Explore Lord Howe Island
New South Wales lies just over 600km to the northwest. There is nothing in sight but Pacific Ocean. This is the marine park of Lord Howe Island and it will fulfill all your desert island dreams.
With tourist numbers limited to 400 at any time, the islands population is kept under 1000...really. There are only two dive centres on the island and no dive resorts or liveaboards. One centre offers beginner dive courses, but online learning must be completed before arrival due to internet limitations.
Diving here not only offers paradisiacal lagoon diving but the chance to dive on steep volcano walls, in an area where you might discover a new species amongst the luxuriant corals.
Top Lord Howe Island Dive SItes
1. Ball’s Pyramid
Located 26 km offshore, this advanced dive features dramatic walls, caves, and strong drifts. Divers may encounter massive schools of kingfish, amberjack, sweep, dolphins, and the rare ballerina angelfish. Best suited for experienced scuba divers.
2. Comet’s Hole
At a shallow 7–8m, this crater-like site is perfect for macro lovers and underwater photography. Spanish dancers, stingrays, and vibrant reef fish are commonly seen. Ideal for beginners and a relaxed freediving experience.
3. Admiralty Islands (Ned’s Beach area)
A cluster of sites just minutes by boat. Ned’s Beach is famous for hand-fed fish and schooling species. Great for all levels of scuba divers with colorful reef life and calm conditions in a marine-protected area.
4. Erscott’s Hole
A calm, lagoon-based site with exceptional visibility and lots of macro life including nudibranchs and juvenile fish. Accessible in most weather, this is a top choice for new divers, snorkelers, and macro photographers.
5. North Rock
A deeper site featuring swim-throughs and coral-covered ledges. Expect sightings of Galapagos whalers, trevally, and tuna. Depths range from 15–30m, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced scuba divers