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Dark Sky Festival

Dark Sky Festival
Our second annual Dark Sky Festival is planned for 16-23 May 2026.

Embark on an unforgettable celestial journey at the Dark Sky Festival on Lord Howe Island, one of Australia’s premier stargazing destinations.

Festival Highlights include:
The Dark Sky Festival offers a diverse range of activities that celebrate Lord Howe Island’s unrivalled stargazing conditions and its commitment to preserving its dark sky environment. From expert-led stargazing and immersive astrophotography workshops to one-of-a-kind dining experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Stargrazer Tastes & Tunes
Start the festival with live music from Australian Country Music Legend James Blundell. The opening night continues to explore the cosmos with leading Astronomer Fred Watson AM through powerful telescopes, uncovering constellations, planets,
and deep-space wonders.

Dark Dining Experiences
Choose from a standout line-up of dining experiences, from the Twilight Botanica Dining Experience at Anchorage Restaurant to vibrant, Mexican-inspired Dark Dining at Lord Howe Island Golf Club with guest chef Josh Lewis of La Casita. For something more relaxed, settle in for a lively fish fry and space-themed trivia night at
the Lord Howe Island Bowling Club.

Astrophotography Workshops
Capture the Milky Way and beyond with guidance from a professional astrophotographer in this intimate, hands-on experience.

Nocturnal Island Walks
Discover Lord Howe’s unique nocturnal wildlife and volcanic landscapes on a guided
walk with local naturalist lan Hutton.

Science Talks & Conversations
Hear from leading astronomers and experts as they explore the mysteries of the
universe and the importance of protecting dark skies.

Yoga Under the Stars
Explore your inner calm under the beautiful night skies with Lord Howe Yoga
overlooking Ned’s Beach.

Diving After Dark
Experience Lord Howe’s reef after dark with a UV Night Snorkel or UV Night Dive with
Dive Lord Howe.

Booking Information:
Event Tickets:
Visit darkskyfestival.info.

Flight, accommodation and ticket packages:
Visit our travel partner Oxley Travel for exclusive packages for this ‘out of this world’ festival: www.oxleytravel.com.au.

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Welcome to #LordHoweIsland, @visitnsw’s very own slice of World Heritage paradise 🌺🌴

@unesco describes the Lord Howe Island Group as an exceptional example of oceanic islands of volcanic origin, home to a unique array of plants and animals, as well as the world’s southernmost true coral reef 🪸

📷 Captured by @russell.chris_
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #FeelNSW #SeeAustralia

So good we’re a little lost for words 🌴🏖️🌴

@capellalodge, part of @beckonsjourneys, is one of our much‑loved luxury lodges on Lord Howe Island. Ocean out front, mountains out back, and nowhere else to be. What's not to love? 🤍

📹 @capellalodge & @beckonsjourneys
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

A walk through history on Lord Howe Island 📸

Founded in 1978, the Lord Howe Island Museum is home to more than 50,000 scientific specimens, photographs and cultural objects. Over the decades, residents and visitors have generously donated photo albums and personal images, capturing everyday life, landscapes and moments in time.

Make sure to stop by when you visit the Island. Entry is by donation and helps safeguarding the stories that shape Lord Howe’s unique history 📜🏝️

📷 @lord_howe_island_museum & LHI Historical Society
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

Meet our friends from @lordhowedistilling crafting small-batch spirits inspired by Lord Howe’s natural beauty 🌺🍋🌴

For more Island food and drink experiences, visit www.lordhoweisland.info

#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

‘Under the Pines’ is one of Lord Howe Island’s favourite places to meet and it is easy to see why 🌲🏖️🌲

Pick up some snacks from Joy’s Shop, @anchoragelordhowe or @the.crooked.post and wander down to Lagoon Beach, and settle in for the perfect island day. Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or simply float in the calm turquoise water. All the gear you need is available at the tour operator sheds, so you can just arrive and enjoy paradise🌴💛

What's your favourite beach? 🏖️

Turquoise water. Friendly fish. Golden sand. Zero stress. Say no more.
Beautiful Ned's Beach here captured by @moniques.photos_ 🌴🐠🤿

#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

Island to plate at its finest 🏝️🍴

On Lord Howe Island, chefs make the most of what the Island is offering. They forage for native ingredients, grow their own produce in small market gardens, and partner with local growers whenever they can. It keeps the food honest, simple, and full of character.
And then there is the fish! Some days it is beautiful kingfish, other days it is yellowfin tuna or whatever else the ocean gifts that morning🐟

And the flavour? Pure Island magic!✨

📷 @strandedchef with @capellalodge
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

Tips for a day at Ned’s Beach on Lord Howe Island 🏖️

🥪 Fire up a BBQ. Ned’s Beach has three woodfire BBQs and a gas BBQ, each tucked into its own great little spot to set up and enjoy the view!

🐠 Feed the fish. You can purchase fish food (and snorkel gear) at the shed

🤿 Go for a snorkel. Start at the sand channel and explore the area to the left of it - that’s where the magic is ✨

🧘 Do a yoga class with @nourishing_nikki

🕰️ Take your time. There are plenty of areas to relax so bring a towel, a book, snacks, and carpe diem

Thanks for the stunning video @paulmcguire5970
#LordHoweIsand #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia FeelNSW

Lord Howe Island - Globally recognised. Carefully protected 🩵🌏

🌊 The reefs surrounding Lord Howe Island are the southernmost coral reefs in the world.
🌊 It is home to the only fringing coral reef lagoon in @visitnsw.
🌊 All surrounding waters are protected within the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, established in 1999.
🌊 Parts of the Marine Park form part of the @unesco World Heritage–listed Lord Howe Island Group, internationally recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value.
🌊 The reef is home to over 90 species of coral and 500 tropical, subtropical and temperate fish species, many found nowhere else but here.
🌊 The Marine Park also includes Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, listed as wetlands of international significance under the Ramsar Convention.
🌊 It is a true underwater paradise for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, diving and cruising.

In every sense — extraordinary!
📷 @evanfawell
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

When waking up on Lord Howe looks something like this 🌄

Stunning views here from @waimarieapartmentslordhowe's two one-bedroom apartments, tucked among lush kentia palms. Slow mornings, short walks to the lagoon, and days that move at island pace. Exactly how a stay here should feel 🌴💚

📷 @waimarieapartmentslordhowe
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #FeelNSW #SeeAustralia

Ned's 🏖️🪸🐠

Surely one of the best places in the world — or at least we think so!

With crystal-clear waters and a breathtaking backdrop, Ned’s Beach is the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in. Fire up a BBQ, slip on a mask for a snorkel, explore beneath the surface on a dive, hand-feed the friendly local fish, or simply stretch out on the grass or sand and just be 🪸🐠

Thanks for the capture to @moniques.photos_ 📷

On Lord Howe Island, Discovery Day is observed on 17 February, commemorating the Island’s discovery in 1788 by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball of HMS Supply 👀🏝️

A moment in history that shaped this remarkable island, Discovery Day is a time to reflect on Lord Howe’s story, its heritage, and the community that calls this extraordinary place home 🤍

The LHI P&C will be hosting a casual Discovery Day burger BBQ and bake sale at Lord Howe Island Central School from 5pm - a great chance to come together and celebrate 🫶

📷 @lord_howe_island_museum
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #Seeaustralia #FeelNSW

Led by passionate local operators, these Lord Howe Island experiences showcase the Island’s wild beauty - on and below the water 🤿💦🪸

Explore Lord Howe Island from the water with a range of unforgettable ocean experiences. Cruise the lagoon on a glass-bottom boat with @lhienvirotours and @marineadventures, or venture beyond the reef with Reef N Beyond @visitlordhowe for a close-up view of the iconic Ball’s Pyramid. Keen to try your hand at fishing? Join Jack from @seatosummitexpeditions aboard Noctiluca, or head out on a tour aboard the historic Lulawei with @sealordhowe or the Belle Chase with MV Belle Chase. For those who love being beneath the surface, discover remarkable dive sites such as Malabar Landslide and Sugarloaf with @divelordhowe.

Each experience offers a different perspective of the Island’s stunning marine environment 🤍🌊 Head to our website for more info: lordhoweisland.info/experiences

📷 @evanfawell, @lhienvirotours/@lordhowetours, Stephan Kleinlein/@visitlordhowe, @marineadventures, @sealordhowe, @seatosummitexpeditions, @divelordhowe
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

Have you had a moment at Lover's Bay? 🌲🌲

The two Norfolk pines at Lover’s Bay once served as channel markers for boats entering the lagoon. They still stand today, overlooking one of the Island’s many secluded bays - Now a quiet place where people come to mark meaningful moments with those they love 💛

📷 @riancope
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

Same roads, same slow pace, same island magic. Just different generations enjoying the ride. From back then to right now, bikes have always been the favourite way to get around Lord Howe Island 🚲🌴

@lord_howe_island_museum / @lordhowetours
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

💙 The Lagoon at Lord Howe Island

With clear, calm waters, soft sandy beaches, and colourful coral, it’s a perfect spot to swim, snorkel, or just relax and enjoy the view. What a perfect setting to unwind and take in Lord Howe’s beauty 🏖️

📷 @ashabeswick
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

Since 1982, Lord Howe Island and its islets have proudly held @unesco World Heritage status. From Malabar Hill, spot the Admiralty Islands on the horizon - and don’t forget, the waters below are packed with epic diving adventures! 🤿💦

📷 @stuckonarockphoto
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

White Terns (aka fairy terns) on Lord Howe Island don’t build nests at all.
They lay a single egg right on a bare tree branch, one of the most unusual nesting habits of any seabird 🌲🪹

Here's an adorable baby bird captured by @taalidj_photography 🤍
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

The ocean around Lord Howe is looking so lovely right now 🩵💠

Clear, calm, and clearly a hit with everyone, above and below the surface. Definitely time for a swim! 🏖️

📷 @_markfitz
#LordHoweIsland #PureWildTimeless #SeeAustralia #FeelNSW

#LordHoweIsland