Lord Howe Island - General Info

Where is Lord Howe Island?

Lord Howe Island is an exposed volcanic seamount, seven million years old, which sits on top of an elevated area of seafloor stretching from New Caledonia to New Zealand called the Lord Howe Island Rise. The two highest peaks on the island, Mount Gower (at 874m) and Mount Lidgbird (at 776m) are defining features from the sea.

This group of islands, of which Lord Howe is the largest, is a World Heritage Site recognized for its natural beauty and heritage. It lies approximately 400 miles NE of Sydney.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Lord Howe Island:

Entry into and departure from the Lagoon is not permitted without prior approval from the Port Operations Manager (POM) or the Assistant Port Operations Manager (APOM).

Starboard Lateral Navigation Markers have been installed at the entrance to the North Passage and Port Lateral Navigation Markers have been installed at the entrance to Erscotts Passage to assist a safe. passage into the Lagoon. Urgent or emergency calls will be treated on their merit taking into account weather and sea conditions.

Sector lighting for entry into the Lagoon during the hours of darkness will only be permitted due to emergency/exigent circumstances and with the prior approval of the POM or APOM.

To protect the coral, boats are not allowed to anchor in the Lord Howe lagoon and you must have a booked a mooring, prior to your departure from mainland Australia.

Cruiser Highlights for Lord Howe Island

The island is a World Heritage Listed destination and welcomes just 400 visitors at any one time to the world’s southernmost coral reef, iconic mountaintops and pristine stretches of white-sanded beach.  The Island is one of Australia’s premier birdwatching sanctuary with 14 seabird species choosing Lord Howe to nest and raise their chicks.

Position:

31°32'S 159° 2' 34"E

Last updated:  May 2026