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Major city · Australia

Lord Howe Island

Go for 5–7 nights, book flights and bed together, fly Sydney in about 2 h; day-tripping is impossible and a 2-night stay wastes the airfare.

Lord Howe is a UNESCO-listed volcanic island about 600 km off the New South Wales coast, 10 km long and 1.5 km wide, with the world's southernmost coral reef. Visitor numbers are capped, so beds and seats sell out months ahead and the return airfare is Australia's most expensive domestic route. It is a cycling, walking and snorkelling island, not a resort island.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
AUD
Best months
Oct–Apr (warm, calm lagoon)
avoid Jun–Aug (cooler, rainier, windier, more failed landings)
Airport
Lord Howe Island (LDH)
Nights
5–7

About Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage island roughly 600 km from the New South Wales coast. It is crescent-shaped, 10 km long and 1.5 km wide at its widest, and it rises from an extinct underwater volcano. Volcanic mountains and rainforest sit between surf beaches and a lagoon. The reef here is the most southerly coral reef in the world, and some marine species are found only in these waters.

Around 350 people live on the island, and no more than 400 tourists are allowed at once. Many of those serving visitors are residents, and some families have been there for generations. There is no mobile phone network; instead, messages pass between locals and tourists as they meet around the island. The island suits outdoor activity rather than resort life, with walking, cycling and snorkelling among the main pastimes.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Lord Howe Island: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 7
  • Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
  • Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
  • Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
  • Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
  • Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
  • Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
  • Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Lord Howe Island.

  • Lord Howe Island Museum — One room covers the island's history and another its environment and World Heritage status; entry is by donation.
  • Botanic Gardens — A small garden on Lagoon Road past the museum, though large Banyan trees and Pandanus along the lagoon front serve as a wider display.
  • Catalina Wreckage — An Australian Air Force flying boat hit Malabar Ridge while trying to land on the lagoon in bad weather, and its remains are visible from the path behind Old Settlement Beach.
  • Malabar Ridge — The most popular walk climbs to a lookout over birdlife on cliffs above the sea.
  • Ball's Pyramid — Dive operators run trips to this nearby site as well as to the surrounding reef.

Do

  • Snorkel at Ned's Beach, where coral and reef fish sit close to shore, or at Escott's Reef near the airport edge of the reef.
  • Walk up Malabar Ridge, continue to Kim's lookout and come down the North Bay track to Old Settlement Beach.
  • Join a guided full-day walk up Mount Gower, booked ahead.
  • Play golf on the maintained course, with green fees paid by an honour system at the clubhouse.

Customs

  • Many people in service jobs are island residents, and some families have lived there for generations.
  • There is no mobile phone network, so messages are passed between locals and tourists when they meet.
  • Only Australian currency is accepted; foreign currency and travellers cheques are neither taken nor exchanged.
Emergency numbers for Lord Howe Island000 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance000
  • From a mobile112

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Lord Howe Island, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Sit-down mealMain course at the clubsabout A$25 (≈ US$17)
  • Street or quick mealRolls and sandwiches at the Anchorage or Coral Cafeabout A$15 (≈ US$10)
  • Budget bedFamily unit (up to 4), a night, per roomA$350 (≈ US$250)
  • Mid-range bedSelf-contained apartment or unit, a night, per roomA$300 (≈ US$200)
  • High-end bedSelf-contained apartment or unit, a night, per roomA$550 (≈ US$400)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$150 (≈ US$100) · Mid A$280 (≈ US$190) · High A$500 (≈ US$350)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

World's southernmost coral reefMount Gower and Malabar Ridge walksNed's Beach fish feeding and snorkellingBall's Pyramid dive tripsNo mobile phone reception
Airports
LDH Lord Howe Island Airport (Short runway; turboprops only. QantasLink from Sydney daily, about 2 h; Eastern Air Services from Newcastle, Port Macquarie and the Gold Coast a few times a week.)

Map of Lord Howe Island

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Lord Howe Island

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Best

    25°C (77°F)

  2. Feb

    Best

    25°C (77°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  5. May

    not flagged

    20°C (68°F)

  6. Jun

    Avoid

    18°C (64°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    17°C (63°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid

    18°C (64°F)

  9. Sep

    not flagged

    19°C (66°F)

  10. Oct

    Best

    21°C (70°F)

  11. Nov

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  12. Dec

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →

Warmest Jan (25°C (77°F)), coolest Jul (12°C (54°F) low), wettest Jun (15 rain days), driest Nov (10). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Lord Howe Island: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

25°C (77°F)

20°C (68°F)

11 rd

Feb

25°C (77°F)

20°C (68°F)

11 rd

Mar

24°C (75°F)

19°C (66°F)

13 rd

Apr

22°C (72°F)

17°C (63°F)

13 rd

May

20°C (68°F)

15°C (59°F)

14 rd

Jun

18°C (64°F)

13°C (55°F)

15 rd

Jul

17°C (63°F)

12°C (54°F)

15 rd

Aug

18°C (64°F)

12°C (54°F)

13 rd

Sep

19°C (66°F)

13°C (55°F)

11 rd

Oct

21°C (70°F)

15°C (59°F)

11 rd

Nov

22°C (72°F)

17°C (63°F)

10 rd

Dec

24°C (75°F)

19°C (66°F)

10 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

Bicycles are the main transport and racks sit at every beach and shop; hire from Wilson's if your accommodation does not supply one. Walking covers the settlement and most beaches. There are no taxis and no public transport. Accommodation providers run guests to dinner at about 18:30 and restaurants drive them home.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Ball's Pyramid

go

Door to door: Half to full day

Dive or boat operator from the island

Sea stack about 23 km (14 mi) south-east; exposed crossing, weather-dependent.

Mount Gower summit

caution

Door to door: 8–10 h

Pre-booked full-day guided walk

Guided only, steep and long; book before you fly.

North Bay and Malabar Ridge

go

Door to door: 3–5 h

Walk from the track near Ned's Beach, return via the North Bay track

Hills once you leave the lagoon; carry water.

Port Macquarie

skip

Door to door: About 2 days

MV Island Trader freight ship, fortnightly

Freight link, not a passenger service for a day out.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Old Settlement and Lagoon Road

Beach, museum, shops and the lagoon within a short walk or ride; the flattest base.

Middle Beach Road and the ridge

Quieter, some properties sit up the hill; a few minutes more by bike to dinner.

North Bay and far ends

Very few beds, longer rides, best for walkers who want the north track on the doorstep.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
A$150–250 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
Mid
A$250–400 (≈ US$170–300) excl. bed
High
A$400 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Lodge or retreat double1 × 6 nights × A$550A$3,300
Food, local transport, entries2 × 6 days × A$280A$3,360
Bicycle hire, per day2 × A$8A$16
Golf green fees, one round2 × A$40A$80
Tennis court hire, per hour1 × A$10A$10
Internet access at the visitor centre2 × A$10A$20
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeA$679
Trip total≈ A$622 per person per day, bed includedA$7,465≈ US$5,000

2026 estimate in Australian dollars; return airfare excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Litre of milkabout A$5 (≈ US$4)
Loaf of breadabout A$5 (≈ US$4)
Hamburger at Thompson's Store, 11:00–14:00about A$8 (≈ US$6)
Rolls and sandwiches at the Anchorage or Coral Cafeabout A$15 (≈ US$10)
Main course at the clubsabout A$25 (≈ US$17)
Main course elsewhereA$35–55 (≈ US$25–40)
Card surcharge at many placesEFTPOS avoids itabout 2%

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Very low crime; the real risks are unfenced cliffs, bicycle falls on the hills and the absence of a decompression chamber. A resident doctor runs the small hospital and serious cases are medivaced to the mainland.
  • No mobile phone reception anywhere on the island; there are coin public phones in town.
  • Only Australian dollars are accepted — no foreign cash or travellers cheques. One ATM, inside the Bowling Club door.
  • Book dinner before noon on the day; restaurants have about four dishes a night and sell out.
  • Shops close for provisions around 18:00 and lunch takeaway stops at 14:00.
  • Cliffs and lookouts are unfenced; several are named for people who fell.
  • No decompression chamber on the island — follow the no-diving-within-24-hours-of-flying rule.
  • Luggage is often left behind for weight and balance and follows on a later flight.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
000
From a mobile
112

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

Lord Howe IslandLord Howe Island

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance000
  • From a mobile112

Embassy

No embassies on the island; the nearest consulates and embassies are in Sydney.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • QantasLink Sydney → Lord Howe, return: about A$1,000–1,200 (≈ US$700–800), about 2 h each way
  • Bicycle hire, per day: from about A$8 (≈ US$6)
  • Golf green fees: about A$40 (≈ US$30), honour system at the clubhouse

Say or show

  • No mobile reception here — No mobile reception here
  • Where do I collect my bicycle? — Where do I collect my bicycle?
  • Can I book dinner for tonight? — Can I book dinner for tonight?
  • Is the lagoon calm today? — Is the lagoon calm today?
  • Do you take card? — Do you take card?
  • Where is the nearest public phone? — Where is the nearest public phone?

No mobile network. Save offline maps and your accommodation phone number before you fly.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lord Howe Island. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Oct–Apr (warm, calm lagoon) · avoid Jun–Aug (cooler, rainier, windier, more failed landings) · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 4 day-trips, door to door
  6. 7 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for LDH: QantasLink and Eastern Air Services timetables, luggage-follows rules, meet-and-greet on arrival.
  2. Four riding clusters with rescue anchors: Old Settlement, Lagoon Road, Middle Beach Road, North Bay.
  3. Place pages with verified cutoffs (museum, Ned's Beach, Malabar Ridge, Mount Gower, Ball's Pyramid) and eat pages with booking deadlines and last orders.
  4. Weather and failed-landing fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to Australia

Sources

Ask about Lord Howe Island

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