Lord Howe Island is probably Australia’s last unspoilt island paradise. The island is pretty impressive close up and boasts intriguing statistics. There are many interesting questions and facts about Lord Howe Island, below are some of the most commonly asked questions.
- The Lord Howe archipelago consists of 28 islands of varying size.
- How big is Lord Howe Island? The island is about six miles (11kms) long, just over a mile (two kilometres) wide at its widest point and a fraction of a mile (0.3kms) wide at its narrowest point. The island is 56 square kilometers.
- Balls Pyramid is the highest sea stack on the planet (551 metre tall).
- Mt Gower (Lord Howe Island’s tallest mountain) rises 875 meters above sea level, almost straight up from the coast. Mt Gower is quite unusual in Australia, and quite a sight to be seen!
Where is Lord Howe Island?
Lord Howe Island, located 600 kilometres off the coast of Australia, is referred to be the world’s ‘last paradise.’ It has long been recognised as a “treasure island” because of its pristine natural environment, which includes volcanic peaks, lush forests, tranquil lagoons, coral reefs, and a plethora of marine and avian life.
- Lord Howe Island lies north-east of Sydney (in line with Port Macquarie) between Australia and New Zealand.
- Lord Howe Island is 600km east of the Australian mainland coast – 31° 33′ S, 159° 05′ E.
- Flights to Lord Howe Island take less than two hours from Sydney and Brisbane.
Learn more about how to get to Lord Howe Island.
Why is it called Lord Howe Island?
A common question is how did Lord Howe Island get it’s name? Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, the Commander of “Supply”, the oldest and smallest of the First Fleet ships, discovered Lord Howe Island in the year 1788.
To honour Richard Howe, a British admiral at the time, Lieutenant Ball called the uninhabited island Lord Howe while on his way to Norfolk Island to create a prison settlement for British convicts.
Learn more about the fascinating history of Lord Howe Island.
Ball’s Pyramid, the island’s southernmost sea stack, also bears Lieutenant Ball’s name.
What is Ball’s Pyramid?
The world’s largest sea stack, Ball’s Pyramid, is located 23 kilometres south of the island. The grey basalt rock, is home to an abundance of birds and fish. It’s a popular diving and snorkelling location, despite the fact that climbing is banned.
More Lord Howe Island Facts
- Fact: The population of Lord Howe is currently around 382 residents, with tourists restricted to just 400.
- Fact: Lord Howe Island was World Heritage Listed in 1982. To honour Lord Howe Island’s exceptional beauty and biodiversity, UNESCO designated the island as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
- Fact: Over 70% of the island is a permanent park reserve, and the surrounding water is likewise a Marine Park.
- Fact: There are no marine stingers to worry about when snorkelling, swimming, or diving on Lord Howe’s southernmost coral reef, making it a popular destination for tourists.
- Fact: Lord Howe Island airport was opened in 1975.
- Fact: There is a 25 kph speed limit (everyone waves ‘hello’ as they pass – it takes some getting used to if you’re from a big city!) and only a very limited number of cars on Lord Howe Island. There are a limited number of rental cars on the island.
- Fact: Lord Howe Island boasts ten different surf breaks across two sides of the island.
- Fact: The waters around Lord Howe Island are home to 90 coral species and an astounding 500 species of fish.
- Fact: Lord Howe Island is the only destination in Australia without snakes, poisonous spiders, dangerous sharks, crocodiles and stingers.
Lord Howe Tourist Information
Lord Howe Island Visitor Centre
Museum Complex, Corner Lagoon + Middle Beach Roads
Lord Howe Island, NSW, 2898
Telephone: (02) 6563 2114
Points Of Interest
Accommodation
