Lord Howe Island is a group of islands 550kms off the cost of Port Macquaire on the NSW North Coast. This World Heritage Listed island group is part of the State of NSW. The island is surrounded by marine parks which are managed by NSW and the Federal Government.
This island group was created from a volcanic eruption some seven million years ago and has the southern-most coral reef in the world. Lord Howe Island is just 11 kms long and barely 2 kms wide. Two thirds of the island is covered in natural forests, Banyn trees and Kentia palms.
The best way to explore Lord Howe Island is to walk. A network of walking tracks criss-cross the Island taking you to various points of interest. These walks range in difficulty from very easy to hard. All walking tracks have well marked signposts; maps and guides are available for purchase on the Island. It is a good idea to carry a water bottle and follow normal bushwalking safety rules such as not going alone, allow plenty of time to return before dark.
The waters are crystal clear, the beaches are pristine, there is no pollution, birds and marine life abound. The towering peaks of Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower dominate the southern tip of the Island. Lord Howe is the only place in Australia where such a diversity fish, coral, algae and associated creatures can be seen by snorkeling just a few metres from the beach. Other locations include Sylph's Hole and North Bay. Occasionally, small reef sharks are seen at snorkelling locations. SCUBA facilities are also available.
Bushwalking, trekking, guided and self-guided walks, fish feeding, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, birdwatching, reef walks. Further offshore, game fishing charter boats fish for kingfish, yellowfin tuna, Wahoo and a variety of other oceanic species. Rock and shore fishing charters are also available.
Two dive operators offer scuba diving to a selection of over 50 dive sites, from “resort dives” in shallow water from the beach, to more adventurous locations such as under the vertical rock spire of Balls Pyramid.
Clear, open-ocean water and a wide range of underwater geography provides an unusually wide choice of scuba diving experiences. Dive instructors who have spent ten years exploring the underwater environment of Lord Howe still frequently discover new species.
Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
Visit Norfolk Island
The Norfolk Island group is situated on the Norfolk Ridge, an elongated submarine rise which extends from New Zealand to New Caledonia. It is special because it is a place where over 40 different kinds of plants and animals exist that are not found elsewhere. The Island is 1610kms ENE of Sydney. Norfolk Island is a volcanic outcrop 8km long and 5km wide. Two smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, lie to the south at a distance of 1km and 6km respectively. Its climate is subtropical.
Norfolk Island is a Territory under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is administered under the Norfolk Island Act 1979 which provides the basis of the Territory's legislative, administrative and judicial systems.
Like all well established island locations, Norfolk Island offers plenty to do and see.
Mountain biking and bushwalking are popular activities on the island with around one third of the Island devoted to national parks and reserves. The Norfolk Island landscape is quite undulating, so mountain biking can be very demanding in places. For bike riding and bushwalkers, tracks wind through lush palm forests and stands of Norfolk Island Pine. Some lead visitors to remarkable views of the island and the surrounding ocean. The park's nine walking tracks are rated gentle to moderate, and take between 20 and 90 minutes as the longest walk is just under 4kms long.
You can go on horseback and experience the forest and coastal scenery of Norfolk Island. There is a commercial horse riding tour operator on the island who offers rides for experienced riders and beginners.
For the diver, exploring caves, tunnels, chasms and chimneys, and a wide variety of fish and marine algae is certainly enticing. Visibility is normally around 20 meters or better, with a minimum water temperature of 18 degrees in winter. Snorkeling, surfing and sailing can also be enjoyed on the Island.
For swimming, Emily Bay is the perfect picturesque swimming beach and snorkeling is particularly popular as the clear blue protected waters provide access to the coral reef and sea life.
Fishing the waters which surround Norfolk Island offer up trumpeter, tuna, kingfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, bonito and marlin. The reason for Norfolk's abundant fish stocks is that huge ocean currents swinging from the equator and across from Australia. There are four commercial fishing tour operators on the island and they provide regular tours to the rock shelf surrounding Norfolk Island to give visitors the opportunity to experience deep sea fishing.
Rock fishing is a very popular pastime on the island. Many of the best rock fishing spots can only be reached in good weather and at low tide. Given the dangers associated with rock fishing around Norfolk Island, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced local fisherman.
For more information about Norfolk Island please visit the website for Norfolk Island Tourism.
Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
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Lord Howe Island
The best way to explore Lord Howe Island is to walk. A network of walking tracks criss-cross the Island taking you to various points of interest. These walks range in difficulty from very easy to hard. All walking tracks have well marked signposts; maps and guides are available for purchase on the Island. It is a good idea to carry a water bottle and follow normal bushwalking safety rules such as not going alone, allow plenty of time to return before dark.
The waters are crystal clear, the beaches are pristine, there is no pollution, birds and marine life abound. The towering peaks of Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower dominate the southern tip of the Island. Lord Howe is the only place in Australia where such a diversity fish, coral, algae and associated creatures can be seen by snorkeling just a few metres from the beach. Other locations include Sylph's Hole and North Bay. Occasionally, small reef sharks are seen at snorkelling locations. SCUBA facilities are also available.
Bushwalking, trekking, guided and self-guided walks, fish feeding, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, birdwatching, reef walks. Further offshore, game fishing charter boats fish for kingfish, yellowfin tuna, Wahoo and a variety of other oceanic species. Rock and shore fishing charters are also available. 
Clear, open-ocean water and a wide range of underwater geography provides an unusually wide choice of scuba diving experiences. Dive instructors who have spent ten years exploring the underwater environment of Lord Howe still frequently discover new species.
Visit Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a Territory under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is administered under the Norfolk Island Act 1979 which provides the basis of the Territory's legislative, administrative and judicial systems.
You can go on horseback and experience the forest and coastal scenery of Norfolk Island. There is a commercial horse riding tour operator on the island who offers rides for experienced riders and beginners.
For swimming, Emily Bay is the perfect picturesque swimming beach and snorkeling is particularly popular as the clear blue protected waters provide access to the coral reef and sea life.
Rock fishing is a very popular pastime on the island. Many of the best rock fishing spots can only be reached in good weather and at low tide. Given the dangers associated with rock fishing around Norfolk Island, it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced local fisherman.