Lord Howe Island is a long-extinct volcanic strip surrounded by several small islets. Its waters – a blend of warm tropical and cooler temperate ocean currents – are home to over 500 fish species, more than 90 coral species and countless other marine species, many only found in the immediate area.
A diverse range of habitats include a barrier coral reef and lagoon with fringing reefs dominated either by coral or macroalgal communities. Lord Howe Island was the first site in New South Wales declared as World Heritage in 1982.
A whole swag of options is on offer for exploring the marine park. At low tide the lagoon becomes a giant fish bowl, revealing it’s incredible wonders for scuba-shoe clad explorers. A North Bay cruise and round-island boat tour show the diversity of the marine environment. Kayak tours, stand up paddle boarding and surfing, fishing charters and boat adventures to the Admiralty Islands and Ball’s Pyramid are all great ways to get in and around the water on Lord Howe.
Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage-listed marine park environment, abundant marine life and crystal-clear waters attract divers from around the world to explore its diverse range of dive sites.
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Lord Howe picks up powerful groundswell from the Southern and Pacific oceans throughout the year. Combined with a shallow coral reef, it means one thing – waves. The island also boasts some of the least crowded beaches in Australia!
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Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are great ways to explore the lagoon. Craft are available to hire from the operators based in the boat sheds along the foreshore.
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As part of a protected marine park, fishing on Lord Howe is a spectacular and rewarding pursuit, with tuna, marlin and the yellow-tail kingfish commonly caught and many other rarer species released with a kiss!
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The Admiralty Islands is a cluster of volcanic islands reached by a 15-minute boat trip. Birdlife flocks here, as do eager divers. Around 25 sites scattered around the atolls offer some of Australia's best diving.
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A protected spot at the island’s north end, Old Settlement Beach is a favourite for spotting Green Sea turtles who graze on the local seagrasses and for spending the day lazing on the sand with a good book.
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Intriguing and mysterious, Ball's Pyramid is the world’s tallest sea stack and rises some 562 metres from the Pacific Ocean around 20 km south of Lord Howe. It's also home to a once thought extinct insect!
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Lord Howe Island’s North Bay is a sheltered area of the reef, ideal for snorkelling around the lagoon’s own shipwreck and the best spot for an encounter with Green Sea turtles as they feed among the seagrasses.
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A tour of the reef by glass-bottom boat with optional snorkel is a wonderful start to a Lord Howe holiday. The island’s excellent operators are based in the boat sheds on the lagoon near the CBD.
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One of Lord Howe’s best-loved beaches, Ned's is popular for its beach, reef-snorkelling and picnicking options. Feeding the fish at Ned's is guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe.
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