Pacific Island Paradises

– 108 – www.paradises.com 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 around 360 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. 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 home to 94 species of coral and 490 different fish. 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. The sights Lord Howe Island offers visitors a relaxed holiday in a pristine, unspoilt environment. The Information Centre on Lagoon Road provides a 'Discovery Kit of Walks' and its museum gives a fascinating insight into the island's days of early settlement and natural history. Where to stay There are a range of properties on the island to suit all tastes and budgets. Pinetrees is an all-inclusive resort hotel which has been run by the same family for over a hundred years. No camping is allowed anywhere on the island. Getting around A network of walking tracks criss- cross the island providing access to scenic lookouts and various points of interest. The tracks vary from easy to quite difficult and all have well marked L O R D H O W E I S L A N D Blackburn Island Old Settlement Beach Neds Beach Blinky Beach Lovers Bay Lagoon Beach Middle Beach Mount Gower North Bay Mount Lidgbird Ball's Pyramid

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