10 of the best things to do on Lord Howe Island

From exploring misty peaks and underwater worlds to beach-hopping and fish-feeding, Lord Howe Island is a paradise for the adventurer and the nonchalant alike.

Cast off from the New South Wales coast and voluntarily maroon yourself on a glittering island paradise. Lord Howe’s pristine waters backdropped by looming mountains somehow conjure the intoxicating feeling that you’ve stumbled upon a truly lost world. Ancient and entirely untethered from the everyday, the best things to do on Lord Howe Island range from plunging into gemstone waters and communing with native species.

Slip into the underwater metropolis of the world’s southernmost coral reef to watch its high-vis beauty or scale moody Mount Gower to wander an enchantingly mist-draped forest. Whether you love to slow it right down or wind things up with a heart-pounding adventure, these are the must-do activities to enjoy before unwinding in your tropical accommodation.

Golden sunsets, tropical plates and beaches that look too perfect to be real – Lord Howe Island is paradise served fresh.

Best time to go to Lord Howe Island

cycling on Lord Howe Island — Explore this lush island on two wheels. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The easy answer is that there’s no perfect time to go to Lord Howe, as it’s perennially perfect. But while the temperature is ‘pleasant’ year-round, if you like it on the warmer side, you might opt for summer with average temperatures of 25 degrees. The most popular time to visit, however, is between September and May. Winter, on the other hand, is quieter and you’ll still enjoy plenty of warm and sunny days with a minimum of 12–14 degrees and a water temp that hovers around 18-degrees.

How to get to Lord Howe Island

scenic views of Lord Howe Island at sunrise — The ‘Galapagos of the South’ is rich with unique flora and fauna. (Image: tom-archer.com)

Although Lord Howe Island seems to occupy a space somewhere in the vicinity of paradise, it’s actually in NSW. Just 700 kilometres northeast of Sydney on the same latitude as Port Macquarie.

To get there, you’ll need to fly either from Sydney with QantasLink or with a charter through Eastern Air Services from the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Port Macquarie.

Things to do on Lord Howe Island

1. Experience one of the best day hikes in the world

sun rises over Lord Howe Island — Hike at sunrise to see spectacular island views. (Image: tom-archer.com)

The first thing you’ll notice as you fly into Lord Howe is the looming, Jurassic-looking Mt Gower. Often adorned with a foggy halo, this 875-metre sentinel dominates the island from almost every vantage.

It beckons adventurers to its fern-festooned top where a misty forest rewards hikers with glimpses of endemic woodhens and views of the surrounding waters that dazzle like polished gems.

Though ranked one of the best day hikes in the world, as a physically demanding, challenging grade 5 hike over tricky terrain, those considering climbing to Mount Gower’s summit should do so only with one of the island’s licensed guides, including Sea to Summit Expeditions guide, Jack Shick. As Lord Howe’s most experienced mountain guide, with over 2400 trips to the summit under his belt, Jack has taken walkers up the mountain regularly for over 30 years.

2. Spy Native Birdlife

a white tern resting on a tree branch, Lord Howe Island — Keep an eye out for some of the world’s rarest birds on Lord Howe Island. (Image: Destination NSW)

Seasoned twitchers will already be aware of the rich bird-watching opportunities on Lord Howe. With 14 species choosing to nest here come the breeding season, give your binoculars a spit and polish in anticipation of spotting a red-tailed tropicbird, muttonbird, and the star-attraction, one of the world’s rarest birds, the providence petrel. This seabird is so predator-free that its curiosity makes it a fascinating attraction. At dusk, if you call to the sky of circling petrels, you may be able to divert one from its flight to pop down and get a better look at you.

3. Explore Beneath the Sea

scuba diving beneath Lord Howe Island — Discover over 60 world-class dive sites beneath Lord Howe Island. (Image: Jordan Robins)

No matter whether you’re an accredited diver or prefer to snorkel, you’ll have plenty of underwater colour to ogle at this declared state marine park with 500 species of fish and 90 coral species. As you glide through the pristine waters, you’ll easily spot the high-vis kaleidoscope beneath the surface.

Perfect for kids and novice snorkellers, the calm lagoon is protected by the world’s most southern coral reef, while for divers, there are 60 sites to explore, most within a 20-minute boat ride. Keep a goggled eye out for rare and endemic species, including Spanish dancers, double header wrasse and the Ballina angelfish.

Prefer something a little more adrenaline pumping? With waters surrounding Lord Howe Island being the only place in Australia where you can view Galapagos Whaler sharks, it’s now possible to get up close by booking a Galapagos Shark experience with Dive Lord Howe or Reef n’ Beyond . These guided tours will not only provide you with fascinating facts about the majestic creatures, but also teach you how to swim safely with them.

And with freediving becoming ever more popular, Liv For the Sea is a great new way to dip your toes into this exhilarating underwater experience. From freediving training courses to day trips and private charters, founder Liv Rose will introduce you to the best underwater locations in just one breath. The season runs from November to May when visibility is at its peak.

4. Bask in some beach time

Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird as seen from Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island — Take in views of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird at Blinky Beach. (Image: tom-archer.com)

If a good book beckons – this is a holiday after all – unfurl your towel and pop your beach brolly for a sun-soaked session on the sand.

Whether it’s swimming in the lagoon, surfing at Blinky Beach, or spotting turtles and exploring the seclusion of Old Settlement, you’ll find the right stretch of shore to suit your vibe.

Hungry for more? As well as being the best spot for snorkelling on the island, Ned’s Beach is where you’ll find the friendliest fish in the country. You need only wade into the glittering waters here before you’re immediately swarmed by fish, mouths agape and waiting for you to deliver dinner.

The mullet, wrasse, garfish and silver drummers, among others, will nibble right out of your hand, making it a wildly thrilling experience for all ages. Grab a handful of approved fish food from the dispenser on the beach and swim in to wait on these finned diners. You can also hire snorkel gear from the beach, simply leave your money in the honesty box.

5. Quench your island thirst

filling a glass with tap beer at Lord Howe Island Brewery — Lord Howe Island Brewery pours experimental brews made from unique foraged finds. (Image: Heidi Morris)

One of the most popular watering holes for locals, Lord Howe Island Brewery has special permission by the Permanent Park Preserve to scour the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Island for unique ingredients to pop in their hops. The brewers then send these foraged finds off for testing before fermenting them to create experimental flavours. Often host to live music and events, Lord Howe Island Brewery provides a shady spot to taste the effervescence of their efforts while snacking on pizza, fresh from their woodfired oven.

Gin more your thing? Get down to Lord Howe Island distilling Co for a behind-the-scenes look to learn about at how the island’s first distillery produces its award-winning small batch gins. Made using wild and endemic botanicals found on the island, gin from the distillery’s range can be sampled during a guided tasting session with co-founder, Anthony Riddle, including those such as Wild Lemon and Hibiscus, Mountain Rose, and Reef Gin.

6. Check out Balls Pyramid

a bird flying above the Balls Pyramid on Lord Howe Island — Balls Pyramid stands 551 metres high. (Image: Destination NSW/Eugene Tan)

As far as rock formations go, Balls Pyramid is fairly spectacular on account of it being the tallest sea stack on the planet at 551 metres high. Jutting out like a giant spearhead 23 kilometres southeast of the island, you can spot the stack from lofty vantages around the island, but it’s well worth taking a boat charter to get face-to-rockface with it.

It also happens to be one of Australia’s best scuba diving sites with its basalt walls plunging to the depths below and providing shelter for all manner of sea life from turtles to dolphins and marlin. And for those who love fishing, while the marine park surrounding Lord Howe Island is off limits for commercial fishing, Ball’s Pyramid is one of the best spots offshore for recreational anglers to hook kingfish, tuna, and wahoo, with several chartered boat operators available to take you there.

7. Transform on a wellness retreat

a woman doing some yoga on Lord Howe Island — Find Zen on a meditative retreat with Lord Howe Yoga. (Image: Emily Spirling)

Nirvana gets a little closer when you’re staying on tranquil Lord Howe, but you can shorten the distance between you and your contentment goals further with a yoga and wellness retreat. Karma Being ’s five-night retreat that packages up daily yoga, meditation and breathwork, as well as most meals, a snorkel tour and transfers, among other inclusions. If you’d rather not commit to a full five days, join a casual class with Lord Howe Yoga where local instructor Nikki Belliveau will guide you through an outdoor session by the lagoon. Nikki also hosts workshops and a regular 1-day wellness retreat.

8.  Picnic like a pro

Believe it or not, one of the best things to do on Lord Howe is going for a picnic. Islanders love it so much there are dedicated picnic areas and BBQ facilities dotted all around the island.

You could pack your own, but if you want to experience a true taste of Lord Howe, why not let an award-winning local picnic operator do it for you? Taking out Gold for Excellence in Food Tourism at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2023, and Silver for Excellence in Food Tourism at the 2024 Australian Tourism Awards, Love Lord Howe ’s Couples or Small Group Picnics set up includes a low table, cushions, crockery, cutlery, glassware and a delicious grazing platter. Setting up in the best location on the day, there’s also the option to add champagne, wine and soft drinks.

9. Walk on the wildside

hikers taking the cliffside walk up Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island — Conquer the cliffside trail up Mount Gower. (Image: Tourism Australia)

While Mount Gower is the beast to conquer, Lord Howe Island’s other beautiful peaks, trails and beaches also deserve your attention. Take a guided tour with Lord Howe Island’s newest walking tour operator, Wildside Walks . With a background in environmental restoration and conservation, founder Jae De Clouett offers informative full and half-day tours to some of the island’s best and lesser-known gems, including Valley of the Shadows, Goat House Cave, Northern Hills, and Wildside Walks’ latest offering, Mount Gower Saddle Trek.

Alternatively, wander the island yourself. See here for the best walks on Lord Howe.

10. Take to the dark skies

Did you know Lord Howe is one of Australia’s best stargazing destinations? This year, the island will celebrate its dark sky status with the introduction of Dark Sky Festival . The inaugural event, planned to take place this year, from April 26 to May 1 will include events such as expert-led stargazing and astrophotography workshops, a Dark Dining experience, a nocturnal wildlife walk with a local naturalist, panel discussion Science Talks, a Stargazing Yoga and Wellbeing Experience, and Dancing Under the Stars.

Now read our guide to everything Lord Howe Island.

Originally written by Lara Picone with updates by Bonita Grima

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

10 of the best things to do on Lord Howe Island

From exploring misty peaks and underwater worlds to beach-hopping and fish-feeding, Lord Howe Island is a paradise for the adventurer and the nonchalant alike.

Best time to go to Lord Howe Island

How to get to Lord Howe Island

Things to do on Lord Howe Island