Capella Lord Howe Island

A 'treasure island' of extraordinary contrasts, with rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests, rolling surf and serene lagoons, Lord Howe Island is encircled by the world's southern-most coral reef and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. Long recognised for its pristine natural heritage, around 75% of the island is permanently preserved as marine park and subtropical rainforest.

Rising from the Tasman Sea just 700km northeast of Sydney, this tiny, breathtakingly beautiful island is just 11km long and 2.8km at widest. Around 300 people are lucky enough to call the Island home and visitor numbers are restricted to 400 at any one time to preserve Lord Howe's precious natural environment. Lord Howe Island and its surrounding islets are the eroded remnants of a large shield volcano that erupted from the ocean floor some 7 million years ago.

The majestic Balls Pyramid seen from the air rising imperiously from the waters south of the island, is the world's largest monolithic sea rock and is part of the same undersea ridge called the Lord Howe Rise. The stately twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird tower some 875m above sea level at the southern end of Lord Howe. These matronly mountains preside over the island as its natural guardians, inviting exploration and wonder.

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