Lord Howe Island

Not a port of entry for biosecurity or customs: a yacht arriving from overseas (including from Norfolk Island) needs DAFF non-entry-port permission and ABF approval first. Every vessel needs entry approval from the Board: apply at least 6 weeks before departure for commercial vessels, 2 weeks for non-commercial (arrivals@lhib.nsw.gov.au), with payment before approval.

Vessels over 25 m may anchor only at six designated roadstead sites (ask the marine park office, 02 6563 2359). Lagoon entry needs approval from the Port Operations Manager (NSW Police, VHF 12), never after dark. Public moorings have a 2-week maximum and no published length limits, so larger yachts should plan on the roadstead. In the Commonwealth Lord Howe Marine Park, anchoring is only in the Multiple Use Zone or designated areas; charter tourism needs a Parks Australia licence.

Rodent-free rules for 5 nights before departure: approved baits and snap traps on each internal deck, rat guards on all lines and gangways raised at night; report pest activity with photos 5 days before departure. Commercial vessels, or any landing more than 2 m³ of goods, also need detection dog inspections and insect fogging. Exemption requests at least 60 days ahead.

The Board’s 2026/27 fees include a booking fee, nightly mooring fee, an environmental levy per person and a biosecurity inspection fee (higher if late or incomplete). Check the current schedule when booking.