Lord Howe Island

城市概覽

History The island was discovered in May 1788 by the HMS Supply, on a voyage from the newly settled Sydney town. There is no evidence of any human habitation of the island prior to this. The island soon became a supply point on trips to Norfolk Island, as well as a base for whaling. The lagoon of the island was used until 1974 as a stopover point for flying boats to America and New Zealand, as well as to bring visitors to the island.

Geography

Lord Howe Island is crescent-shaped, 10 km long and 1.5 km wide at its greatest width. The island forms the top of an extinct underwater volcano and seamount, projecting above the surface of the ocean. The eastern facing crescent of the island, together with a reef, forms a lagoon on the eastern side of the island. The water here is generally calm. On the western side of the island there are several sandy surf beaches.

People The population of Lord Howe Island is approximately 350 people. Only 400 tourists are permitted to visit the island at any one time. Unlike on an island resort, the people who are providing services to you are likely to be residents of the island. Some families have lived there for generations. The people have a genuine affection for the island, and knowledge of the best spots to snorkel, walk, and picnic. The non-existent mobile phone network is substituted by a people network, with messages passing between locals and tourists when they encounter each other around the island. If you are seeking genuine warmth rather than the superficial niceties, the people of Lord Howe won't disappoint, with the superficial niceties being a bonus.

Climate The best weather on Lord Howe is undoubtably in summer. The warm summer months, tempered by the oceanic breeze, matches the island outdoor lifestyle. Winter is cooler, rainier, and windier. Tropical cyclones do occur on the island, but they are rare.

如何抵達

By plane Lord Howe Island has a small airport, with a notoriously difficult landing. This restricts operations to small turboprops only. QantasLink fly daily (more frequently in summer) from Sydney using Dash 8-200 36 seater aircraft, while Eastern Air Services operate small 10 seater twin props to Lord Howe a few times a week from Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Gold Coast. Flight time is roughly two hours. If you have anything in the way of significant luggage (or fear of flying) you'll likely find QantasLink the better option. Due to the limited number of seats, it is essential to book in advance, at the same time as you book your accommodation. Whichever route you choose, fares hover around $1000-$1200 return, making this by some margin the most expensive domestic air route in Australia. Qantas do release a (very) limited number of reward seats which can be purchased with frequent flier points. As Qantas set the "price" in points for their flights by distance rather than the equivalent cash fare, this represents good value. The airport at Lord Howe has a terminal building with a kiosk open for departing flights, toilets, and a waiting area. There is also an outside area where you can sit and watch the arrivals and departures. All services are met, and you'll be asked where you are staying as you arrive. Weather conditions can sometimes be hazardous for landing on Lord Howe, and it's not unheard of for flights to make the entire trip to the island, only to fail to land and return back to the mainland. This is particularly the case in the winter months. Aircraft weight and balance frequently sees luggage left behind, to travel on a flight the next day or later the same day. If you are planning to dive on Lord Howe Island, bear in mind that there is no decompression chamber on the island. Be sure to follows the rules regarding diving within 24 hours of flying.

當地交通

The main roads of the island connecting the airport, accommodation, restaurants and golf club are within easy cycling distance. The bicycle comes into its own and is the most popular form of transport, with bike racks situated everywhere. Walking is easily possible around the town and between most accommodation and the beaches. The island's roads have a slow speed limit. There is no taxi service or public transport on the island. All accommodation providers include transport to and from the airport on arrival, and transport to dinner at 6:30PM. The restaurants all provide transport back to your accommodation after your meal.

Wilson's Hire. Some accommodation provides bicycles, but Wilson's provides the bikes for everyone else. They have lots of bikes here, but like everywhere else on Lord Howe, it pays to book in advance. from $8 per day.

必看景點

Look around, it is a beautiful place. The views from high vantage points are amazing. There are also many places to visit like the remnants of the underwater volcano.

Botanic Gardens. There is a small botanic garden on Lagoon Road just past the museum. However, the whole of Lord Howe Island is a botanic garden, with many examples of large Banyan Trees and Pandanus scattered along the front of the Lagoon. free. 1 Lord Howe Island Museum (On the corner of Lagoon Road and Middle Beach Road), ☏ +61 2 6563 2111. 9AM–3PM daily.. One room outlining the history of the island, and another highlighting its environmental features and world heritage status. Entry by donation. Catalina Wreckage. The Catalina Monument is adjacent to the bike parking at Old Settlement Beach. The Australian Air Force flying boat crashed while attempting a landing on the lagoon in bad weather, striking the top of the Malabar Ridge above. The wreckage of the Catalina still lies in place on the side of the ridge facing Old Settlement, visible from the path behind the beach.

體驗活動

Lord Howe Island is very much geared up for outdoor recreation: bush walking, trekking, guided and self-guided walks, fish feeding, swimming, surfing, Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, bird-watching and reef walks are all popular. Sports are also an option: golf, tennis and bowls especially. Deep sea, rock and shore fishing charters are available. For the more laid back, options include picnics, barbecues, bicycling and dining out. Available for hire are golf clubs, tennis racquets, bicycles and helmets, scuba and snorkelling gear, paddle skis and spy boards.

Tennis. The court is opposite Thompson's Store. Hire is $10 per hour, book at the store. Racquets and balls are available. Golf. Clubs are available at the clubhouse. The course is meticulously maintained. Green fees of $40 are due, and payable via an honour system at the clubhouse. Snorkel. There is snorkelling available off just about every beach on the island. Ned's Beach is the jewel in the crown, with corals, tropical and reef fish just metres from the shore. Some of the best accessible snorkelling is at Escott's Reef, near the edge of the reef off the airport. It is a fair swim from shore, and a boat trip may be in order for this one. Comet's Hole is the best place to see the Galapagos Shark, around