LORD HOWE ISLAND
This island is an extinct volcano 11 kilometres long and less than 3 kilometres across at its widest point. At the southern end it possesses two towering, often cloud-capped mountains, Mt. Gower and Mt. Lidgbird which rise 875 metres out of the ocean and stand like guardians protecting the delicate beauty of the sub-tropical island below.
Part of New South Wales (Australia), Lord Howe lies some 700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, two hours flying time and is set in a time warp for it limits tourist numbers and precludes resort-style developments. It has been proclaimed a World Heritage area.
THE PEOPLE
As it is an unspoilt area, only 350 residents live here permanently. Tourists are restricted to 400 at any one time. This is also the maximum number of tourist beds on the island.
HISTORY
Lord Howe Island was discovered in 1788 by H.M.S Supply, commanded by Lieutenant Lidgbird Ball. First settlement was in 1833 with the island supplying passing ships with food and water. Palm seeding started about 1878 and eventually became the island's major industry.
NATURE
Nature lovers will enjoy the many walks and mountain hikes, and for the more experienced walkers, guided hikes are made to the summit of Mount Gower. You can hand feed the fish at Ned's Beach, take a lagoon cruise in a glass-bottom boat, enjoy a two-hour round-island trip or charter a boat to go fishing.
WHERE TO STAY
There are 17 family-run accommodation properties ranging from full board to self-contained apartments complete with kitchens and linen. Camping is not permitted.
GETTING AROUND
There are 130 vehicles on the island and 90 motorbikes. These are outnumbered by bicycles which are the main mode of transport. As there are not many cars for hire, it is best to book one in advance if you want to drive instead of pedal. The speed limit is 25 kilometres.
FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
The full board lodges have licensed dining room/bar facilities. There are also a number of restaurants open for a la carte and theme night dinners and a cafe opens all day for light snacks and lunches.
ACTIVITIES
Popular sports are swimming, snorkelling amongst shoals of unicorn fish, long flute mouths, silver trevally and blue angels, and scuba diving particularly off the Tenth of June Island, a small rocky outcrop in the Admiralty Islets group north west of Lord Howe where a deep plateau drops to 36 metres to reveal extensive gorgonia, soft corals and beautiful black coral trees growing on the vertical walls. You can enjoy bushwalks, picnic trips to North Bay and scenic and fishing cruises outside the reef.
SHOPPING GUIDE
There are two general stores which carry groceries and essentials and a fresh produce store for self-catering holidaymakers, and some sell souvenirs and clothes.
HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS
January 26: Australia Day
February 17: Discovery Day
April 25: Anzac Day
June 12: Queen's Birthday
Telephone/Facsimile: +61 2 6563 7143
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CLIMATE: Sub-tropical climate. Temperatures 18 degrees C to 28 degrees C.
CLOTHING: Casuals. A jacket for cooler evenings, and a raincoat are advisable. Comfortable shoes essential, and sandshoes for reef walking.
TIME ZONE: Summer - same as Sydney (Eastern Summer Time) Winter, 30 minutes ahead of AEST, GMT plus eleven hours.
CURRENCY: Australian Dollars. AUD Travellers Cheques accepted by all business. NZ, US and UK Travellers Cheques can be cashed at the Bank Agencies or Post Office.
TIPPING: Not customary.
VISAS AND HEALTH: No entry requirements. Australian citizens do not need passports.
GETTING THERE: Eastern Australian Airlines (Qantas) have regular direct flights. Sunstate Airlines fly from Brisbane.
DIVE
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