Lord Howe Island

Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, Lord Howe Island appears to have been discovered only in 1788. On the World Heritage List, the island is often described as a paradise. With only a very small group of permanent residents and restricted visitors, it has not only beautiful scenery, but also an intrinsic peace.

The southern end of Lord Howe Island is dominated by Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, both surrounded by misty forests; whilst further north golden beaches, plentiful kentia palms and a lagoon bordered by the only coral reef this far south provide a heavenly setting for relaxation.

Wet and dry rainforests, abundant flora and fauna, rewarding climbs and views over wide vistas of dramatically blue ocean make this a thrilling place to trek.

The climb up the slopes of Mount Gower is the most challenging, although this takes only around 8 hours return each walk can be done in a day or less, and the size of the Island means you can unwind at the same place each night.

Numerous fish and bird species provide a great deal of natural interest, but the island is also fascinating geologically. It is an exposed peak of a volcanic seamount, at the southern end of a chain which extends for over 1,000km; the rock goes 1,800m down to the bottom of the ocean and is around 65km long and 24km wide.