Lord Howe Island Holidays

During your stay on this paradisical island, you’ll want to spend most of your time exploring the spectacular natural surroundings. One of the most popular ways to do that is on a boat tour. Watch sea turtles swimming below your feet on a glass-bottom boat trip. Or, set out on a relaxing sunset cruise to enjoy incredible views whilst sipping on a glass of Aussie wine.

There’s plenty of ways to get active on Lord Howe Island, too. Start your day off slow with some relaxing yoga by the beach, before hitting the waves on a paddle-board or kayak. Alternatively, if you’d rather stay on land, you can tackle one of the scenic hiking trails. Take a short walk along the coast, or challenge yourself to the Seven Peaks Walk.

If you fancy something more intrepid than a boat trip, there are other ways you can explore the ocean during your Lord Howe Island holiday. Fishing trips here are particularly sought-after, with the ban on commercial fishing making for super-abundant waters. Set sail across the Tasman Sea and have a go at catching some yellowfin tuna or striped marlin.

If fishing isn’t really your thing, you don’t need to worry. There’s endless fun to be had beneath these turquoise waves, too. Embark on a snorkelling tour for the chance to swim alongside turtles and hundreds of tropical fish. Or, head to one of the Island’s many dive sites, such as Ball's Pyramid, to encounter sharks, rays and angelfish.

An Australasian Galapagos, Lord Howe Island is home to one of the most precious ecosystems in the world. It’s the spectacular wildlife and marine life that draws most of its visitors. And, many travel solely to do some bird-watching. There are over 200 species of land and sea bird to see here, many of which breed on the island and perform incredible, airborne courting rituals.

However, some would argue that below the ocean’s surface is where you’ll get to see the most magic. Home to a protected marine park, the water beyond Lord Howe Island is filled with kaleidoscopic coral reefs and countless species of fish. A number of bigger creatures roam this corner of the earth, too, such as dolphins, seals, stingrays and sharks.

If you’re wanting to do some bird-watching during your Lord Howe Island holiday, it’s worth knowing when you can expect to see the most impressive species. For example, the best months for spotting red-tailed tropicbirds is between November and June. And, for the super-rare Providence petrel, your best bet is between March and November.

The marine life, on the other hand, is visible all months of the year. But, diving and snorkelling season is usually considered to run from December to May, when the water’s the warmest. Whenever you choose go, just remember to book your accommodation well in advance, as the island only allows a maximum of 400 visitors at a time.