture one of the world’s southernmost coral reefs systems, home to more than 90 coral species and 500 species of fish. More than 100 dive sites lure scuba fans of all skill levels, and there are plenty of great snorkelling spots around the island, too — try Ned’s Beach, where you can rent snorkels via an honesty box system.
Hike spectacular peaks
The guided eight-hour hike up Mount Gower (875m), the island’s highest peak, is one of Australia’s top climbs, with views from the summit that will leave you feeling on top of the world in every sense. But there are plenty of other trails lacing the island, such as the more leisurely Valley of the Shadows walk (1.2km return) amid huge banyan trees.
Visit Ball’s Pyramid
Twenty-three kilometres to the south of Lord Howe Island is a spectacular 551-metre spearhead of grey basalt that seemingly explodes from the ocean. The world’s largest sea stack is home to extraordinary birdlife, and the waters surrounding Balls Pyramid are teeming with marine life. Sign up for a cruise to the island, or take a drift dive with Pro Dive Lord Howe Island.
Catch big fish (and eat them too)
Lord Howe is a top destination for big-game fishing, with yellowfin tuna, wahoo and marlin among the fishy trophies you might bag on a fishing charter. Island chefs including Ben Crompton, head chef at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, will even cook your catch of the day for you, just the way you like it.
Go birdwatching
With 14 species of seabird breeding on the island including the endemic woodhen, and 130 permanent and migratory bird species to be spotted throughout the year, Lord Howe is among Australia’s premier bird-watching destinations. In the winter, the island is a breeding ground for the rare providence petrels that wheel in the sky in huge numbers.
Sleep in luxury
For luxury hotel lovers, it doesn’t get much better than Capella Lodge’s Lidgbird Pavilion, an all-inclusive double-storey apartment featuring panoramic views of the ocean, mountains and subtropical rainforest, and a private outdoor plunge pool. At Arajilla Retreat, there’s also a private, self-contained beach house just for two.
Hit the spa
Tough day exploring this New South Wales island paradise? Enjoy some rejuvenation at the incredible Capella Spa at Capella Lodge. For the ultimate indulgence, try the three-hour ‘Dreaming’ treatment, including everything imaginable to leave you feeling balanced and renewed.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Capella Lodge
Soak up superb Lord Howe Island views from the luxurious surrounds of Capella Lodge.
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Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Capella Lodge
Soak up superb Lord Howe Island views from the luxurious surrounds of Capella Lodge.
Yellow-breasted Robin, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Zach Sanders
A yellow-breasted robin on Lord Howe Island.
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Yellow-breasted Robin, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Zach Sanders
A yellow-breasted robin on Lord Howe Island.
Surf at Blinky Beach
Surfing uncrowded waves doesn’t get much better than at Lord Howe, which has 10 main surf spots. On the eastern side of the island, the beach break at Blinky Beach is among the most accessible.
Enjoy an island-style barbecue
With their golden sands and incredible views, Lord Howe’s 11 beautiful beaches are perfectly suited to barbecuing outdoors. With 10 wood-fired barbecue spots around the island to choose from, make the most of the abundance of locally caught seafood and cook yourself an island-style feed.
Get the money shot
The 360-degree views from Malabar Hill at the northern end of the island are beautiful at any time of day, but the vista is supercharged during the ‘golden hours’ either side of sunrise and sunset. You’re welcome.
Kayak into the sunset
The island’s calm, turquoise lagoon is perfect for kayaking. Rent one in the late afternoon and take to the water for the ultimate sunset viewpoint.
Challenge yourself
Love a challenge? Sign up for the Seven Peaks Walk. One of the Great Walks of Australia, this guided adventure traverses the island’s spectacular and diverse landscapes for five days, including an ascent of Mount Gower on the final day. But you won’t exactly be roughing it, with hikers shuttled back to the luxurious Pinetrees lodge every evening for a four-course dinner.
Discover the island’s history
Learn more about this incredible island by visiting the Lord Howe Island Museum, a treasure chest of natural history, with fascinating collections spanning historical artefacts to a herbarium of dried and pressed specimens. The museum shop is also a great place to pick up gifts.
Explore the island on two wheels
With a limited number of cars on the island (and a maximum speed limit of 25km/h), Lord Howe is perfect for cycling. Rent or borrow a bike from your accommodation and explore the island at your leisure.
Play a memorable round of golf
Hugging the southern end of the island’s idyllic lagoon, Lord Howe Island Golf Club is one of Australia’s most picturesque and challenging courses. Meandering through a lush palm forest and out onto gently undulating open fairways, this nine-holer will keep golfers on their toes.
Kayaking, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic kayak by Lagoon Beach on Lord Howe Island with Mount Gower as the backdrop.
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Kayaking, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a scenic kayak by Lagoon Beach on Lord Howe Island with Mount Gower as the backdrop.
Cycling, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a relaxing and scenic bike ride on Lord Howe Island.
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Cycling, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a relaxing and scenic bike ride on Lord Howe Island.
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe IslandCREDIT: tom-archer.com
Woman relaxing by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Recharge in luxury
on Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: tom-archer.com
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Switch off from the everyday with a rejuvenating escape to World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Here, you can snorkel coral reefs, hike volcanic peaks, swim with turtles, and unwind in luxury at one of five landmark stays – including Pinetrees Lodge, Capella Lodge, Arajilla Retreat, Admiralty Apartments and Island House, a Hemsworth family favourite!
Pinetrees Lodge
With its 19th-century heritage, Pinetrees is an integral part of Lord Howe Island’s identity, but this carbon-neutral lodge is not one for stuffy formalities. There’s no need to don resort wear, and the doors don’t even have locks. The pick of its relaxed ‘coastal-style’ rooms, suites and cottages is the spacious Chef’s Cottage. French doors and louvre windows summon in Pacific Ocean breezes, while blackbutt timber floors, subtropical garden-facing private decks and a 400-book library add refinement. Foodies will find happiness somewhere between flourless chocolate cake and confit duck with duck fat-roasted potatoes. A signature massage at the day spa is the perfect recovery after the five-day Seven Peaks Walk, which sets out from here. At sunset, head down to Pinetrees’s wooden boathouse on Lagoon Beach to unwind with wine and canapés.
Capella Lodge
In the island’s south, Capella Lodge claims Lord Howe’s most spectacular vistas. Let majestic mountains Lidgbird and Gower duel for your attention as you float in the mesmerising infinity pool. The intimate resort has nine timber-floored suites designed to be in visual harmony with their surroundings. The modern interiors, featuring designer furnishings such as Danish ‘Prime Time’ chairs and island-themed commissioned artworks, achieve a serene beach-house ambience. Executive chef Cooper Dickson’s cuisine makes a lasting impression, from gourmet treats in your in-suite bar to fine-dining creations sourced partly from Capella’s ever-evolving vegetable garden. And the day spa is truly decadent.
Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Pinetrees Lodge
Pinetrees Boatshed at Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island
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Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Pinetrees Lodge
Pinetrees Boatshed at Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
Arajilla Retreat
A subtle entrance off Old Settlement Beach sets the scene sublimely for small-footprint, laid-back Arajilla Retreat. The light-dappled boardwalk which links its 12 rooms with the spa and restaurant feels like a natural path through the kentia palm forest. All-inclusive Arajilla caters for most holiday demands, from island-fresh breakfasts to complimentary use of fishing gear and snorkelling equipment. Tropical-print rugs and cushions in natural materials such as linen help weave Arajilla’s boutique island vibe. Nooks of note include the Banyan Suites’ north-facing mezzanine Treetops Lounge. Book Blue Peter Beach House if you’re looking for a refined, self-contained space for two, just across from Lagoon Beach.
Island House
The sophisticated new kid on Lord Howe’s luxury block is also its most ‘Hemsworthy’. Chris Hemsworth and his extended family were the first guests at Island House, which is actually two two-bedroom, two-bathroom, architect-designed spaces, the South House and the North House. Both are elegantly curated with mid-century Danish furniture, high-end Japanese homewares and Aboriginal art. Soak in outdoor copper baths then relax by a cast-iron Cheminées Philippe fireplace, sampling a Japanese spirit or ‘new- and old-world’ wine from the well-curated bar. Your kitchen is stocked with high-end utensils and produce from nearby sister business, The Nursery, but private chefs can be arranged to do the culinary grind for you.
Admiralty Apartments
On Lord Howe’s serene northeast sit two spacious self-contained apartments by relative newcomer Admiralty Apartments. Hand-feed fish and snorkel over the reef at Ned's Beach Sanctuary Zone, which is literally almost on your doorstep. Admiralty typifies Lord Howe’s barefoot-luxury ethos. Enjoy breezy, generous interiors full of thoughtful touches such as Haiku timber ceiling fans, then grab your complimentary bottle of wine and Rose-Marie Hillier beach umbrella when you’re ready to spend some ‘you’ time on the beach.
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Destination NSW
Dine at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
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Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Destination NSW
Dine at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
Island House, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Island House
The South House at Island House, Lord Howe Island.
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Island House, Lord Howe Island CREDIT: Island House
The South House at Island House, Lord Howe Island.