Lord Howe Island Marine Park wilderness guide
Marine Park · NSW

Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Lord Howe Island Marine Park offers a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike.

Marine Park147,000
DesignationMarine Park
Total Wilderness Area147,000
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Lord Howe Island Marine Park offers a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lord Howe Island Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Tasman Sea, off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. This marine park is home to one of the world's southernmost true coral reefs, boasting a unique blend of tropical and temperate marine life. The park protects an array of habitats from coral reefs to sandy beaches, providing a haven for over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral. Established to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region, the park plays a pivotal role in research and education as well as offering a plethora of recreational activities. Visitors are drawn to its clear turquoise waters, which provide exceptional opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and underwater photography. The scenic landscape above the water adds to its allure, with impressive volcanic peaks serving as a dramatic backdrop.

Field Guide · Marine Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Ball's Pyramid - the world's tallest sea stack and a renowned diving site✦ Unique marine biodiversity including endemic fish species✦ Ned's Beach - famous for friendly interactions with local fish✦ The vibrant coral gardens at Erscott's Hole
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Diving

Available in Lord Howe Island Marine Park
Park Recreation

Snorkeling

Available in Lord Howe Island Marine Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Lord Howe Island Marine Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Lord Howe Island Marine Park
Park Recreation

Kayaking

Available in Lord Howe Island Marine Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lord Howe Island Marine Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entry fees, but certain tours and activities may require fees or reservations.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lord Howe Island, Australia
⌖ 2.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Lord Howe Island offers a perfect blend of adventure with its lush hiking trails and crystal-clear marine life. Ideal for those seeking pristine natural environments and remote beauty.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lord Howe Island Marine Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

North Bay Nature & Turtle Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Boat TourADV Bookable

North Bay Nature & Turtle Tour

Discover the stunning wildlife, geological wonders, and vibrant marine life of North Bay with Islander Cruises. From seabird rookeries to snorkeling among coral gardens, this trip offers a perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty.

Boat TourFor all ages! • 3 hours • Experience a wide range of wildlife, from land, beach and sea!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Two Hours in Lord Howe’s Lagoon: A Southern Sanctuary Snorkel
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
SnorkelADV Bookable

Two Hours in Lord Howe’s Lagoon: A Southern Sanctuary Snorkel

A 2-hour Islander Cruises snorkeling tour through the Lagoons Southern sanctuary zone that visits 3–4 protected sites—this guide lays out what you’ll see and how the outing runs.

SnorkelPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Introductory Dive
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Introductory Dive

Step beneath the surface on Lord Howe Island with Dive Lord Howe’s 3-hour Introductory Dive. Designed for first-timers, this guided experience in a calm lagoon delivers all the essentials for your first breath underwater.

Water ActivitiesStarting at $260 | Ages 10+ | 1pm | Beginners WelcomeCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Certified Dive
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
ScubaADV Bookable

Certified Dive

Dive into the remarkable underwater world of Lord Howe Island with Dive Lord Howe’s Certified Dive experience. Discover dynamic reef systems and secluded sites tailored to your diving skills and interests.

ScubaStarting at $160 | Ages 10+ | 9am & 2pm | Get back in the water!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Course
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Course

Take your diving further with Dive Lord Howe’s Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Course on Lord Howe Island. Learn to extend your bottom time and reduce decompression limits in one of Australia’s most pristine marine environments.

Water ActivitiesStarting at $280 | Ages 12+ | eLearning + Classroom | Get your Nitrox Cert!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Ten Dive Package Special
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Ten Dive Package Special

Discover the vibrant underwater world around Lord Howe Island with our exclusive 10 Dive Package. Perfect for divers of all levels, these guided dives unlock some of the most pristine reef systems in the world.

Water ActivitiesStarting at $1000 | Ages 10+ | Buy Ten Dives and save!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Six Dive Package Special
ADVEXPEDITION
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Six Dive Package Special

Discover the stunning underwater world of Lord Howe Island with Dive Lord Howe’s premier dive packages. Experience vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and unique volcanic formations on your next adventure.

Water ActivitiesStarting at $690 | Ages 10+ | Buy Six Dives and save!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip