Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is one of New South Wales' best kept secrets.

The World Heritage listed island boasts an extraordinary natural environment and is the only surviving remnant of an extinct volcano chain and the world's southern-most coral reef.

Measuring 11 kilometres long and almost three kilometres wide, Lord Howe provides plenty of activity from mountaineering on the high peaks and cycling through rainforests to reef walking and snorkelling in the lagoon. Fishing and surfing are also popular pursuits.

The warm sub-tropical climate of Lord Howe (averaging 26 degrees Celsius in summer and 16 degrees Celsius in winter) makes it an ideal year round destination.

By cycle or foot, there are many stunning aspects of the island to explore. One of the best points to start is Mount Gower (875 metres) and Mount Lidgbird (77 metres), the tallest peaks, rising powerfully above the sandy beaches and green-blue of the ocean.

From here you'll discover that much of the land is covered by rainforest and palm forests (the kentia palm is indigenous and exports of its seeds are a major industry), with grasses in the lower regions.

The islands are breeding grounds for large colonies of seabirds and have the largest breeding concentration in the world of the red-tailed tropic bird. Some 168 bird species have been identified.

The underwater world around the islands is another unique feature. This is the meeting point for the tropical waters from the north and the cooler southern waters. The reef stretches for six kilometres, providing pristine reefs for diving and snorkelling.

Accommodation ranges from family-run guest lodges to self-contained apartments. The island's 300 residents are keen to retain their idyllic island lifestyle and have limited the number of tourist beds to 400.

World heritage rainforest

Lord Howe Island is New South Wales only World Heritage Island and one of only four Island groups in the world to have this listing. It was officially inscribed in 1982 for its rare collections of plants, bird, marine life and exceptional natural beauty. Both visitors and the community are committed to the protection of its fragile and unique environment.

Lord Howe hasa prolific birdlife with some 130 permanent and migratory species including the once endangered and rare Lord Howe Island Woodhe.Birdwatching tours are a popular attraction of the island.

The surrounding waters have been declared a Marine Park, home to over 490 fish species. The surrounding coral has 80 species, 4% of which are unique to Lord Howe waters. There are two accredited Diving Schools on the Island, and snorkelling and reef walking is a 'must do' for all age groups.