Lord Howe Island

The crescent shaped Lord Howe Island is home to untouched natural beauty. The colorful coral reefs, pristine beaches and towering Mount Gower make this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island the perfect place to escape from the city and reconnect with nature. The surrounding waters, Admiralty Islands and the nearby Ball’s Pyramid make it one of the best diving spots in the world.

Situated in the Tasman Sea, the northern end of Lord Howe Island is where the beach lovers should head to. The crescent-shaped Neds Beach is a haven for snorkelers, with its shores opening up to fascinating coral reefs visible through the clear waters that greet the white sands of the beach. The Old Settlement Beach on the other side of the north end possesses its own beauty while also being home to cute sea turtles. The beaches have scenic walking trails up Malabar Hill that lead to the North Head of the island, journeying through the lush tropical forests that cover the area. Kim’s Lookout along the way provides an amazing view of the island and the surrounding blues of the ocean.

On the southern side of the island, Blinky Beach is a great spot for surfers and swimmers. Further south will lead travellers onto the Mount Gower Walking Track. The track winds around the outer side of the mountain, providing gorgeous views of the ocean as hikers progress further up the mountain. The 14-kilometer track can only be undertaken with a registered guide, who provides valuable insights about the area as they safely take travellers to the summit and back to the base. Jack Shick and Dean Hiscox are the registered guides, both with invaluable experience and knowledge about the area. The cuisine at Lord Howe Island is definitely worth a try, with fresh produce converted into palatable food that differentiates it from the Australian mainland.