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Top 10 Interesting Facts about Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island- Image by 3363858 from

Lord Howe Island which was formerly known as Lord Howe’s Island is an irregularly crescent-shaped volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

It lies 600 km  directly east of mainland Port Macquarie, 780 km northeast of Sydney, and about 900 km southwest of Norfolk Island.

It is about 10 km long and between 0.3 and 2.0 km  wide with an area of 14.55 km² (3,600 acres), though just 3.98 km² (980 acres) of that comprise the low-lying developed part of the island.

Without a doubt Lord Howe Island is a paradise. Immerse in Lord Howe’s spectacular World Heritage-listed natural surroundings and experience some of the world’s best day hikes, snorkel the world’s southernmost coral reef, hand-feed the fish at Ned’s Beach and wander along white-sanded beaches.

1. Lord Howe came to be as a result of volcanic activity

Volcano Lava- Photo by USGS on

The Lord Howe Island Group comprises of 28 islands, islets, and rocks. Apart from Lord Howe Island itself, the most notable of these is the volcanic and uninhabited Ball’s Pyramid about 23 km to the southeast of Howe.

To the north lies a cluster of seven small uninhabited islands called the Admiralty Group.

Lord Howe Island and its surrounding isles are the remains of a 7-million-year-old shield volcano.

The island is considered an astounding example of an ecosystem developed from submarine volcanic activity, and being isolated from the mainland, it has an incredibly rare diversity of flora, fauna and landscapes.

2. Its first sighting was in 1788

Sight seeing- Photo by mostafa meraji on

The first reported sighting of Lord Howe Island took place on 17 February 1788, when Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, commander of the Armed Tender HMS Supply, was en route from Botany Bay to make a penal settlement on Norfolk Island.

On the return journey, Ball sent a party ashore on Lord Howe Island to claim it as a British possession.

It subsequently became a provisioning port for the whaling industry, and was permanently settled in June 1834.

3. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

UNESCO Logo- Author; International Bureau of Education-

Lord Howe Island was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of global natural significance in 1982, in an act of recognizing the island’s unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.

More than 70% of the island is a permanent protected park reserve, and the surrounding ocean is protected as a Marine Park.

Additionally, it is home to the world’s southernmost coral reef, meaning swimmers, snorkelers and divers can explore the reefs in warm temperatures, without worrying about marine stingers.

4. Lord Howe Island is regarded as an unincorporated area

Lord Howe Island- Photo by Dylan Shaw on

The Lord Howe Island Group is part of the state of New South Walesand is regarded legally as an unincorporated area administered by the Lord Howe Island Board.

Simply put, it is regarded as a region that is not governed by a local municipal corporation. It reports to the New South Wales Minister for Environment and Heritage.

5. Lord Howe Island is basically untouched forest

Lord Howe Island- Photo by Dylan Shaw on

Most of the island is virtually untouched forest, with many of its plants and animals inhabitants found nowhere else in the world.

The Lord Howe Island Act 1981 established a “Permanent Park Preserve” (covering about 70% of the island).

The island was added to the Australian National Heritage List on 21 May 2007 and the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

The surrounding waters are a protected region designated the Lord Howe Island Marine Park.

6. It is home to 1000s of insect specie

Insect Specie- Photo by Jakayla Toney on

More than 1600 terrestrial insect species have been recorded on Lord Howe, of which approximately 60% are found nowhere else in the world.

One of the most remarkable is the Lord Howe Island Phasmid. This is a large stick insect that was believed extinct before being rediscovered in 2001 on Ball’s Pyramid’s sheer cliffs.

The Phasmid has since been bred successfully in captivity at Melbourne Zoo, and is nearing a planned re-introduction to the island.

7. There’s only one mammal in this island

Forest Bat- Photo by Vlad Kutepov on

Whilst there are so many species of endemic birds, plants and insects on Lord Howe, there is only one native mammal remaining on this is land: The large forest bat.

However, a result from the introduction of the ship rats, shows the endemic Lord Howe long-eared bat is now presumed extinct and is known only from a skull. It has not been sighted for some time now.

8. Lord Howe Island welcomes only 400 visitors at a time

People enjoying sunset at Lord Howe Island- Photo by Dylan Shaw on

Only 400 visitors are allowed on Lord Howe  with a resident population of 382 people recorded in the 2016 census.

Just about everything is within walking or cycling distance, so it’s uncommon to see cars.

Furthermore, Lord Howe is only 11km long and between 0.3 and 2km wide, so it’s possible to cycle end to end in as little as 25 minutes.

P.S: This island paradise is a quick two-hour flight from Australia’s east coast. So now is the perfect time to visit.

9. Birds love this island

White bird at Lord Howe Island- Photo by Chris Charles on

Arguably offering the best bird watching in Australia, Lord Howe Island has a recorded 202 bird species.

The island is also home to two endemic bird species: the Lord Howe Island Woodhen and the Lord Howe Island Silvereye, named for the white ring of feathers around its eyes.

The island is also the only known breeding ground for the Providence Petrel. This extremely friendly bird can be called out of the air,  land at your feet and even climb onto your lap.

Many seabirds come to nest on the island throughout the year, including red-tailed tropic birds.

10. Considered world’s top fishing destination

A man fishing- Photo by Haitham on

Surrounded by Marine Park and with no commercial fishery, the diversification of marine species,  and just the sheer abundance of fish  rank Lord Howe Island among the world’s top fishing destinations.

There are many hot spots for hooking into monster pelagics such as Lord Howe Kingfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and Wahoo, as well as several other species unique to Lord Howe.