Where is it - Lord Howe Island | Just Paradise Howe Island Backgrounder AT… · The catch typically includes kingfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and other oceanic species – many of

Lord Howe Island – Background Information 1

Scuba diving Lord Howe Island

Aerial view of Lord Howe Island with Balls Pyramid in the background

BACKGROUNDER June 2008

Lord Howe Island celebrated its 25th anniversary of World Heritage listing in December, 2007. It is one of only a handful of island groups on the UNESCO World Heritage list, inscribed for its biodiversity and spectacular landscape and is home to hundreds of beautiful and rare plants, birds and marine species. The island was created by a volcanic eruption seven million years ago. It boasts a number of unique natural experiences

including diving the world’s southernmost coral reef and visiting Balls Pyramid – the tallest sea stack in world. Two-thirds of the island is covered in natural forests, Banyan trees and Kentia palms. Where is it – Lord Howe Island is situated 550 kilometres east of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia and less than two hours from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie airports. How big – the Island is 11 kilometres long and less than three kilometres at its widest point. Island population - A paradise where only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time and there are only 350 residents. What to Do – Activities SCUBA DIVING – dive the world’s southernmost coral reef The cool waters of the Tasman Sea, which surround Lord Howe Island, are host to the world’s southernmost coral reef, a tropical oddity which is sustained by the warm summer currents that carry through from the Great Barrier Reef. This reef has a spectacular topography of trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs, perfect for SCUBA diving and snorkelling and is a truly unforgettable underwater experience. Dive sites include Malabar Range, the Admiralty Islets and Balls Pyramid.


Nesting seabird, Lord Howe Island

Rope assisted climb up Mt Gower

FISH LIFE – four per cent of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world The waters surrounding Lord Howe Island host over 400 species of fish and 90 species of brilliantly coloured and incredibly shaped coral – four per cent of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The meeting of warm and cold currents means that a vast diversity of both tropical and temperate fish can be spotted by snorkellers in the crystal-clear waters. Unlike many islands, on Lord Howe it’s possible to wade in from the white-sand beach to snorkel on the reef just metres from shore - with no fear of stingers or other hazards – and the water is so clear it’s like swimming in an acquarium!

BIRD LIFE – ultimate seabird destination Lord Howe Island is Australia’s ultimate seabird-watching destination, with 14 species breeding here and numbering in the tens of thousands. By exploring the walking tracks leading to the Clear Place, Muttonbird Point, Malabar and Mount Eliza, as well as North Bay and Ned’s Beach, you can observe – up close - numerous seabird colonies where the

birds have no fear of man. From Neds beach for example, the walk to Malabar Hill gives access to one of the world’s largest nesting concentrations of red-tailed tropic birds, which nest between September and May in the crannies of the underlying cliff face, and put on a stunning aerial display.

HIKING – one of the world’s best one day hikes Conquer the towering peak of Mt Gower which, with neighbouring Mt Lidgbird, dominates the southern tip of the island. This guided, grueling eight-hour, 875-metre, rope-assisted climb is judged one of the world’s best one-day hikes and is not for the faint-hearted. The hike will take you from the palm forest at sea level to the mist forest on the mountain summit. Many of the island’s unusual plant species such as the Giant Banyan

can be seen along the way, not to mention rare land birds including the Lord Howe Island woodhen. The island is laced with walks for all fitness levels. One of the most popular is the


Balls Pyramid

Kayaking on the lagoon

walk to Malabar Hill (starting at Ned’s Beach) and Kim’s Lookout, which provides spectacular views of the island and can be done without a guide.

BALLS PYRAMID – the world’s tallest sea stack Take an awe-inspiring boat trip from Lord Howe Island to the base of the 550-metre spectacle that is the monolith Balls Pyramid - the world’s tallest sea stack, as described by the Guinness Book of Records. The return journey takes you along the rugged coastline of the southern side of the island. The scuba diving and fishing around Balls Pyramid is world-class. Balls Pyramid is also the habitat of the Phasmid – an endemic species of stick insect once thought to be extinct.

WATER ACTIVITES – safe, close, clean and clear! Kayaking and canoeing on the lagoon gives you the opportunity to explore over six kilometres of beaches, bays and reefs at your leisure. Watch the shearwater birds, wanderers of the sea, land on Blackburn Island at sunset; dive overboard to swim or snorkel with fish on the coral reef, or just soak up the sun whilst paddling along. Reef Walking At low tide, Neds beach and Middle beach are perfect areas to explore the reef on foot. Glass bottom boat is a pleasant way to experience the underwater beauty without getting wet. Take a cruise on the crystal clear waters of the island’s sheltered lagoon. The boat glides over deep coral holes sheltering stunningly beautiful reef fish and delicate coral formations. Snorkelling off the boat is optional. Surfing There are a number of breaks around the island – mostly on the outside of the coral reef bordering the lagoon. Hire a board or bring your own (Note that weight and size limits apply on flights). Beaches With 11 golden beaches to choose from, you can find your own strip of deserted, sheltered sand. Neds Beach was voted Australia’s Cleanest Beach in 2004.

Fishing Deep sea, reef and fly-fishing are excellent, year round. Fish from the rocks, or local boat operators cater to adrenalin-seeking anglers with game fishing tours in local waters.


Mist forest, Lord Howe Island

Putting on the 9th hole.

The catch typically includes kingfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and other oceanic species – many of which end up on local dining tables. GOLF – one of the most beautiful settings Play a round of golf on one of the most scenic golf courses in Australia – overlooking the lagoon with a towering back-drop of Mt Lidgbird – the eighth hole is an island favourite. Annual events include a Lord Howe Open Golf Tournament in November.

LORD HOWE ISLAND MUSEUM AND VISITORS CENTRE – Learn all about it A good place to learn about the island is the Museum and Visitors Centre. It now houses the exhibits of the Lord Howe Island Historical Society, which was formed by residents in the 1970s. There’s also a library and a fascinating collection of museum artefacts.

Two of the island’s history and environmental experts, Ian Hutton and Chris Murray, conduct audio-visual presentations at 5pm each day (except Wednesday and Saturday). Brush up on your history and learn about the fantastic flora, fauna and marine life. You can also book tours at the centre.

KENTIA PALM NURSERY – it’s the biggest export on the Island

The Lord Howe Island Kentia palm had humble beginnings as thatching for homes on the island. Today this beautiful palm is grown on the island and exported around the world.

All the seeds which are planted and grown in the Lord Howe Island Board palm nursery are gathered from the natural forest, or from plantations established as part of a program to return cleared areas to their natural state.

Only islanders experienced in the collection of seeds are permitted to harvest them by climbing mature Kentia palms. And, as this is a skill passed down from one generation to the next, most collectors are descendants of the original settlers who have performed this task for over a century.


A lagoon cruise landing

LORD HOWE ISLAND – Must see and do • Swim with the turtles at Sylph Hole • SCUBA diving • Kayaking • Hand-feed the fish at Neds Beach • Hire a bike to explore the island • Visit the Kentia palm nursery • Walk the reef at low tide • Surf at Blinkys beach • Visit the Mutton bird colonies • Cruise in a glass bottom boat over the

coral and fish life • Take a boat trip to Balls Pyramid • Hop on a round-island bus tour for an intimate glimpse into the island’s social and cultural

history • Snorkel on the spectacular reefs off Neds or Lagoon Beach • Go fishing – from the beach, rocks, jetty or a professionally-equipped game fishing boat • Visit the Lord Howe Island Museum and Visitor Information Centre • Take a nature tour and learn about the unique bird and plant life on the island • Take a guided or self-guided bushwalk through banyan and palm forests and to

spectacular coastal lookouts • Play a round of golf and join the locals at the clubhouse for a sundowner afterwards • Enjoy a meal at one of the island’s fine restaurants or cook your own on one of the public

BBQs – wood supplied – at scenic spots around the island. • Golf clubs, racquets, bicycles and helmets, SCUBA and snorkelling gear, paddle skis, boat

charters, cars and spy-boards are all available for hire. EVENTS – 2008-9 January Ocean View Pair Bowls February Sea-Week Celebrations 17th Discovery Day celebrations including Discovery Day Sports night April (Easter) Golf Coral Court Open Bowls O V/R NSW BA PAIRS Easter Weekend - Surfing Lord Howe Island Competition

June / July / August Jazz Festival Pinetrees Resort Hotel October Philip Crombie Memorial Golf Day (last Sat in Oct) Gosford to Lord Howe Yacht Race Bird Week Music Festival November (Second Week) Lord Howe Island Golf Open Bowls - Tasman Triples Photo Week December Rainforest Week


QantasLink plane landing

Fact Sheet - A guide to Paradise How do I get to Lord Howe Island? Lord Howe Island is less than two hours flying time from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie. QantasLink flies 32-seater Dash-8s direct from Sydney most days, with multiple daily flights in busy periods. In peak season there are flights direct from Brisbane twice a week and direct from Port Macquarie once a week. There are connecting services from all Australian capital cities and most New South Wales and Queensland regional ports. When is the best time to go to Lord Howe Island? Anytime! September to May is usually fine and mild or warm to hot, and average daytime temperatures are at 25 degrees Celsius throughout spring and summer. It’s cooler in winter (June to August), with day-time temperatures around 19 degrees, but it still has the mild conditions that islands experience. Where can I stay on Lord Howe Island? There are 18 properties on the island, which vary in standards and size, and offer a variety of services and facilities. Visitor numbers on the island are limited to 400 at any one time. The island has several fine restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine and offering a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers.

How do I get around the island? There is no need for public transport, as all accommodation properties meet flights, (providing free transport for arriving and departing guests) and you're within walking distance from most shops, restaurants and beaches. There are bicycles and helmets for hire and a limited number of rental cars. What do I need to bring? Dress is casual, smart casual for evenings. Bring shoes for bush and reef walking, backpack, fishing gear, sunscreen and shady hats. A raincoat and wind-cheater are recommended owing to sudden showers that can occur at any time of the year. In winter bring some warmer clothing – trousers and a sweater or two – in case of colder weather.


What else do I need to know?

• Accommodation must be booked and confirmed before arrival.

• English is the language spoken – there are no facilities for translation

• There are no snakes, sand-flies or stingers.

• The number of cars on the island is limited and a 25 kph speed limit applies.

• There are two banks on the island, but there is no international currency exchange or ATM – credit cards are accepted, and some businesses accept eftpos, but guests should bring AUD cash from the mainland.

• Electricity is 240V AC 50 cycles, three-pin plug – the same as mainland Australia. • The weight limit for luggage on Lord Howe flights is 14kg per person of checked

baggage and 4kg of carry-on baggage. Excess baggage, such as golf clubs and surfboards, are carried on a subject-to-load basis.

• Many holidaymakers are delighted that there is no mobile phone coverage on Lord Howe Island, but public phones and faxes are available.

• Time: Australian Eastern Summertime during daylight saving. During winter, Lord Howe Island is 30 minutes ahead of Sydney time.

• Conference Facilities: Some accommodation establishments are able to cater for conferences with up to 30 or 40 delegates. There are two church halls, bowling club rooms, golf club house and a 150 seat community hall/cinema.

• Medical: A hospital and dispensary is situated on Lagoon Road and the doctor and nursing staff are on 24 hour call in emergencies.

• Supplies: A variety of stores carry groceries, liquor, fruit, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, clothing, souvenirs and snacks. There is also a hairdressing salon, beauty and masseur facilities, arts and crafts.

• Lord Howe Island is World Heritage-listed and is surrounded by a Marine Park. It is an excellent example of ecotourism, where sustainability principles are a part of daily life.

Further Information Log on to www.lordhoweisland.info for further information on Lord Howe Island. You will find information on the island’s history, geography, World Heritage status, flora, fauna, community, activities, accommodation, services and holiday packages. Information is also available at www.visitnsw.com, the website of Tourism NSW. For Holiday enquiries and bookings, contact the island property direct. For media enquiries, contact Kerry Lorimer, Marketing Executive, on +61 2 9929 2844, [email protected]

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Where is it - Lord Howe Island | Just Paradise Howe Island Backgrounder AT… · The catch typically includes kingfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and other oceanic species – many of