7 unforgettable experiences to make the most of Lord Howe Island

An island escape like no other, Lord Howe Island awaits with unique experiences and an UNTOUCHED environment.

Rising from the Pacific Ocean over 600 kilometres off the NSW coast, the list of things to do on Lord Howe Island are endless. This World Heritage-listed island is a place of pristine beauty. Two dramatically looming peaks tiered with endemic palms watch over the lush green valley and serene beaches below, which are home to a rookery of seabirds and thriving coral colonies filled with marine life.

Above or below, there are endless things to do on Lord Howe Island. (Image: Lord Howe Island)

A dedication to sustainability is to thank for such a seemingly untouched environment. Native bird and critter populations have exploded in the last few years after significant efforts were made to control invasive species.

While a limit of 400 visitors at a time keeps the island secluded, it’s the local personalities that bring Lord Howe to life, from the moment travellers are greeted at the airport to sharing a beer or two at the local brewery. Here’s how to get to the heart of Australia’s island wonder.

1. Hike to the top of Mt Gower

With its Jurassic-looking cliffs, Mt Gower steals attention; at 875-metres tall, it’s also the island’s largest mountain. Thickly forested with native subtropical plants and punctuated with heart-stopping plunges, the only way to reach the summit is with a guide.

Jack from Sea to Summit Expeditions for the challenging 14-kilometre return summit walk. Discover more about local ecology (and maybe even watch him ‘call in’ the birdlife) as Jack shares his passion and commitment to caring for the island along the way.

Climb the striking Mt Gower. (Image: Rian Cope)

2. Visit a pristine barrier reef

A position on the southernmost end of a barrier reef – as well as a wealth of underwater caves, trenches and drop-offs – has gifted the island an extraordinary environment for sea life to flourish. Dipping beneath the surface is like entering an aquarium tank.

The best way see it all is by joining Dean or Kayla from Lord Howe Island Environmental Tours to explore the sheltered lagoon. Whether snorkelling or by glass-bottomed boat, be guided to a shallow reef dominated by neon-coloured corals. And parts of the lagoon packed with marine life from black stingrays to turtles, while learning why this part of the reef is so unique.

See the friendly locals so clearly, it’s like an aquarium. (Image: Mark Fitz)

3. See the world’s tallest sea stack

Piercing the sky like a craggy spearhead, Ball’s Pyramid cuts an imposing silhouette. The 551-metre basalt tower owns the title of the world’s tallest sea stack and is just as stunning above the water as below. Home to myriad creatures, like turtles, dolphins and sharks, it’s a diving and snorkelling nirvana.

A charter is needed to reach it, so hop aboard Reef N Beyond’s snorkel tour with Dave, or join Dive Lord Howe to delve below the surface.

Catch a boat to Ball’s Pyramid. (Image: Ian Hutton)

4. Swim with the local turtles

Perhaps the most chilled out of all marine species, watching the graceful and languid underwater manoeuvres of sea turtles is a heart-lifting sight. Step into a glass-bottomed boat and watch North Bay’s green sea turtles and hawksbills enchant you with their gentle, unhurried style.

Join tour guide, sixth-generation islander and turtle whisperer Anthony on a Marine Adventures tour combining turtle-ogling with a nature excursion on their three-hour tour. Also climb Mt Eliza, swim in the beguilingly clear waters of the Herring Pools and join a guided seabird walk.

Step into a glass-bottomed boat to sea turtles. (Image: Emily Armstrong)

5. Dive into Lord Howe Island Marine Reserve

The water surrounding Lord Howe is untouched by the realm of the everyday. Ocean lovers who relish the chance to swim deeper below the surface can explore 465-square kilometres of pristine beauty that is the Lord Howe Island Marine Reserve on a dive with expert guides.

With some of Australia’s best diving sites ideal for every level, the tranquil world below beckons with a staggering diversity of fish and coral species that have flourished thanks to the island’s small population and restricted visitor numbers. Galapagos sharks, starfish, double-header wrasse, sting rays and more call this place home.

Swim with a large number of fish and coral species. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick)

If you’re not certified, the award-winning Dive Lord Howe can sort you out. Its team of talented and passionate staff love the ocean as much as they love scuba diving. Using environmentally friendly options in their operation to maintain the health of the marine park, they’ll take all levels to the best parts of the island.

Join environmental science graduate, freedive and scuba instructor, surfer and self-proclaimed ocean enthusiast, Liv, runs seven-night experiences across land and sea for those hooked on this underwater wonderland. Liv for the Sea operates tours including a free-dive course for beginner or advanced divers, bike ride the island, find peace with guided meditation and yoga, and even join a Galapagos shark dive. Your accommodation is sorted too.

Learn to dive or hone your skills. (Image: Jordan Robins)

6. Enjoy a beach picnic

Come the lowering of the midday sun, every angle bathed in golden, soft light makes finding the perfect picnic spot all too easy. There are any number of beachside barbecues for your own cookup.

Or, if you’d rather leave the food up to someone else, enlist the help of Love Lord Howe. Catering for couples up to large groups, owner Danielle and her team will set up a feast with a gorgeous outdoor decor. From the table, cushions, crockery and glassware, to the antipasto platter, Champagne and seasonal fruit, to the stunning views; it’s a picnic to remember.

7. Try unique blends at Lord Howe Island Brewery

Walking under the lush canopies of the island’s subtropical rainforests, the scent of native flora permeates the senses. From more than 150 endemic flora to the verdant fronds of the kentia palm, the fragrance and flavour of Lord Howe hangs subtly in the air. Started by Tim Maxwell and his dad, Michael Maxwell, Lord Howe Island Brewery have tasked themselves with imbuing their beer with these nowhere-else-on-earth flavours.

Head Brewer Alastair Gillespie leads that charge. Foraging plants from the island’s Permanent Park Preserve, they collaborate with Southern Cross University to discover how they might use these native ingredients in their creations.

Visit the brewery for a pint and see if you can pick the local honey and rainwater in the Lord Howe lager, or take a tour of the company’s operations, including the propagation of the kentia palm and a mushroom farm.

Taste unique brews at Lord Howe Island Brewery. (Image: Heidi Morris)

To start booking your incredible Lord Howe experiences, visit oxleytravel.com.au/lord-howe-island.