Why Honeymoon on Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe offers a rare kind of privacy. There are no high-rise hotels and no crowds, just a few lodges and guesthouses scattered among kentia palms. The visitor cap means that even in peak season the island feels empty.
The scenery changes quickly. In one day you can snorkel with turtles in the lagoon, hike through rainforest to a clifftop lookout and watch seabirds wheel around the peaks at sunset. Ball's Pyramid, a jagged sea stack about 23 kilometers offshore, is the tallest of its kind in the world and a dramatic sight from a boat.
It suits couples with different energy levels. One of you can tackle the full-day Mount Gower climb while the other lingers over a long lunch and a swim. Nobody needs to drive and the slow pace forces you both to switch off.
When to Go
The best time is from October to April. Spring and summer bring warm, settled weather, with air temperatures in the mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and water warm enough for long snorkels. Ocean breezes keep the heat comfortable. December and January are the busiest months, so book early.
September and May are shoulder months with cooler water and fewer visitors. Spring is also when seabirds nest in large numbers, a highlight for bird lovers.
Winter, June to August, is cooler, wetter and windier. Some lodges close for part of this season and boat trips can be canceled when the sea is rough. If you go then, expect a quieter, moodier island suited to hiking more than swimming. Cyclones are rare this far south.
Where to Stay
All accommodation is small scale and the total number of beds is limited, which is why the visitor cap works. Book your room and flights together, months ahead for summer.
Capella Lodge is the island's best-known luxury stay. It sits near Lovers Bay at the southern end, with views of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird. Rates are usually all-inclusive. Expect prices well over US$1,000 a night for two (approximate). Pinetrees Lodge, run by the same family for generations, is a classic island guesthouse near the lagoon with meals included. Arajilla Retreat offers secluded suites in the forest near Old Settlement Beach.
Cheaper options include self-catering apartments and guesthouses near the lagoon. Most providers meet you at the airport and many offer bicycles. Check what is included, since food on the island is costly.
Romantic Things to Do
- Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat trip in the western lagoon, where coral gardens sit in shallow, clear water.
- Feed the mullet and kingfish at Ned's Beach, then snorkel straight off the sand.
- Book the guided Mount Gower climb. It takes most of a day, involves ropes on steep sections and rewards you with views across the island and the Tasman Sea. Walkers must go with a licensed guide.
- Take a boat trip to Ball's Pyramid, with diving or snorkeling stops if the weather allows.
- Walk to Malabar Hill or Kim's Lookout for sunset views over the lagoon.
- Kayak or paddleboard across the lagoon to the Admiralty Islets side.
- Have a beach picnic at Blinky Beach or Old Settlement Beach, where turtles often graze in the shallows.
Getting There and Around
QantasLink flies small turboprops to Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH) from Sydney, with extra services in summer. The flight takes about two hours. A few smaller flights connect from other east coast airports. Seats are limited, so book them at the same time as your lodge.
The planes are small and luggage weight limits are strict, so pack light. Check current allowances with the airline. Flights can be delayed by weather, so avoid booking a tight international connection on the way home.
On the island, bicycles are the main way to get around. There are no taxis or buses and the speed limit is low. Lodges handle airport transfers and many restaurants offer pickups for dinner. A few places rent cars, but most couples never need one.
Food and Drink
Food is simple but good, with fresh fish a highlight. Kingfish, tuna and other local catches appear on most menus. Many lodges include meals, which saves money and planning.
The island has a handful of restaurants and cafes, some open only a few nights a week. Pandanus and The Anchorage are long-standing options. The Bowling Club and Golf Club are casual spots for a drink and a meal. Book dinner ahead because tables are limited.
For picnics, the small general stores sell basic groceries, though prices are higher than on the mainland because everything arrives by ship or plane. Bring any medications and special items you need from home. Most places accept cards, often with a small surcharge. There is only one ATM, so carry some Australian cash.
Honeymoon Tips
Expect to disconnect. Mobile coverage is very limited and internet is slow and patchy. Tell family before you go and enjoy the break.
Pack reef shoes, a rash guard and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. The sun is strong, even on cloudy days. A light rain jacket helps for hikes, as weather can change quickly around the peaks.
Book guided activities early. The Mount Gower climb, Ball's Pyramid trips and dive outings have small group sizes and can fill well before you arrive.
Respect the island's quarantine and conservation rules. Lord Howe has worked hard to protect rare species, including the Lord Howe woodhen, so follow signs, stay on tracks and avoid bringing plants or soil. Swim where lodges or locals suggest. Check conditions before snorkeling outside the lagoon.
