While the most popular time to visit Lord Howe is between September and May, visitors are welcome on the island year-round. The days can even be warm and sunny in the winter months (June, July and August) on Lord Howe Island, which was formed by an underwater volcanic eruption some seven million years ago.

Travel to Lord Howe Island – located just 600 km off the Australian mainland – may be booked directly through participating airlines and individual operators. QantasLink flights depart daily from Sydney and there are connecting flights from all Australian capital cities. With a limit of just 400 visitors at any time, it’s wise to plan ahead and confirm accommodation. There are a limited selection of rental cars available and bikes are available for hire. Contact Oxley Travel and Spacifica Travel for expert advice and personal firsthand knowledge about the island, and for help with booking accommodation, flights, tours and package experiences.

NSW’s most eastern outpost offers the delights of an island paradise without the crowds. And while fishing and the great outdoors are a big part of the island’s appeal, there is also a dining diversion at Benny’s Fish Truck that pulls visitors back to the omnipresent Pacific Ocean. Head to Wilson’s Bike Hire shop, see where the truck will pull up that day. And join the queues lining up for favourites such as kingfish sashimi and sesame-crusted tuna with wasabi. instagram.com/bennysfishtruck

It would be remiss not to include Thompson’s Store in a guide on where to eat and drink on Lord Howe Island. Get a feel for the laid-back vibes on Lord Howe with a visit to the unassuming store to pick up supplies. The store will often be busy with budget-conscious travellers here to purchase groceries as well as everything from first-aid kits to souvenirs and snorkelling gear. The store also has a takeaway kiosk doling out burgers, chips, gourmet rolls and specialty coffees. visitnsw.com

Driftwood Bar & Restaurant celebrates Lord Howe Island’s connection to the ocean and elements with its menu largely inspired by the sea’s bounty. Asian flavours also form the backbone of the menu, with ginger, garlic, chilli and spices pounded together and added into everything from noodle dishes to salads for added richness and heft. The restaurant is across the road from the jetty at Ocean View Apartments. lordhoweisland.info

Expect executive chef David Chlumsky (ex-Otto and Quay) to spotlight seasonal delicacies at Anchorage. This elegant restaurant boasts views over a shiny band of the Tasman Sea and is one of the best places to eat on Lord Howe Island. The menu matches the nautical décor with dishes such as seared Japanese scallops and tempura squid. The island’s only bakery is annexed to Anchorage, offering fresh-baked bread, cakes and pastries. anchoragelordhowe.com.au

A tutored gin tasting on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island truly elevates the experience of sampling premium spirits. It’s about offering a fresh perspective of the island, which is best known for its turquoise waters and subtropical backdrop. Learn about the delicate art of distillation during an immersive gin flight at Lord Howe Island Distilling Co, which has access to 114 endemic botanicals found nowhere else on earth. lhidistillingco.com.au

The Lord Howe Island Brewery brews beers on the island and holds weekly tours for beer pilgrims. Visit the brewhouse to enjoy Lord Howe Island Lager or Pale Ale in the beer garden alongside a wood-fired pizza using ingredients plundered from the onsite glasshouse. The seasons dictate the flavours of the easy-drinking beers with everything from an IPA made using local botanicals to a homegrown watermelon sour. lhislandbrewery.com.au

Lorde Howe Island Brewing Co. beer continues to win medals at independent beer awards each year. The brewery was started by Anthony Riddle and Christian Young, who also own the island’s distillery and are committed to minimising their carbon footprint. The beers are made off Lord Howe Island but visitors can experience a tasting paddle at the distillery alongside wood-fired pizzas. lhibrewingco.com.au

This small bar on Lord Howe Island is a locals’ hub for cocktails and live music. If only the walls could whisper at the dinky bar which is a great place to settle in for Crooked Place cocktails and a mezze plate – or pizza – overlooking the landmark lagoon. The Chilli Cucumber Margarita and Fawlty Towers cocktails pack a punch. Follow The Crooked Post on Instagram to find out what’s on. thecrookedpost.com.au

The torn shoreline of Lord Howe Island is sprinkled with great places to stay such as Capella Lodge which has nine beautifully designed suites that offer spectacular views of the ocean, which is always a visceral blue. It’s refreshing and off the radar. capellalodge.com.au

Two architecturally designed houses sit among the ancient banyan forest of Lord Howe Island. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family or small groups, at Island House you can choose whether you want to book the whole site or individual houses. If you’re not up for cooking and cleaning, The Island House provides a dedicated on-site management team, to ensure every detail is taken care of. Talented chefs can prepare meals tailored to your preference right in the comfort of your island home. islandhouse.com.au

Enjoy the austere beauty of a stay at Pinetrees Lodge, where all meals are included. The Lodge epitomises what staying on this off-the-beaten-track island is all about: falling in step with nature and the local rhythm of life. Pinetrees coordinates Ocean Swim Weeks that are so popular they are already sold out for February 2026. There are also Photography Weeks, and a Seven Peaks Walk where there are a wealth of landmarks to aim for, to name but a few. Check the rates and packages for different holiday options. pinetrees.com.au

It’s all salty air and seagull songs on the sprawling private decks at Arajilla Retreat, where the suites invite the most gentle of sea breezes in. A stay here includes exclusive access to Arajilla’s restaurant and guest lounge. Lord Howe holiday packages include all meals – a gourmet breakfast, light lunch, three course dinner with menu changing daily, tea and coffee, selected pre-dinner drinks and canapés. arajilla.com.au

Bowker Beach House, The Tree House, The Cabin, Admiralty Apartments, Lorhiti Apartments, Waimarie Apartments and The Broken Banyan are all aimed at travellers who want a self-contained stay. Lord Howe Island has one of the most pristine reefs in the world and with just 300 residents and 400 guests allowed to stay at any one time, it’s likely you’ll find a patch of paradise all to yourself. These are all self-contained stays for those who want to self-cater.