With Just 400 Visitors at a time, Lord Howe Island Is a Secret Paradise
Picture yourself arriving at an island adorned with lush mountains, flawless sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Welcome to Lord Howe Island, a breathtaking paradise situated 372 miles away from the bustling east coast of mainland Australia. Imagine the untouched beauty of deserted beaches and the serene tranquility of hiking through lush rainforests and majestic mountains, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the calls of the wild.
Exploring the World with a Balanced Perspective
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Lord Howe Island is a true gem of untouched nature and dedicated preservation. This idyllic island has successfully preserved its pristine landscape by carefully managing the number of visitors allowed at any given time. By limiting the tourist count to 400, the island ensures that its extraordinary environment remains safeguarded and unspoiled. For more than four decades, Lord Howe has maintained this restriction by setting a limit on the number of beds for visitors. This approach was carefully crafted to safeguard the diverse range of unique species found on the island, ultimately leading to its prestigious designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. According to Darcelle Matassoni, a sixth-generation islander who works for the Lord Howe Island Board, the visitor cap not only helps protect the environment but also ensures a fair and balanced experience for both visitors and locals.
The Journey to Lord Howe
Reaching Lord Howe Island may not be a walk in the park, but that’s precisely what adds to its allure. Travel options are currently quite limited, with airfares for a return trip to Sydney often reaching high prices, and accommodation during the peak summer season can vary significantly in cost. Visiting this place may require some investment and planning, but the experience is truly one-of-a-kind. It provides a peaceful escape from the crowded and popular tourist spots.
Commitment to Conservation
Dean Hiscox, the owner of Lord Howe Environmental Tours, emphasizes the island’s dedication to preserving its natural environment. The island boasts an impressive 85% of its land still enveloped in its lush native forest, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, a significant 70% of the island is designated as a Permanent Park Preserve, ensuring that no development disrupts its pristine beauty. A small portion of the remaining 15% is allocated for residential settlements. This dedication to conserving the natural surroundings has fostered a distinctive atmosphere where both the local community and tourists recognize the significance of maintaining sustainability.
A Living Documentary
Immersed in the Wonders of Lord Howe Island Ian Hutton, a seasoned naturalist and photographer, beautifully captures the essence of life on Lord Howe Island, likening it to a captivating journey through a real-life David Attenborough documentary. This compact island is teeming with unique flora and fauna, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforests teeming with vibrant vegetation, delicate orchids, and a symphony of birdsong. And don’t miss the chance to explore the summit of Mount Gower, where you’ll discover a precious cloud forest that is home to rare and endangered species. One of the island’s most renowned exports are the seeds of the Kentia Palm, which happens to be the most sought-after indoor palm worldwide.
Unique Wildlife Encounters
Along the coast, you have the opportunity to stroll past nesting colonies of the Providence Petrel, a beautiful seabird that primarily breeds on Lord Howe Island. These birds are incredibly sociable and will eagerly come to you when called. They are so comfortable with human interaction that you can even gently hold them in your hands. One of the island’s greatest attractions is its close connection to nature. Guesthouses on Lord Howe Island are conveniently located near beautiful beaches, allowing visitors to easily enjoy a relaxing holiday. Anthony Riddle, a sixth-generation islander and co-founder of the Lord Howe Island Brewing Company and Lord Howe Island Distilling Company, describes the island as the perfect destination for a stress-free getaway.
Marine Wonders
The marine life on the island is truly remarkable. Lord Howe Island is renowned for its incredible southern barrier reef, which is teeming with a diverse array of marine life. With approximately 500 species of fish, starfish, urchins, and crabs, it’s a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Ball’s Pyramid is an incredible destination for diving enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to explore caves and encounter rare sea creatures in its surrounding waters. Visitors frequently engage in local conservation programs, including initiatives to eradicate weeds and citizen science campaigns led by Hutton.
Strict Biosecurity Measures
The island has strict biosecurity measures in place to safeguard against the introduction of invasive species. Every import and visitor undergoes thorough inspections, even with the assistance of sniffer dogs specially trained to detect pests and amphibians instead of narcotics. Walking trails typically have designated areas for hikers to clean their boots, which helps prevent the spread of fungus.
Historical Isolation
Lord Howe’s distinct way of life has been influenced by its historical isolation. For years, accessing the island required a seaplane trip lasting approximately three hours from Sydney. With the construction of an airstrip in the 1970s, the era of “flying boats” came to an end. However, despite this change, many aspects of island life have managed to remain unchanged. Residents feel safe enough to keep their doors unlocked, and mobile phone service is limited to home Wi-Fi networks.
Adaptations and Community Spirit
Residing on Lord Howe Island presents its fair share of challenges, including the steep cost of living and the limited availability of goods. The locals on the island have embraced a self-sufficient lifestyle, cultivating a wide variety of crops ranging from hearty root vegetables to luscious avocados, taking full advantage of the island’s favorable subtropical climate. Residents can share and exchange surplus produce through a bartering system, which helps foster a strong sense of community.
Future Threats
Despite the best efforts, the future of the island is under significant threat due to climate change. The cloud forest has been greatly impacted by rising temperatures and severe weather events, leading to coral bleaching and dieback. The future of the island hinges on its ability to withstand challenges and the ongoing commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Conclusion:
Lord Howe Island truly exemplifies the remarkable impact of preservation and the sheer splendor of controlled tourism. With its limited number of visitors and commitment to preserving its natural beauty, the island provides an unparalleled, pristine haven that sets it apart from the overcrowded tourist hotspots found elsewhere. Exploring Lord Howe Island is more than just a mere vacation; it’s an immersive experience that transports you to a bygone era, where untouched nature reigns supreme and the rhythm of life slows down to a tranquil pace.