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People ask – what is Lord Howe Island Track - only 1.4km, which follows
Island like? It’s very hard to describe the beach towards the south of the
in a nutshell. It is quite a unique island. In the evenings at certain times
destination that is like no other place of the year, the mutton birds come
I’ve visited. When arriving by plane down and swoop near hikers who make
you are struck by the beauty of the a big noise to attract them. Other trails
mountains, cliffs, turquoise waters and lead to secluded beaches or scenic
sandy beaches. Yet it is not like your lookouts. Many hikers come for the
usual island escape - it’s almost a place challenging Mount Gower walk – a hard
lost in time. and demanding trek which takes about
A visit to ‘Joy’s shop’ for some eight hours and can only be done with
groceries and other basics is quite a licensed guide.
the experience, taking you back to But if walking is not your thing there
yesteryear. Located up a side street, in are plenty of other activities to keep
an old house on a hill, it’s quite hard you busy. The beautiful white sands of
to find but once inside you discover a Lagoon Beach are a drawcard for all
fantastic array of groceries, souvenirs visitors, with well-maintained picnic
and more. This is typical of the facilities dotted along grassy spots
commercial side of the island, there adjoining the beach, it’s a perfect place
is really not much of a town centre – to spend the day. Cook up some snags
with any cafes, bars and shops and on the woodfired BBQs – with wood
tour operators spread throughout the provided.
sleepy town, up side streets or dotted Many water activities are on offer
along the main road (much of which is – hire or buy some snorkelling gear
dirt). Many of the stores are only open to explore the marine life. Visit Old
limited hours each day and most of Settlement Beach at high tide to see
the cafes close at 2pm. A few bars and turtles. Glass bottomed boat tours allow
restaurants are open all day and serve visitors to view the spectacular reefs, or
dinner, though this depends on the dive tours are an option for those who
tourist season. want explore the Marine Park further.
There are very few cars on the island Lord Howe is also ranked amongst
(with the speed limit 25km/hr) so most the world’s top fishing destinations,
visitors get around by bicycle or foot or visitors can hand feed fish at Ned’s
(depending where you are staying). Beach, or just hire kayaks and paddle
Bikes can be hired, but the bigger boards to enjoy the pristine waters.
accommodation facilities offer guests Accommodation options are varied
use of bicycles. and many. From luxury lodges and
Lord Howe Island is on the World retreats to guesthouses and self-
Heritage list. It is recognised as a place contained apartments and houses, with
of superb natural features and native only 400 visitor beds accross the island,
habitats with many species on the it’s never overrun. Because of limited
island not found anywhere else in the availability, it's best to book flights and
world. It's a great place for twitchers accommodation at the same time, as
(bird watchers) with lots of unique birds flights are also limited.
which are easy to spot. To really appreciate this little bit of
The island attracts many hikers who paradise, perhaps plan ahead and don’t
want to experience the magnificent leave it for an ‘emergency’. Whatever
beauty. There are a plethora of trails way you choose to visit you won’t leave
which crisscross the island with various disappointed - you will probably leave
levels of difficulty - something to suit completely enchanted by the spell Lord
everyone. One easy walk is the Little Howe Island seems to cast.
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