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The Island is 11 km long and 2.8 km at its widest point, with an
area of 1,455 ha, two-thirds of which is covered in forests,
giant Banyan trees and Kentia Palms. Two volcanic mountains dominate,
Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower. The southern one, Mount Gower
rises to 875 metres from the sea, with black cliffs of basalt and
steeply forested slopes. The northern part of the island is a series
of low hills that slope gently up from the west to a height of
about 200 metres. On the east side they drop as sheer cliffs into the
sea. Several low-lying areas between the hills in the north and
the mountains in the south have been partially cleared for
settlement.
 The region is home to over 500 species of fish and 90 species of
coral. Lord Howe Island is also a bird watchers paradise, attracting bird
watchers from around the world. There are over 130 species birds, with bird breeding colonies
including the Red-Tailed Tropical Bird, Sooty Tern, Noddy Term,
Providence petrel and the Masked Booby. It is also home to rare
endangered Woodhen.
There is much to see and do, from the many scenic bush walks and
trails, bird watching, snorkelling, fishing, relaxing on the beaches or just enjoying
the natural beauty of the island. Location: 550 km east of Port Macquarie on the
NSW coast, 700 km north-east of Sydney, part of the NSW.
Access: less than two hours by plane from Sydney or Brisbane,
or by boat.
Population: There are 280 permanent residents, with visitor
numbers limited by law to a maximum of 393 visitors at any one time.
Check out our listing of Lord
Howe Island accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide
information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for
more attractions, tours, local maps and other information. |
