Some places in Australia feel almost unreal – every bit as stunning as they look in the travel magazines, yet somehow even more magical in person. Lord Howe Island is one of those rare places. In 2025, Time Out's global editors named this tiny slice of paradise one of the world’s most beautiful places – and with its glassy blue waters and ancient volcanic peaks, it’s easy to see why. I finally ticked it off my bucket list this month and found a beauty that exceeded all my expectations. Here’s what made Lord Howe Island unforgettable.
Even the journey to the island was spectacular. Earlier this year, fancy-schmancy eye-tracking technology was used to determine the world’s most beautiful airport landings – and Lord Howe came out on top. The island may be tiny – just 11 kilometres long and about two kilometres wide – and its airstrip one of Australia’s shortest at 886 metres, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in views. From the plane window, I goggled at its turquoise waters shimmering under the sun and its lush green mountains stretching high into the clouds.
Lord Howe is famed for its beaches, and all 11 lived up to every bit of the glossy magazine hype. Just a short stroll from the town centre, Lagoon Beach looks like it’s been lifted straight from a screensaver – it’s got that too-blue-to-be-real vibe, with fringing reefs you can literally snorkel right from the shore. Then there’s Ned’s Beach on the northeast side. Named one of the world’s best by National Geographic in 2021, this family-friendly cove has golden sand, crystalline waters and hundreds of tropical fish that you can feed by hand. I couldn’t help squealing with delight – it felt like being a kid again.
Lord Howe is beautiful above the surface, but this sense of wonder extends below the water, too. Home to the southernmost coral reef on the planet, its underwater world is unlike anywhere else in Australia. Just metres from North Bay, I discovered one of the healthiest, most vibrant reefs I’ve ever seen, teeming with huge fish, corals and algae. My absolute highlight was snorkelling alongside the graceful Galapagos whaler sharks. Lord Howe is the only place in Australia where you can experience this, and it’s 100 per cent worth it.
While the beaches and reefs are undeniably stunning, what surprised me most was the beauty from the mountaintops. From above, Lord Howe’s full beauty truly comes into perspective. Almost two-thirds of the island is a Permanent Park Reserve (a protected area in Australia dedicated to conservation and recreation), with seven spectacular peaks to climb. Goat House and Kim’s Peak were my favourites – both challenging, yet worth every step for the sweeping views of the island’s croissant-shaped curve melting into the endless blue of the Tasman Sea.
Perhaps the most beautiful thing about Lord Howe isn’t just what you see but how you feel. Beyond the salty skin and sun-dazed bliss, there’s an otherworldly calm that sinks right into your bones. Lord Howe limits tourism to just 400 visitors at once, so it’s not rare to have an entire beach or trail to yourself. This creates a rare sense of serenity that invites you to slow down and soak it all in. Yet you’ll never feel isolated. The locals are warm and welcoming, adding a layer of charm to the island’s natural beauty. It’s hard not to smile when everyone waves as you pass by, and even on a short trip, you’ll quickly get to know the locals and seasonal staff by name.
So, while the postcards capture its natural beauty, the real magic of Lord Howe Island can only be felt in person. Go for the pristine beaches, vibrant reefs and breathtaking hikes, but return for the friendly locals, the chance to switch off, and the beauty that makes you never want to close your eyes… unless you’re dozing off on the beach, which I totally encourage.