No Rest for Nature

Michael Osborne describes the UNESCO World Heritage listed island of Lord Howe

Two mountains emerge from the empyrean flashes of green and blue from the lagoon. There is an elegant sweep of green lowlands and Kentia palms and pine trees that fringe the pristine white sands. The blue waves turn to white as they roll across the protecting reef.

You are about to land on Lord Howe Island.

The island group is home to more than 490 fish species, living among 94 varieties of the southern most coral in the world. This has caused an unusual transition between agal and coral reef types. Fish species include tropical and temperate, with some seventy five per cent being inshore tropical species. At least four per cent are unique to Lord Howe Island

Bird watchers are well provided for with some 130 species to observe, including the once endangered Lord Howe Island Woodhen.

The Island group supports extensive colonies of seabirds, with fourteen species regularly nesting on the main island and adjacent islets. These colonies include virtually the only known breeding location of the Providence Petrel; probably the world’s largest concentration of the Red-tailed Tropic Bird; and the most southerly breeding location of the Masked Booby, Sooty Tern and the Noddy Tern.

The island also supports fourteen species of land bird, including four unique species and sub-species; one of these, the Woodhen (Tricholimmas Sylvestris), was once the world’s rarest bird. In the late 1970s there were less than fifty Woodhen left!

Lord Howe has a rich flora, with an interesting mix of plants related to those from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. Approximately one third of the flowering plants and fern species are unique to the island.

The Kentia Palm, the world’s best selling indoor plant is native only to Lord Howe. The mild, balmy and unique climate of the island has evolved this palm.

As far as holiday islands go, this is an year-round destination. In summer the days are ideal; the temperature averaging 26 degrees Celsius. During the cooler months, June to August the days average around 16 degrees Celsius. Frosts are unheard of.

Anytime is a great time for strolls along the well-marked trails and spotless beaches. For the more adventurous, take a guided mountain walk or snorkel and scuba dive in the crystal clear waters (no rivers to cause pollution).

Official Website: Lord Howe Island Tourism Association