Pacific Island Paradises

North Bay Old Settlement Beach Neds Beach Middle Beach Lagoon Beach Blackburn Island Blinky Beach Lovers Bay Mount Lidgbird Mount Gower Ball's Pyramid Perfect paradise With official admission to the register in 1982, Lord Howe is one of only four island groups to have World Heritage listing. This island delivers a unique experience for the discerning traveller looking for a destination that's not swamped with tourists. Part of New South Wales (Australia), Lord Howe lies 700 kilometres northeast of Sydney and the same distance southeast of Brisbane. The island is all that remains of a volcanic eruption that occurred around seven million years ago. Just 11 kilometres long and less than three kilometres at its widest point, two thirds of Lord Howe's land mass is covered in rainforest and bush land. The island is also surrounded by the southernmost coral reef in the world which is fed by warm currents from the Great Barrier Reef. The people Lord Howe is home to just 350 residents and, due to the island's World Heritage status, visitor numbers are restricted to no more than 400 at any time. The main industries are tourism and the propagation of Kentia Palms and seeds. 114 www.paradisesonline.com The protection of Lord Howe's unique environment is a source of pride for both the community and the visitor. History The island was discovered in 1788 by the First Fleet ship HMS Supply under the command of Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball. The ship was on a journey to Norfolk Island looking for sources of food and water for the new Sydney colony. He claimed it as a British possession, giving it the name of the then Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Howe. Settlement began in 1834 with the island supplying passing ships with food and water. Nature The island's forests include banyan trees, pandanus, and the indigenous Kentia palms. The surrounding waters are now a marine park and teem with sea life including 94 species of coral and 490 fish species. Visitors can explore the spectacular flora and fauna easily on foot and for bird lovers, there are 130 species of permanent and migratory birds, including the once endangered Lord Howe Island woodhen. There are

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