Lord Howe Island – An Idyllic Island in the Tasman Sea
Lord Howe Island is an idyllic Australian island located in the Tasman Sea, east of Port Macquarie. It is characterized by clear waters, pristine sandy beaches, and subtropical forests. Mount Gower, the island’s high peak, offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. Ned’s Beach is known for its calm, fish-filled waters, and masked boobies make the island their home. The island is also close to the Admiralty Islands, a great place to spot wildlife.
375 miles off the southeast coast of New South Wales
Lord Howe Island is an island chain that stretches across the Pacific Ocean, 375 miles off the southeast coast of New south Wales, Australia. It is located on the edge of the Lord Howe Rise, which was formed by seafloor spreading 60 to 80 million years ago. This seamount chain is made up of numerous coral-capped guyots, which continue north for 600 miles. They are thought to be the result of seafloor spreading as the Australia plate moved north over a hot spot.
Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage Site, whose biodiversity makes it unique. It is home to over 500 different species of fish and a diverse range of endemic plant and animal life. One of the most intriguing features of the island is the Kentia palm nursery, which is native to the island.
Home to the southernmost coral reef in the world
The southernmost coral reef in the world is located on Lord Howe Island, 600 km east of Australia’s mainland. The island is home to a thriving ecosystem, containing over 500 species of fish and huge flocks of seabirds. The island also has a number of hiking trails that lead through its lush rainforest. The island is also home to Mount Gower, which rises 875 metres above sea level and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
While visiting Lord Howe Island, don’t miss the chance to dive or snorkel in the world’s southernmost coral reef. There are more than 60 official diving sites in the marine park, and you can also go snorkeling directly from the shore. During your dive, you’ll see colorful coral, sea turtles, and rays. For the novice, there are also glass bottom boats available to experience the underwater world.
World Heritage Site
The tiny island of Lord Howe is situated in the Tasman Sea, east of Port Macquarie. It features clear waters, pristine beaches, and subtropical forests. It also boasts a soaring mountain, Mount Gower, where you can hike for sweeping views. You can also check out Ned’s Beach, which has calm, fish-filled waters. The island is also close to the Admiralty Islands.
The Lord Howe Island World Heritage Site encompasses the entire island, including its offshore islets. The seaward boundary of the site follows the mean high water mark, and it also includes the Balls Pyramid group of rocks, located 25 km southeast of the island.
Has a tropical rainforest
Lord Howe Island’s rainforest covers a majority of the island, with a great variety of vegetation. There are many different kinds of plants on the island, ranging from tiny herbs to large trees that can grow 20 metres tall. Lord Howe Island’s tall peaks create a variety of microclimates. There are 52 different species of tree and plant life on the island.
Lord Howe Island is also home to several species of birds, including four endemic species. There are 168 different bird species present, including 14 seabirds and eighteen landbirds. There are also large colonies of providence petrels, which breed on the island. The island is also home to flesh-footed shearwaters, which nest on Lord Howe and Norfolk Island. A red-tailed tropic bird has also been recorded.
Has a marine reserve
The waters around Lord Howe Island have a diverse range of marine life, and are a world heritage site. The lagoon, fringing reef, coral communities, and pristine sand beaches are just a few of the treasures to be found here. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and a unique opportunity for anyone interested in discovering Australia’s diverse marine life.
The Lord Howe Island Marine Park protects three distinct communities of marine life: coral reefs, macroalgal beds, and open coast communities. In fact, the island group is home to the world’s southernmost coral reef. There are also 305 species of benthic algae living there, including 47 endemic species. In addition, the area is home to two species of non-endemic sea grasses.
Is too expensive for most travellers
Lord Howe Island is a two-hour flight from Sydney. There are 15 hotels on the island including upmarket villa accommodation, and you can walk the entire island in a day. You should also be aware of the island’s high prices. You can’t use your cell phone on the island, and there’s no internet. In fact, you can’t even post a picture on Facebook or Twitter.
Getting to Lord Howe Island is expensive. The island’s average airfare is around $2,500 for a couple and $5,000 for a family of four. However, if you want to save money on airfare, consider booking the trip when the airfare is cheaper. Late October to early November are the cheapest times to visit the island.
Find out more about places to stay and the best accommodation on Lord Howe Island at SomersetLordHowe