Thinking about an island holiday, but still wanting to stay close to home? Then Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island may already be on your radar. Both situated off the east coast Australia, and both an easy 2-2.5 hour flight from Sydney, a relaxing island getaway to stunning Lord Howe Island or beautiful Norfolk Island could be just perfect. Full of serene natural beauty, lush island greenery and fascinating history, they offer that complete and welcome unplug from everyday life. We take a closer look at both destinations and compare the differences, to help you find the right island holiday for you.
Lord Howe Island
The island boasts a myriad of things to do and natural attractions to visit. Its ancient volcano history has made for some remarkable geology and landscapes such as Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower, being the remnants of lava flows, and both offering dramatic views of the offshore islands and rocks with popular hikes to the peaks. Mt Gower stands as the island’s tallest mountain offering breathtaking 360-degree views – a fitting reward for the challenging and rugged trek to the top. The 11 beaches here feature pristine white sand coupled with crystal clear blue waters such as Ned’s Beach in the north east and Blinky Beach, on the east side, all unspoilt and refreshing with a feeling of welcome seclusion.
With an island ecosystem developed from submarine volcanic activity this has resulted in a very diverse and unique range of habitats and subsequently an outstanding and thriving endemic species, thanks to conservation commitment. Nearly half of the island’s indigenous plants and more than half of the insect species aren’t found to be anywhere else in the world. It is also home to over 500 species of fish and 90 different coral species, making for an incredible marine display best viewed through snorkelling, diving or glass bottom boat trips. An extensive variety of seabirds reside here too, given the constant and abundant food source, with around 207 different bird species.
Dining here is yet another pleasure to savour. For those casual lunch or dinner times, Lord Howe’s 11 stunning beaches are the perfect location for a beach barbecue with the option of fresh fish delivered to your accommodation. It is likely to be the local specialty, locally caught Kingfish, also appearing on many menus at various dining outlets. Elegant, boutique and relaxed restaurants are the alternative with a good range of international style, traditional island fish fry, comforting and healthy breakfasts, casual meals and coffees.
Great for: active walkers, nature lovers, snorkelling, relaxing on the beach, casual and contemporary dining, hiking, bird watching and wellbeing.
Norfolk Island
It always seems to feel somewhat exotic travelling to an island. Be it the remoteness, the unspoiled beauty or the relaxed, slower paced environment there are multiple drawcards that beckon travellers to their shores in the hope of a total reset and recharge, and Norfolk Island is no exception. As the rugged island beauty comes to view; the crashing surf against the sheer cliff faces, the top of which dotted with iconic Norfolk Pine trees, the reality that there is a lot to like about this island, even before entering the terminal, becomes abundantly clear.
With a strong South Pacific culture and fascinating history of the Bounty Mutineers, Norfolk Island is a proud mesh of both. The Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site will transport you back through some of the most punishing and daring chapters of Australian and South Pacific history, with further historical stories around every corner. Enjoy long-standing island traditions, still current today, and festivals, events, music and folklore that showcase its colourful past and present.
From local cafes to fine dining restaurants, the food is good quality, and while often uncomplicated, fine ingredients don’t need much. Due to quarantine restrictions the island has created an almost sustainable, free range (and often organic) lifestyle, which is not only seasonal, but fresh and results in delicious food of consistently high quality. While the town centre features many local cafes – offering similar fare to what would be found in any city - many of the restaurants are either attached to the hotels or have popped up around the island - often in stunning locations overlooking the cliffs.
Great for: history enthusiasts, immersive cultural experiences, nature lovers, unrushed days, paddock to plate dining, good old-fashioned hospitality, wonderful sense of ‘stepping back in time’.
Click for our holidays to Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island or contact the Holidays of Australia team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
