So, you’ve heard about those dream-like islands where everything’s perfect, right? Well, Lord Howe Island in Australia is pretty much that—minus the hordes of tourists. They’ve got a system, you see. Only 400 visitors get the golden ticket to paradise at any given time.
The Secret to Lord Howe’s Untouched Beauty
Nestled 598 km off the east coast of Australia, Lord Howe Island is the kind of place that travel brochures dream of. It’s got lush mountains, spotless beaches, and waters so clear you’ll wonder if someone turned up the contrast. But here’s the kicker: it’s not crowded. Like, at all. Imagine strolling along a beach where the loudest noise is a bird chirping or maybe the sound of your own thoughts. That’s Lord Howe for you.
So, what’s their secret? Simple—by keeping things exclusive. For over 40 years, this little slice of heaven has said, “Nope,” to mass tourism. They’ve capped the number of beds available for tourists, keeping the headcount at a strict 400 visitors max. And guess what? It worked. The island’s unique ecosystem has flourished, earning it a shiny UNESCO World Heritage badge back in 1982.
Paradise Comes with a Price Tag – And a Waitlist
But, of course, exclusivity has its downsides. Want to visit? You better be planning a few years ahead. Accommodations are booked out as far as 2026—yes, really. A round-trip flight from Sydney could set you back around USD 700, and a night’s stay during peak season? Anywhere from USD 200 to a whopping USD 3,000. But hey, it’s not every day you get to experience a place this pristine, right?
Conservation Over Convenience
The folks living on Lord Howe—about 400 of them—aren’t just protective of their island; they’re downright possessive, in the best way possible. Over 85% of the island is still draped in native forests, and roughly 70% of it is locked down as a Permanent Park Preserve. Translation: no new developments allowed.
The community here has deep roots—many are descendants of the original settlers who arrived back in the 1800s. They’ve got a generational commitment to keeping the island’s beauty intact, and they’re not about to let a flood of tourists mess that up.
A Peek Into the Future
So, if Lord Howe Island is on your bucket list, prepare to wait, save up, and experience something truly one-of-a-kind. This is one place where Mother Nature, not tourism, calls the shots. And honestly, in a world where so many beautiful spots are being loved to death, that’s a refreshing change.