Visit Lord Howe Island, Australia

This far-flung, volcanic treasure, two hours by air from Sydney, rises out of the ocean and curves around an aquamarine lagoon.

It is one of only a handful of islands awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its collection of scarce flora, fauna and prolific marine life.

Exploring the island

Forests smother the island, from native kentia palms at sea level to luxuriant mist forest on the mountain summits. Its flawless beaches are safe and pristine and fish can be hand-fed as they congregate in the shallow waters.

As visitor numbers are limited the island is never crowded — take your time and explore the many walking tracks, snorkel among the brilliantly colored and bizarrely shaped coral, or simply relish the setting.