( territory of Australia )
| Lord Howe Island ( territory of Australia ) |
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Lord Howe
Island and its surrounding islets are the eroded remnants of a large shield volcano that
erupted from the sea floor about seven million years ago. Marine erosion has reduced the
main Island to approximately one fortieth of its original size, leaving a spectacular
scenic landscape, including cliffs and mountains up to 875 metres high.
In more recent geological times, large deposits of wind blown sand have covered much of
the low lying area of the Island, and rainwater has cemented these deposits into a
sedimentary rock known as calcarenite. These deposits have been traced to 130,000 years in
age.Numerous fossil bones occur in the calcarenite the most outstanding being those of a
large extinct, horned turtle, Meiolania platyceps
Less than two hours north-east of Sydney, roughly crescent
shaped, it is approximately 11 km long and 2.8 km at its widest point, totalling 1,455 ha
in area. Two volcanic mountains dominate the landscape, the southern one rising to 875
metres from the sea: sheer black cliffs of basalt with steeply forested slopes. The
northern part of the Island is a series of low hills which slope gently up from the west
to a height of about 200m; on the 
eastern side they plunge as sheer cliffs to the sea. Several flat low-lying
areas between the hills in the north & the mountains in the south provide land for
settlement, and these areas have been partially cleared of forest. A shallow reef-fringed
lagoon with white sandy beaches adds on idyllic touch to this island paradise.
General Information
Air services
Regular services are operated between Lord Howe Island and Sydney (Qantas' Eastern Australian Airlines) and Brisbane (Sunstate Airlines).
There is no crime on the Island Camping is prohibited by law The remoteness of the Island, its inaccessibility and the limitation of numbers excludes the casual passer-by. The only people appearing out of the horizon are the "yachties" on passage in the Tasman Sea. There are no hordes of biting insects normally associated with tropical islands. There are no sandflies.
Banking
The currency is Australian Dollars. All major credit cards & travellers cheques are accepted. Several major banks are represented however there are no A.T.M. or card access facilities.Bowls & Golf
The bowling and golf clubs welcome visitors to use all facilities.Churches
Anglican, Catholic & Seventh Day Adventist are all represented on the island.Dress
Life on the island is relaxed and informal and so is the dress code. Solid walking shoes are a good idea and sun protection is essential. A pullover and/or spray jacket will be useful for evenings and at higher altitudes.Electricity
240 volt A.C. 50 cycles.Emergency Services
There is a small hospital with a clinic and dispensary. Police and fire services on demand.Entry Requirements
Your accommodation and return air ticket must be pre-arranged and confirmed to allow entry to the island.Facilities
A range of facilities are provided to assist your enjoyment of the island, (most are free to user). These include clearly marked walking trails providing access to places of special interest, spectacular views, teeming seabird colonies and lush rainforests. Landscaped picnic areas include barbecue, chopped wood, tables and toilets. A visitor centre is open from 9:00am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday.Fishing
Charter boats will almost guarantee a catch or you can fish off the rocks or beachs around the island ( except in the protected areas). Bait , tackle and local information on the best fishing spots are all available.Government
Lord Howe Island is under the authority of the New South Wales Government. The local Island Board maintains control on the island.Immigration & Customs Requirements
None exist for people between mainland Australia & the island. However, travel to/from Norfolk Island requires a valid passport or a document of identity.Island Service Levy
A departure tax of $20 applies to all tourists, except those under 16 years.Local Transport
Our accommodation proprietors operate minibuses for airport transfers and to run you to restaurants etc... A regular mini coach service operates around the island. All vehicular traffic is limited to a maximum speed of 25kph.Museum
The Island Museum is open daily from 2:00 to 4:00pm.Shopping
The island's general stores sell a variety of goods including food, clothing, liquor, arts, crafts and souvenirs. There is also a butcher and a bakery.Time
Half hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (no time difference during daylight saving).
Climate
Lord Howe Island is an all-year round holiday destination,
Summer average temperarature is 26oC ( 82oF), while in Winter the average is 16oC (62oF).Temperatures
The maritime setting ensures very little variation in temperatures at Lord Howe, both on a daily basis & over the year.
- Summer - maximum temperatures are usually around 25oC (80oF) going down to 17oC ( 64oF) overnight.
- Winter - the day temperatures are around 18oC (66oF) with overnight lows of about 14oC ( 58oF), occasionally falling to 12oC (51oF).
Frosts are unknown on the Island.
Summer
During summer months the high pressure cells are well to the south of Lord Howe & fresh easterly winds predominate. Periodic influx of moist tropical air occurs, making for still, humid conditions. Tropical cyclones do not occur at the latitude of Lord Howe.Winter
During winter months the high pressure cells are located about the latitude of the Island. There is a progression of these cells from west to east, with a cold front between adjacent cells.Most of the rainfall on Lord Howe is associated with these frontal systems. After the passage of a front the wind is SW & then as the cell progresses the wind swings around the compass S, SE, E, NE, then NW before the passage of the next front. On occasions a large, slow moving high pressure cell remains over the area for several days & produces calm, dry, clear conditions-this phenomena is known locally as the "June still'.