Travel Essentials
Travel Essentials
Less than two hours from Sydney, discover a destination that feels a whole world away - how to get here, when to visit, how to get around, and what to bring.
Getting Here
Your island escape is closer than you think. In less than two hours, you can swap the city for crystal-clear waters, towering peaks, and the timeless beauty of Lord Howe Island.
SmartLynx Australia operates daily flights from Sydney, with a flight time of under two hours.
Book your flights through SmartLynx or Qantas, to earn and redeem Qantas points and access the Qantas Lounge in Sydney.
Connecting services with Qantas and QantasLink from all Australian capital cities and many regional centres are also available.
Eastern Air Services offers weekly flights and charters from Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast and Newcastle.
When to Visit
Welcoming only 400 visitors at any time, Lord Howe feels a world away from the everyday – every day of the year.
With a year-round mild climate, temperatures average 20-25°C in summer, making the December-February season a popular time to visit. Summer and key Australian holidays may require flight and accommodation bookings well in advance.
During Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May), the island continues to enjoy pleasant mild weather conditions, and typically offers more short-lead availability.
Winter (June-August) temperatures range from 13-19°C, and conditions can become a little more wild. Accommodation and experiences may be limited during this season, so it’s best to plan your visit with your travel agent or island accommodation.
As tourist spaces are limited, it’s important to book your Lord Howe flights and accommodation at the same time. For exclusive offers on tailored flight and accommodation packages, visit Holiday Packages.
Getting Around
At only 11 kilometres long and two kilometres wide, you’ll quickly discover why Lord Howe is best explored on foot or by bike.
Bicycles are standard transport, and are available for hire from local operators. A limited number of rental cars are also available, and may be driven with a 25 km/h speed limit.
What to Bring
With a diverse range of land and sea activities to experience, your itinerary must-dos will inform your packing. Island essentials include:
- Casual, lightweight clothing layers
- Swimming costume, hat and sun protection
- Sandals or flip flops
- Sturdy covered shoes for bush and reef walking
- A raincoat in case of occasional wild weather occurring any time of the year
- A small torch or headlamp for night time visibility (there are very few streetlights on the island)
A 14kg checked baggage and 7kg carry-on baggage per person limit applies to flights to Lord Howe Island. Excess baggage, such as golf clubs and surfboards, are carried on a subject-to-load basis.
TOWNCENTER APP
Developed right here on Lord Howe Island, TownCenter is a free offline app featuring local businesses, historical information, hidden gems, walking tracks and more. Download TownCenter to navigate, explore and discover Lord Howe like a local.
Shopping
Basic groceries, fresh produce, liquor, pharmaceuticals, clothing and souvenirs are available to purchase at a number of local stores. Island prices are generally higher than mainland prices due to freight costs.
Banking & Currency
As an unincorporated area of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island’s currency is Australian dollars.
Deposits and withdrawals with most major Australian banks (excluding ANZ) can be processed at the Post Office (Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm).
Credit cards are widely accepted, but not everywhere. An ATM is available (24 hours) at the Lord Howe Island Bowling Club. Foreign currency and travellers cheques are not able to be processed on the island.
CONNECTIVITY
A visit to Lord Howe Island is all about connecting with what truly matters: people, place and planet. There is no mobile coverage on the island, but public telephones and paid and complimentary internet connections are available at various locations, including:
- Local internet service provided by Thornleigh Farm in the CBD area, near the Community Hall, Post Office and Boat Sheds (fees apply)
- Lord Howe Island Museum (free and paid services)
- Anchorage Restaurant
- The Crooked Post
- The Golfy
- Lord Howe Island Brewery
- Visitor Centre
POWER & ADAPTERS
Lord Howe Island uses 240V AC, 50Hz electricity with the three-pin plug used on mainland Australia. Overseas visitors may require an adapter.
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