//
Australian island in the Tasman Sea
Photo: Inas66, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO world heritage declared island around 600 km off the coast of New South Wales. A place of unique beauty with volcanic mountains and rainforest lying between surf and lagoon beaches. Lord Howe has the world's most southerly coral reef, with an amazing diversity of marine life, and several species only seen in the waters of the island.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Some accommodation provides bicycles, but Wilson's provides the bikes for everyone else. They have lots of bikes here, but like everywhere else on Lord Howe, it pays to book in advance.
There is a small botanic garden on Lagoon Road just past the museum. However, the whole of Lord Howe Island is a botanic garden, with many examples of large Banyan Trees and Pandanus scattered along the front of the Lagoon.
One room outlining the history of the island, and another highlighting its environmental features and world heritage status.
The Catalina Monument is adjacent to the bike parking at Old Settlement Beach. The Australian Air Force flying boat crashed while attempting a landing on the lagoon in bad weather, striking the top of the Malabar Ridge above. The wreckage of the Catalina still lies in place on the side of the ridge facing Old Settlement, visible from the path behind the beach.
Small range of groceries, drinks and ice-creams. A handful of snorkels to purchase and some beach clothing.
formerly The Top Shop
The place to buy fresh seafood caught on the island. Will deliver to your accommodation. Limited opening hours.
Lord Howe Island has a small airport, with a notoriously difficult landing. This restricts operations to small turboprops only.
Read in the guideThe main roads of the island connecting the airport, accommodation, restaurants and golf club are within easy cycling distance.
Read in the guideArticles and travel topics about Lord Howe Island and Australia.
Travel tipsCompare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
8 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia with match cities, ticket windows, domestic flights, visa rules, and budget advice.
8 min read
Travel tipsDiscover how to use AI to find cheap flights. Learn prompt strategies, smart fare engines, open-jaw routings, and error-fare booking techniques.
6 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to visa-free travel for US citizens. Learn where American passport holders can go without a visa, new eTA rules, and entry fees.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.