Lord Howe Island

Island in the Pacific Ocean midway between Norfolk Island and Sydney, about 836 km/520 mi northeast of Sydney; area 13 sq km/5 sq mi; population (1995 est) 540. It is a dependency of New South Wales and a volcanic island of great natural beauty. The highest point rises to 875 m/2,870 ft and is known as Mt Gower. Rich in bird life and rare plants, with the world's most southerly coral reef offshore, the island is a world heritage site. It is a tourist resort and is linked with Sydney by air.

It was first visited by a British naval vessel, the Supply, in 1788. It was settled in 1853 by a party of Maoris from New Zealand followed by settlers from Sydney. None but the descendants of these early settlers may now establish themselves permanently in the islands.