Imagine a place where you can leave the rat race far behind. Lord Howe Island, just a two hour flight from Sydney, is a haven for any type of holiday. With plenty of things to do, you’re sure to have a wonderful time on Lord Howe Island, whether you come with family, with a partner, or even just by yourself.
1. Water Sports
The crystal clear lagoon offers a safe place for swimming and paddle boarding (the boards can be hired from numerous outlets on the island). Snorkeling in the lagoon is ideal for young children and, for better swimmers, Ned’s beach is a must-visit.
2. Scuba Diving
Lord Howe Island is surrounded by a marine park and offers sixty world-class dive sites. There are two dive operators on the island who can take divers out to view the ninety species of coral and five hundred species of reef fish in some of the clearest waters in the world.
3. Wellness
If you need a vacation to rest and revive, Lord Howe Island is the ideal destination for a wellness retreat. The island’s nature-based, healthy activities, along with its fresh air and pristine water, can only benefit your health and mental wellbeing. Meanwhile, the Pinetrees Lodge– one of the most popular Lord Howe Island accommodation options – holds wellness weeks in May, August, October, and November.
4. Walking
Lord Howe Island isn’t large and the temperature is moderate, so walking is most enjoyable. There are numerous walk trails ranging from easy to challenging. The Mt. Gower climb, for example, can take five hours to reach the 875 meter summit but is considered one of the world’s best hikes. Walkers will be awestruck by the mist forest on the summit that is home to flora unique to the island.
5. Birdwatching
The island is a World Heritage listed site and 14 species of seabirds come in their hundreds of thousands to breed here. There are also over a hundred permanent and migratory bird species that live on or visit the island. Birds’ airborne courting displays can be observed between September and May.
6. Golf
Lord Howe Island has a 9-hole golf course and the club features a bar and restaurant for a pleasant dining experience after your round of golf. There’s nothing quite like golfing with beautiful island scenery in the background.
7. Fishing
Lord Howe Island is a fishing paradise. There are ten charter boat operators offering big game fishing on both half and full day tours. Passionate anglers can also fish from the beaches or lagoon, but a catch and release policy is encouraged.
8. Bike Riding
Bicycles are the way to travel on the island. Bikes can be hired, but a number of resorts provide them to their guests. A number of bicycle racks are also dotted around the island, so you don’t have to worry about your bike becoming a burden should you want to wander away to another activity.
With all the activities and beauty Lord Howe Island has to offer, would you consider it a perfect getaway? If you have traveled there before, how do you rate it as a destination? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
