Old Settlement Beach
Lord Howe's community beach with Ball's Pyramid on the horizon
About
Old Settlement Beach stretches roughly 600 metres of white sand along the western shore of Lord Howe Island, facing a calm blue lagoon that makes it the island's go-to spot for a safe, easy swim. The grassy foreshore behind the sand gives the place a relaxed, village-green feel — families spread out on the grass, swimmers wade in from the shallows, and the silhouette of Ball's Pyramid rises dramatically on the horizon at dusk. Historic jetty remnants at the water's edge are a quiet reminder that this was once the island's main landing point. It's a lively community beach, moderate in visitor numbers, and the most accessible stretch of sand on the island.
How to get there
Old Settlement Beach is an easy three-minute walk from the Island Settlement — most accommodation is within walking or cycling distance, so you may never need a vehicle. If you do drive, free roadside parking is available along the foreshore. There is no entry fee. Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH) is 2.7 kilometres away.
Who it's for
For couples
Sunset walks along the white sand with Ball's Pyramid turning gold on the horizon make this one of the most quietly romantic spots on Lord Howe Island — no visitors, no noise, just open blue water and a sky that earns the effort of getting here.
For families
The safe, calm lagoon swimming and flat sand approach make Old Settlement Beach the easiest family beach on the island — young children can wade confidently in the shallows, and the grassy foreshore gives plenty of space to set up for the day.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Old Settlement Beach is the social and geographic heart of Lord Howe Island — a 600-metre sweep of white sand on a calm blue lagoon where the whole community swims, and where Ball's Pyramid dominates the southern horizon like something from a geography textbook. It's safe for swimming, easy to reach on foot, and the most wheelchair-accessible beach on the island. That said, it is unpatrolled, reef shoes are genuinely necessary in the shallows, and stingrays on the sandy bottom are a real consideration — shuffle your feet, every time. Avoid June through August when winter winds bite and water temperatures drop to around 18°C. Come between December and March for the best of the island's temperate summer. This is not a beach you visit for solitude — it's a beach you visit because it works, beautifully, for almost everyone.
What to do
The calm lagoon is the main draw — snorkelling is excellent just 300 metres out, and turtles have been spotted right at the beach itself. Sylph's Hole, a short 200-metre walk away, is worth exploring for marine life. For a bigger adventure, the guided Mount Gower Summit Walk through UNESCO-listed cloud forest starts 4 kilometres from the beach, and the Lord Howe Island Museum, just 500 metres away, gives useful context on the island's shipwreck history and natural heritage.
Frame Ball's Pyramid over the blue lagoon from the southern end of the foreshore at dusk — that silhouette is the defining image of Lord Howe Island.
The weathered jetty remnants at water's edge photograph beautifully in low morning light, with the white sand and calm water filling the foreground.
Where to eat
Arajilla Restaurant and Beach House on the Moon Restaurant are both within 200 metres of the beach — ideal for a post-swim meal without going far. If you're happy to travel a little further, Pinetrees Restaurant is 1.9 kilometres away and the Bowling Club at 1.7 kilometres is a reliable local option.
Where to stay
Arajilla Retreat (4.5/5, 56 reviews) and Milky Way Holiday Accommodation (4.7/5, 40 reviews) are both just 200 metres from the sand — you can practically hear the lagoon from your room. Somerset Apartments (4.7/5, 48 reviews) at 700 metres and Ocean View Apartments (4.7/5, 26 reviews) at 400 metres are strong mid-range picks with excellent guest ratings.
Photography
The best shot on the island is Ball's Pyramid framed over the blue water at dusk — position yourself on the foreshore looking south-east for the full silhouette effect. The historic jetty remnants make a compelling foreground subject in the soft morning light, when the lagoon is glassy and visitor numbers are low.
Good to know
This beach is unpatrolled by surf lifesavers, so swim within your ability and keep an eye on children at all times. Shallow reef sections are present — wear reef shoes to protect your feet. Stingrays occasionally rest on the sandy bottom, so shuffle your feet when wading rather than stepping down hard. Respect the historic jetty structure and do not climb on deteriorating sections; marine park rules also apply, meaning you'll need a permit to fish here.
Map
Nearby places
Arajilla Restaurant
Beach House on the Moon Restaurant
Miss Saigon Restaurant
Bowling Club
Pinetrees Restaurant
Arajilla Retreat
Milky Way Holiday Accommodation
Ocean View Apartments
Blue Lagoon Lodge
Somerset Apartments
Things to see around Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island Museum
Small museum documenting the island's history, natural heritage, and shipwrecks.
Ball's Pyramid
World's tallest sea stack, best viewed from this beach at dusk.
Mount Gower Summit Walk
Guided ascent of the island's highest peak through UNESCO-listed cloud forest.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other lively beaches in Australia
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Photo credits
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