Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island view to Mount Gower - View across the lagoon to Mount Gower

Lord Howe Island is a world legacy declared island around 600 km off the coast of Eastern Australia. A place of unique beauty with volcanic mountains and rainforest lying between surf and lagoon beaches. Lord Howe has the world's most southerly coral reef, with an amazing diversity of marine life, and several species only seen in the waters of the island.

Lord Howe Island Halal Explorer

History

The island was discovered in May 1788 by the HMS Supply, on a voyage from the newly settled Sydney town. There is no evidence of any human habitation of the island prior to this. The island soon became a supply point on trips to Norfolk Island, as well as a base for whaling.

The lagoon of the island was used until 1974 as a stopover point for flying boats to America and New Zealand, as well as to bring visitors to the island.

What is the Geography of Lord Howe Island

LordHoweIsland MtGower 408 - Sheer volcanic cliffs, and lagoons

Lord Howe Island is crescent-shaped, 10 km long and 1.5 km wide at its greatest width. The island forms the top of an extinct underwater volcano and seamount, projecting above the surface of the ocean. The eastern facing crescent of the island, together with a reef, forms a lagoon on the eastern side of the island. The water here is generally calm. On the western side of the island there are several sandy surf beaches.

The People of Lord Howe Island

The population of Lord Howe Island is roughly 350 people. Only 400 Muslims are permitted to visit the island at any one time. Unlike on an island resort and the people who are providing services to you are likely to be residents of the island. Some families have lived there for generations. The people have a genuine affection for the island, and knowledge of the best spots to snorkel, walk, and picnic. The non-existent mobile phone network is substituted by a people network, with messages passing between local residents and tourists when they encounter each other around the island. If you are seeking genuine warmth rather than the superficial niceties and the people of Lord Howe won't disappoint.

How is the Climate in Lord Howe Island

The best weather on Lord Howe is undoubtably in summer. The warm summer months, tempered by the oceanic breeze, matches the island outdoor lifestyle. Winter is cooler, rainier, and windier. Tropical cyclones do occur on the island, but they are rare.

Travel to Lord Howe Island

-31.55|159.08 Lord Howe Island - Qantas-Australia arriving - The daily Qantas-Australia flight arrives from Sydney

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is roughly 2 hours direct flying time with QantasLink from Sydney (daily), Brisbane (weekends) and Port Macquarie (weekly, seasonal). Connecting services are available with Qantas-Australia. This flight is one of the most expensive domestic flights in Australia at around $500 each way and services are operated by Dash 8 turboprops.

The airport at Lord Howe has a terminal building with a kiosk open for departing flights, toilets, and a waiting area. There is also an outside area where you can sit and watch the arrivals and departures.

All services are met, and you'll be asked where you are staying as you arrive.

Weather conditions can sometimes be hazardous for landing on Lord Howe, and it's not unheard of for Flights to make the entire trip to the island, only to fail to land and return back to the mainland. This is particularly the case in the winter months.Aircraft weight and balance frequently sees luggage left behind, to travel on a flight the next day or later the same day.

Get Around

Lord Howe Island Cycling past Lovers Cove - Cycling on Lord Howe Island

The primary streets of the island connecting the airport, accommodation, restaurants and golf club are within easy cycling distance. The bicycle comes into its own and is the most popular form of transport, with bike racks situated everywhere.

Walking is easily feasible around the town and between most accommodation and the beaches.

The island's roads have a slow speed limit.

There is no taxi service or public transport on the island.All accommodation providers include transport to and from the airport on arrival, and transport to dinner at 6:30PM. The restaurants all provide transport back to your accommodation after your meal.

Wilson's Hire - from $8 per day Some accommodation provides bicycles, but Wilson's provides the bikes for everyone else. They have lots of bikes here, but like everywhere else on Lord Howe, it pays to book in advance.

What to see in Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island view to Admiralty Islands - Lord Howe Island view to Admiralty Islands from Malabar Ridge

Look around, it is a stunning location. The views from high vantage points are amazing. There are also many places to visit like the remnants of the underwater volcano.

Botanic Gardens - free There is a small botanic garden on Lagoon Road just past the museum. However and the whole of Lord Howe Island is a botanic garden, with many examples of large Banyan Trees and Pandanus scattered along the front of the Lagoon.

Museum - On the junction of Lagoon Road and Middle Beach Road - Entry by donation One room outlining the history of the island, and another highlighting its environmental features and world legacy status.

Catalina Wreckage - The Catalina Monument is adjacent to the bike parking at Old Settlement Beach. The Australian Air Force flying boat crashed while attempting a landing on the lagoon in bad weather, striking the top of the Malabar Ridge above. The wreckage of the Catalina still lies in place on the side of the ridge facing Old Settlement, visible from the path behind the beach.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island - Noddies 2 - Lord Howe Island birdlife

Lord Howe Island is very much geared up for outdoor recreation: bush walking, trekking, guided and self-guided walks, fish feeding, swimming, surfing, Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, bird-watching and reef walks are all popular. Sports are also an option: golf, tennis and bowls especially. Deep sea, rock and shore fishing charters are available. For the more laid back, options include picnics, barbecues, bicycling and dining out. Available for hire are golf clubs, tennis racquets, bicycles and helmets, scuba and snorkelling gear, paddle skis and spy boards.

Tennis. The court is opposite Thompson's Store. Hire is $10 per hour, book at the store. Racquets and balls are available.
Golf. Clubs are available at the clubhouse. The course is meticulously maintained. Green fees of $40 are due, and payable via an honour system at the clubhouse.
Snorkel. There is snorkelling available off just about every beach on the island. Ned's Beach is the jewel in the crown, with corals, tropical and reef fish just metres from the shore. Some of the best accessible snorkelling is at Escott's Reef, near the edge of the reef off the airport. It is a fair swim from shore, and a boat trip may be in order for this one. Comet's Hole is the best place to see the Galapagos Shark, around 100m offshore from the airport runway. Hawkbill turtles can be seen around the lagoon and Ned's. Green turtles are best seen munching on the sea-grass off Old Settlement Beach. You can rent snorkels at Wilsons, or on the beach at Ned's.
Dive. Several operators run SCUBA trips to the surrounding reef areas, and to nearly Balls Pyramid.
Glass Bottom Boating
Kayaking
Stand up Paddleboards
Bushwalking. The most popular walk is up to Malabar Ridge. The best approach is from the track that meets the road about 50m short of Ned's beach. Like everything else on Lord Howe, once you leave the lagoon some hills are involved. You ascent the ridge, to lookout over the birdlife living on the cliffs overlooking the turquoise sea. You can walk further to Kim's lookout, and descend via the North Bay track to Old Settlement Beach. Serious walkers can pre-book full-day guided walks up Mount Gower.
Fishing. Spear fishing is not permitted.
Fish Feeding. The food dispenser on Ned's takes $1 coins.
Jetty Jumping. A favourite with the kids at high tide.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Lord Howe Island

Money Matters in Lord Howe Island

Only Australian currency is accepted on Lord Howe Island. Foreign currency and travellers cheques are not accepted or exchanged. Credit cards are accepted widely but not everywhere. A extra charge of around 2% applies to using credit cards at many places, with Australian EFTPOS being an alternative for which there is no extra charge. There are two banks on the island, Westpac and Commonwealth open some hours on weekdays. The post-office is an agent for some others. There is a single ATM on the island, just inside the entrance door to the Bowling Club, with the entrance door (like most other doors on Lord Howe) usually open.

Island prices are generally higher than mainland prices owing to freight costs and the size of the market. Expect to pay a little more than you would in a convenience store in a capital city, say around $3.50 for a litre of milk, and around the same for a loaf of bread.

Supplies

There are three small shops on the island that carry groceries, drink, fruit, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, clothing, souvenirs and Snacks. You have to choose from what is available. If supplies of an item dwindle, don't expect to see it restocked until the day after the ship arrives.

Thompson's Store - Next to the post office and the co-op in town Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 6PM Small range of groceries, drinks and ice-creams. A handful of snorkels to purchase and some beach clothing.

Joy's Shop. Just before Heartbreak Hill on Middle Beach Road, up from the museum. The largest range of food and other supplies on the island.

The Top Shop - The place to buy fresh seafood caught on the island. Will deliver to your accommodation. Limited opening hours

Local produce

There is also a small hairdressing salon, limited beauty and masseur facilities and arts and crafts.

The Beach Boutique

Halal Food & Restaurants

LordHoweIsland MtGower 018 - The Mount Gower guide demonstrates the traditional method of harvesting palm seeds

There is a choice of restaurants on Lord Howe, catering mainly to a high end market. Expect to pay up around $25 for mains at the clubs, and $35 to $55 most other places. Limited choice is usually the order of the day, expect only four or so dishes on the menu each night, and for half of them to be locally caught fish.

The general arrangement is to book your restaurant for the night before noon. There is usually a booking sheet out the front of each restaurant for this purpose if you want to cycle around, or you can call them from the free phone out the front of Thompson's Store. You should then put your name down at your accommodation for a lift, and the restaurant will then provide you with transport home. Because of this arrangement, with accommodation providing a lift at 6:30PM, dinner commences at this time.

For lunch, Thompson's Store sells hamburgers around $8 each 11AM Monday - 2PM. You can get rolls and sandwiches from the Anchorage or from the Coral Cafe for around $15 until 2PM.

Most accommodation has some facilities for preparing your own food. There are barbecues on the beach, well stocked with wood, but you will need matches and probably firelighters.

You should have a good plan for where and how you are eating each day. Restaurants do book out. The lunch take-away option is gone from 2PM. Shops close for provisions around 6PM. Making a decision on dinner at 5PM can mean you go hungry.

Pandanus. Modern Australian on week nights, with a slightly cheaper Asian menu on Saturday and Sunday nights.
Beach House on the Moon. Only open two nights a week. Communal eating, as reasonably priced as anywhere.
The Anchorage. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with bookings only really necessary for dinner. Even if you haven't booked, you may still get a table here. Right in the centre of town, with Steaks and seafood to match any on the mainland. Around $35 for a main. Also good for a coffee and a muffin any time of day.
Bowling Club. Pie night Monday night. Closed for dinner Saturday night.
Golf Club. Pizzas night Sunday night. Make sure to book well in advance to watch the sun go down from the balcony.

There are no pubs on Lord Howe, but there is a bar at the Bowling Club and the Golf Club with a mix of local residents and visitors. Friday night tends to be the biggest night, but even then things tend to be quiet by 9PM. Most people aren't at Lord Howe for the nightlife.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Lord Howe Island, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lord Howe Island. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Lord Howe Island and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Lord Howe Island. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Lord Howe Island. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLord Howe Island: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Lord Howe Island.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Lord Howe Island: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Lord Howe Island, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Lord Howe Island.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Lord Howe Island, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Lord Howe Island, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Lord Howe Island and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Lord Howe Island, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Lord Howe Island, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Lord Howe Island without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lord Howe Island is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Lord Howe Island.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Lord Howe Island is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Lord Howe Island, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Lord Howe Island Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Lord Howe Island is small, so location doesn't usually come much into play when deciding where to stay. However and there is a small ridge along the island, and some accommodation is at the top of the hill.

Arajilla Retreat | Old Settlement Beach ☎ +61 2 6563 2484 1800 063 928 +61 2 6563 2022 Doubles $848-1,056
Capella Lodge - ☎ +61 2 9918 4355 +61 2 9918 4381 Doubles $550-590
Lorhiti Apartments - ☎ +61 7 3366 8000 +61 7 3366 8377 Doubles $90-250
Pinetrees - ☎ +61 2 6563 2177 +61 2 6563 2156 Doubles $300-310

Telecommunications in Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island Jetty - Lord Howe Island Jetty

There are no mobile phone towers on Lord Howe Island, and consequently no mobile phone reception of any kind. There are coin operated public phones in town, and at several locations around the island.

Internet (two terminals + Wi-Fi) is available for a fee at the visitor information centre when it is open. Some accommodation providers have Wi-Fi or terminals as well. The Internet connections aren't particularly fast, and if something breaks that needs replacement, it can be unavailable for weeks.

Australia Post has a postal agency on Lord Howe Island open Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 1PM & 2PM Monday - 4PM. From September - May airmail is dispatched and received every day except Friday. In the winter months, mail is dispatched whenever flights operate.

The MV Island Trader provides a surface freight link with Port Macquarie every fortnight. The arrival of the boat can be quite an event in itself. Every local will be able to tell you when the boat is due, and the whole population can turn up at the post office to collect their consigned shopping. You'll see the pallets heading up from the boat to the shops, and soon after the fresh produce and other selections hit the shelves. Expect whatever you see come ashore to be on the menu and in the shops for the next couple of weeks.

Stay safe

LordHoweIsland MtGower 343 - Mount Lidgebird and the rest of Lord Howe Island from the summit of Mount Gower

Although the island walks are well formed, all the cliffs are unfenced. Some of the island's lookouts are named for the people who have fallen and died there. Take care near the cliff edges. The island local residents will tell of occasions where people have broken limbs on the Gower walk, having to wait in the bush overnight while a rescue helicopter is sent from the mainland.

Cope

The island has a small hospital, with a doctor resident on the island on-call. He is used to stitching up all kinds of bicycle related falls, but for anything more serious a medivac to the mainland may be required.

News & References Lord Howe Island

Travel Next

Unless you arrived by yacht or private aircraft and the only connections are back to the Australian East Coast or New Zealand.