Lord Howe Island - Docking

Call the the Port Operations Manager  (Lord How Island Maritime) on VHF Channel 12 or +61 (02) 6563 2199 or fax + 61 (02) 6563 2131 for directions for entering the lagoon.

Moorings:

Bookings must be made PRIOR to departing for Lord Howe Island.

All vessels are required to use one of the 16 mooring buoys provided. Anchoring here is not permitted, nor is entry by night. If draft or weather conditions do not allow entry to the lagoon, then advice via VHF radio will be given to pilot the boat to an alternative anchorage.

The moorings are about one km from a landing point -  a journey best undertaken in a substantial dinghy.

Fees:

Port and landing fees are payable at Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) office on Bowker Ave., a ten-minute walk from the wharf.

Mooring Fees (2023): AU$54 per night (Price includes GST).

Administration Booking Fee AU$49.00 (non-refundable - price includes GST)

Environmental Levy: $47.00 per person one-off payment (GST exempt - not payable if only staying one night - i.e in transit)).

Biosecurity Inspection Fee ( if applicable):  US$95 (Price includes GST )

Fees can be paid at the Board’s Administration Office in Bowker Avenue between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday at the Lord Howe Island Board Administration Office or at the Liquor Store between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm on Saturday. Please note that payment cannot be made on Sunday.

Anchoring:

In some locations, moorings reduce the need for anchoring to protect sensitive habitats. Anchoring larger vessels can destroy extensive areas of coral, which take many years to
recover. Small vessels dragging anchors can destroy delicate corals and destabilise seagrass beds.

With some exceptions, the following rules apply:

• Vessels longer than five metres are prohibited from
  anchoring anywhere in the lagoon
• All vessels are prohibited from anchoring in sanctuary zones
• Vessels longer than 25 metres may anchor only in six
  designated roadstead sites

Restrictions:

No refuse or liquid waste of any type can be discharged into the lagoon. Without a holding tank, the heads cannot be used. Much of the waters surrounding Lord Howe are a NSW Marine Park with certain fishing restrictions. A brochure is available from the Island Board mapping the fishing/no-fishing areas.

There is water, toilets, showers and a washing machine in the building on the jetty. Gold coin donation appreciated. If locked, the key is available for a deposit from the LHIB office.

Last updated: January 2023