‘Just paradise’ is the island’s tagline – pretty spot on! It’s hard to believe this tiny tropical island in the middle of the Tasman Sea is a part of our NSW state – just 780 kilometres from Sydney. I also can’t believe I haven’t been here before!

Lord Howe Island was forged from fire seven million years ago. Volcanic activity extruded this dramatic landscape right out of the seafloor – similar to Hawaii and Tahiti. A tiny outcrop of rock in the middle of the ocean – surrounded by the southernmost coral reefs. 

There are two enormous mountains at the southern end – Mt Gower (875m) and Mt Lidgbird (777m), which I can’t stop taking photos of – I’m in total awe, they’re just so damn majestic. These twin peaks edge a west-facing blue lagoon – a snorkeller’s paradise. Mt Gower is an 8-hour return trip hike but jaw-dropping (We will have a crack if time permits).

Tourism and environmental conversation are tightly managed on the island, only allowing 400 guests at a time. It’s a mellow place, shoes aren’t required, you ride bicycles everywhere, and everybody says g’day. Some businesses run off an honesty system (grab and pop money into a jar or write your name down). There’s no mobile service, and it’s so quiet and peaceful. Perfect place to chill and rejuvenate, to feel new.

Quick facts:

• 2-hour flight from Sydney via Qantaslink
• Lord Howe Island (LHI) is in parallel with Port Macquaire (where most of the islands goods come from)
• Amazon prime delivers here, free! (nuts). So does Woolies Port Mac.
• LHI is 11 km long but just 2.8 km wide at the widest point.
• The island was discovered in 1788 
• Approximately 382 people live on the island
• There’s one policeman on the island
• Kids don’t wear shoes to school

NSW is the most diverse state in Australia, a unique collision of nature and culture so make sure you check out your own backyard. 

In the meantime, click here for ideas for NSW trips

:: uge