Australia’s leading sustainable destination
Lord Howe Island is one of Australia’s most STUNNING destinations. This crescent-shaped outcrop packs in two rugged peaks, WATERFALLS, huge colonies of seabirds, fish-filled REEFS and a LAGOON that shimmers in subtropical shades of blue.
YOU’LL WANT TO lose yourself in nature here, and can do so without guilt, since Lord Howe is a world leader in sustainable development. A Permanent Park Preserve protects 70 per cent of the island, its surrounding waters classified a Marine Park, while its UNESCO World Heritage listing further enhances protective regulations. Visitor numbers are capped at 400 at any time, which offers an uncrowded, exclusive experience for lucky visitors.
TOP LORD HOWE WALKING
You can hardly get more sustainable than your own two feet, so get moving. Lord Howe has enormous diversity, from mountains to sea cliffs, rounded hills and grassy lowlands. Easy walks include Transit Hill, and Max Nicholls Track to North Bay. More strenuous is spectacular Kim’s Lookout track. Head to Malabar Hill for sunset. For the fit, challenging 875-metre Mt Gower is one of Australia’s top day hikes. If you’re a keen hiker, make a point of joining local legend and fifth generation islander Jack Shick on a SEA TO day walk to the top of Mt Gower. SUMMIT
WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES
With 11 beaches, a peacock-blue lagoon and 10 surfing spots, you’ll want to hit the water. Head to Blinky Beach, Old Settlement Beach or Ned’s Beach, where you only need wade into the water to admire coral, giant clams, stingrays and abundant fish. The lagoon’s tranquil waters are great for paddle-boarding and kayaking. LORD HOWE runs adventurous ENVIRONMENTAL TOURS kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours and gets the green tick from Ecotourism Australia. Tropical and cool waters meet off Lord Howe Island. The result is the world’s southernmost reef, rare corals and more than 500 fish species. Snorkellers’ favourite spots include the easily accessed Erscott’s Hole and Lagoon Beach. Environmentally friendly PRO offers PADI diving DIVE LORD HOWE ISLAND courses and various scuba-diving excursions. Pro Dive’s other light-tread activities include snorkelling tours and the hire of kayaks and paddle-boards.
WHERE TO STAY
At the top end is chic LODGE, which CAPELLA has a fine-dining restaurant and spa, and a big sustainability focus and resident naturalist. offers beach-house style ARAJILLA RETREAT luxury with inclusive meals, and a relaxing day spa. While has oneand BLUE LAGOON LODGE two-bedroom apartments with kitchenette, set in lush gardens.