Lord Howe Island History

The history of Lord Howe Island dates back to 1788 when the HMAS Supply which was commanded by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, who was on his way to Norfolk Island to start a penal settlement with convicts from Botany Bay, discovered Lord Howe Island.

The passing government ships that where sailing between Norfolk Island and New South Wales often stopped over on Lord Howe Island to either do some whaling or vessel trading for the continued journeys. Over the passing years many of the ships left behind goats and pigs as food for the future visitors that would stop on the island. But it wasn’t until 1834 that an actual permanent settlement was established on the island which is known today as the Old Settlement, by three couples that made their way over from New Zealand.

When the settlement was first established, food was easy to catch and plentiful! All of the animals that call this island home had no fear up until now to fear man, so they will quickly culled. Many of the island’s bird species where driven to extinction throughout these years as was many of the native flora and fauna.

In the 1870’s whaling was on the way out and new restrictions were brought in so the island had to find some other source of food and income so they turned to the exportation of the famous Kentia Palm seeds. They were shipped overseas to the European market where the seeds where used for indoor plants. The board that was set up to manage the control of the newly developed business is still existing today as the local government on the island.

In 1974 an airstrip was built on the island as the only way up until this time to reach Lord Howe Island was by boat from Sydney New South Wales. You could however fly one of the flying boats to make your way over to the island but had the tricky landing of setting down in one of the lagoons that surround Lord Howe Island. In 2002 the Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Nottingham struck Wolf Rock and almost destroyed the entire reef.

Today there are only 400 residents allowed in the accommodation on the island at any one time so that the pristine wilderness and perfect surrounds will remain for many years to come. Lord Howe Island is one of the last true paradises on earth, where you can escape the hectic stresses of life and retreat to the perfect holiday haven.