BEACHES WORTH SLOWING DOWN FOR
One of the joys of Lord Howe Island is discovering just how different each beach can feel.
Spend the morning swimming in the lagoon, find a quiet stretch of sand for the afternoon or pack a picnic and settle in somewhere for the day.
OLD SETTLEMENT BEACH
Close to Hunter Bay House, Old Settlement Beach is only 100mt walk and is one of those places you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Its beautiful lagoon setting makes it perfect for a morning swim, a walk along the shoreline or simply sitting and taking in the view.
Keep an eye on the water – you may even spot turtles cruising through the shallows.
NED’S BEACH
Clear water, coral and abundant marine life make Ned’s Beach a favourite for swimming and snorkelling.
One of the things that makes Ned’s Beach particularly special is the opportunity to hand-feed the fish right from the shoreline. Step into the shallows and watch as the fish gather around you – a simple but unforgettable Lord Howe Island experience that’s fun for both children and adults.
Fish food is available at the beach, with an honesty-box system making it easy to take part while helping to protect the marine environment.
Bring your swimmers and snorkelling gear and take your time exploring beneath the surface, or simply relax on the sand and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
It’s an easy place to spend a few hours – and often much longer than you originally planned.
LAGOON BEACH
With its calm waters, beautiful reef and the dramatic peaks of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower creating an incredible backdrop, Lagoon Beach is one of Lord Howe Island’s most iconic places to spend the day.
Swim, snorkel, paddle along the shoreline or simply find a spot on the sand and take in the view.
A favourite for both children and adults is the pontoon floating in the lagoon. Swim out, climb aboard, soak up the sunshine and, when you’re ready, jump straight back into the clear lagoon waters.
Pack a picnic, take the beach chairs and cabana, and settle in for a few hours – or make an entire day of it.
Whether you’re swimming out to the pontoon, exploring beneath the water or watching the afternoon light change across the mountains, Lagoon Beach captures everything we love about relaxed island days.
NORTH BAY
One of our favourite island days
Tucked beneath the northern hills and accessible by foot or water, North Bay is one of those special places where you can easily spend the entire day.
Pack your swimmers and snorkelling gear, bring a picnic and take your time exploring this beautiful part of Lord Howe Island.
From North Bay, you can explore The Gulch, another beautiful and secluded spot tucked into the island’s northern coastline. It’s a wonderful place to explore, enjoy the scenery and experience another side of the island away from the main beaches.
For those looking to add a walk to their North Bay adventure, Mount Eliza offers spectacular views over North Bay, the lagoon and surrounding island landscape.
Access to the upper Mount Eliza trail and summit is seasonally closed at certain times to protect important seabird breeding grounds, so we recommend checking current track conditions before setting out.
Ask the Hunter Bay House team for a walking track map and the latest information on Mount Eliza access. We’re always happy to help you plan the best way to experience the area.
After exploring, return to North Bay for a swim, snorkel, picnic or simply find your own patch of sand and settle in.
With Hunter Bay House providing picnic equipment and the option to have your eskies and picnic mats delivered to your chosen destination, a day at North Bay can be as effortless as it is memorable.
Sometimes the best Lord Howe Island days are the simplest ones – a beautiful walk, clear water, a picnic and nowhere else you need to be.
