Lord Howe Island, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Guide to Lord Howe Island

Welcome
Getting to Lord Howe Island
When to visit

Leave the pace of modern life behind when you visit World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island.

The lush natural paradise of Lord Howe Island isn't far from Sydney, but once here, you will feel worlds away. With only 400 tourists permitted here at any one time, you can soak up the solitude or mingle with friendly locals, peppering your stay with indulging spa treatments, incredible food and wine and adventures in the stunning natural landscape. With nothing but clean air and lush mountainous terrain around you, you're in for a relaxing and recharging nature-filled escape.

The only way to get to Lord Howe Island is with a two-hour flight from Sydney. Flights depart daily, and there are connecting flights from all Australian capital cities. There’s a limit of 400 tourists on the island at any one time, so make sure you have a confirmed accommodation booking before arranging your flights.

Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH) is 2.5km (1.5mi) from the island’s main town and services domestic arrivals
Your accommodation provider will offer complimentary airport transfers

A limited selection of rental cars is available on Lord Howe Island, but you can explore much of this tiny island on foot, or hire bicycles to get around.

Lord Howe Island is a nature-lover's paradise at any time of the year. Summers are pleasantly warm and ideal for swimming, snorkelling and water sports, while the mild winters are made for bushwalking through the island's ancient forests.

High season: Spring and summer (September to February)
Low season: Winter (June to August)
Don’t miss: With hundreds of thousands of seabirds breeding on the island, there are plenty of birdwatching opportunities from November to June. From September to May see shearwaters (muttonbirds) return to the island at dusk, after feeding at sea.