With a lagoon that looks like Bora Bora’s and mountains towering to the heavens that are home to species of animals and birds you won’t see anywhere else on this planet, is it any wonder Lord Howe Island became World-Heritage listed?
That there can be so much to see on a strip of land 11 kilometres by two kilometres (at its widest point) defies belief. For this is one of the world’s last paradises, enjoyed by a very small number of visitors each year (restrictions apply on the number of tourists allowed in, ensuring Lord Howe’s uniqueness continues forever). Framed by crashing surf, Lord Howe Island is home to the world’s southern most coral reef. However, on Lord Howe Island you have the choice of swimming in its protected lagoon, or taking a short walk to the other side of the island to sand-bottomed beaches, where at times the surf crashes right to shore. But experiencing nature at its finest is not even Lord Howe’s strongest drawcard. It’s the people, a fascinating collection of fourth-fifth-and sixth generation locals and artistic drop-outs from the mainland, who create an ambience of such friendliness and character they’ll have to drag you kicking and screaming to your plane ride out.
Why you’ll love it
Because the natural beauty served up on Lord Howe Island is as good as anywhere in the South Pacific; be it perfect, blue lagoons, untouched bushland, empty, perfect swimming bays or the unusual alpine forests to be found at the top of Mt Gower, Lord Howe Island will be one of the most striking islands you’ll ever visit.
Best suits the couple who
Love the simple things. If you need to be enter tained constantly on holiday, Lord Howe Island is not the place
for you. Lord Howe is for couples who appreciate life at its simplest; morning swims in sunny lagoons, snorkels by off-shore reefs, meeting locals at beach-side cafes and walking through nature understanding that many species of plants and animals grow nowhere else on the planet.
Top romantic things to do
Get lost! Lord Howe Island has some of the world’s best day walks, but many are guided. Take a break instead for a day with your partner and find your own way – with a picnic hamper. Find the best views over the lagoon – with not a soul around – at Salmon Bay, stop for a swim inside the lagoon at Lovers Bay or make the two kilometre walk west to the sand-bottomed beaches of Middle, Neds and Blinky Beach – no doubt they’ll be yours to experience alone.
