We just found Paradise in the Tasman Sea. Lord Howe Island is a self-governed, unincorporated area of New South Wales (Australia). It is 483 miles northeast of Sydney and 368 miles from New Zealand.
Because of the currents their climate and environment is a combination of tropic, subtropic and temperate. And it is beautiful. Because of its isolation it is a little like the Galapagos in that there are (or were - many now extinct) many species of birds and fish found only on this island. No kangaroos, poisonous snakes or poisonous spiders.
Population is 382 and the "town" has no name...just Town Center. To protect the fragile plants and animals here they allow only 400 visitors a day. Visitors generally walk everywhere or ride bikes but there are actual cars and trucks on the island (seen only rarely). Great diving, snorkeling and bird watching to be found on the island.
We had good views of Lord Howe Island as the plane circled for
landing. Lots of turquoise water and
lovely mountains.
Because of the currents their climate and environment is a combination of tropic, subtropic and temperate. And it is beautiful. Because of its isolation it is a little like the Galapagos in that there are (or were - many now extinct) many species of birds and fish found only on this island. No kangaroos, poisonous snakes or poisonous spiders.
Population is 382 and the "town" has no name...just Town Center. To protect the fragile plants and animals here they allow only 400 visitors a day. Visitors generally walk everywhere or ride bikes but there are actual cars and trucks on the island (seen only rarely). Great diving, snorkeling and bird watching to be found on the island.
With flights to the island only once a day, and the planes only
carrying 36 passengers, they need only a very small airport. We were greeted by the owner of our hotel,
given a short tour of the key points of the island and then dropped off at the hotel,
Earl’s Anchorage. We have a lovely one-bedroom
apartment with full kitchen and lovely deck.
The island has around 380 permanent residents and allows only 400
guests on the island at any given time.
There are limited restaurants and many are only open for a few days a
week for dinner. Consequently,
reservations are required. So, we made
reservations at Earl’s Restaurant, down the hill “in town”.
After settling into our new home we walked down to the town center via
Stevens Reserve, recommended by our hostess.
A recent cyclone seemed to have left a lot of fallen palm fronds all
over the path.
Highlight was the sighting of a couple of Emerald Doves…very pretty green backs.
Highlight was the sighting of a couple of Emerald Doves…very pretty green backs.
We took photos of the lagoon, a main feature of the island, and then had
lunch at Earl’s.
We walked back up the hill to our home, changed into swim gear, brought our snorkels, and headed
off to Ned’s Beach. The beach is part of
the surrounding marine park and the fish are protected.
But you are allowed to feed them, so we bought some fish food and waded into the water. The fish were expecting us.
But you are allowed to feed them, so we bought some fish food and waded into the water. The fish were expecting us.
We were swarmed by Doubleheaders and sand mullets.
Eventually an incredibly neon colored fish showed up to be fed. It was a Green-Blocked Wrasse and was one of
the most colorful fish we had ever seen.
Beautiful.
The snorkeling was great, very colorful coral and lots of fish.
After cleaning up we eventually headed down the hill for dinner. Everything must be brought in by boat from the mainland; consequently, the dinner was very expensive. Very good but expensive.
After cleaning up we eventually headed down the hill for dinner. Everything must be brought in by boat from the mainland; consequently, the dinner was very expensive. Very good but expensive.
The island has no streetlights to speak of but the hotel offers a
shuttle back to your hotel, so we took the shuttle back. Beautiful island and a beautiful day.
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