Lord Howe Island
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Positives
- Variety of breaks
- Always offshore somewhere
- Laid-back atmosphere, crowd free
- Nature, bird & marine life
Negatives
- Fickle conditions
- Long paddle to the reef
- Expensive food & supplies
- No cheap accommodation
Lord Howe Island surf travel guide
Often described as Australia's most beautiful island, Lord Howe Is surrounded by the world's southernmost coral reef and is home to many rare and endemic plants and animals. With its protected marine park, no mobile phone reception, no jet skis, no big buildings, very few cars and only 400 visitor beds, the island is never crowded. Much of the island's coastline is exposed to waves that have unlimited fetch, hitting a great variety of breaks, creating fairly consistent surf all year. A barrier reef stretches for 6km along the west side of the island, enclosing a beautiful lagoon. It is sliced by several passages, most of them being home to quality surf breaks.
Surf spots in Lord Howe Island
Research the 10 surf breaks in Lord Howe Island and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 10 breaks in Lord Howe Island.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Lord Howe Island
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Sail or take a flight from the Australian east coast. QantasLink has year-round scheduled flights to Lord Howe (LDH) aboard a 32 seater departing every day from Sydney (SYD) and on weekends from Brisbane (BNE). Flight time is 2 hours, a 14kg hold luggage + 4 kg cabin luggage limit per person applies. No charge for boards up to 7’ (2m).
Getting Around
The best way to explore Lord Howe Island is to walk, for getting around a bicycle is perfect (rent one for AU$10/day). There are numerous walking tracks and hiking trails. Stop by the Visitors Information Centre to get a map, visit the historical museum. There are only a few cars on the island, and a speed limit of 25km/h (16m/h) applies.
Accommodation
17 properties to choose from (most are family operated, with capacity ranging from 4 to 85 beds). Camping is not permitted. For dining, be prepared to book and pay AU$35-55 for a meal. Coral Cafe and Bowling Club are cheaper alternatives to the Anchorage and Arajilla restaurants.
Activities
LHI is a protected marine park with quality snorkelling over pristine coral reefs. Excellent diving options (50 sites, 2 schools). Trekking up Mt Gower (8h) is a great experience. At 551m, a trip to the world’s tallest sea stack at Ball's Pyramid is worth the cost (approx AU$225/p).
Hazards & hassles
Fishermen discovered in June 2001 the remains of a missing man, including a head, inside a 3m tiger shark caught off Lord Howe Island! No recorded attacks on surfers and only small reef sharks are seen at snorkelling locations. No snakes, no sand flies, no stingers but sea urchins! Doctor and a small hospital on the island. Most crew will use a dingy or paddle a kayak out to the reefs.
Handy Hints
Abemama is the new name of the only surf shop; board rentals ($20 half day, $30/d). ATM facilities at the Bowling Club or post office and credit cards widely accepted. Internet access at Visitor Centre.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.