NSW Health has repealed the Public Health Order currently in place that has restricted travel from the Australian mainland to Lord Howe Island during the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, visitors and Lord Howe Island residents will be free to travel to the island from this weekend without needing to quarantine. Lodges and tour operators are now gearing up to open in early October, a welcome kickstart to tourism on the island.
QantasLink has scheduled daily return flights between Lord Howe and Sydney commencing on Saturday 3 October, 2020 operated by the Dash-8 Q200 aircraft.
Lord Howe Island Tourism Association Executive Officer Trina Shepherd said with tourism the island’s main industry it was terrific to be welcoming visitors back after a six-month hiatus.
“It’s been very quiet on Lord Howe these past few months and we’re looking forward to wowing new and returning guests with the island’s incredible natural wonders once again.”
QantasLink Chief Executive Officer John Gissing said the airline would continue to monitor and respond to the demand for travel to Lord Howe this spring.
“The resumption of QantasLink flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island will be fantastic for tour operators in the region and the local economy.
“With ongoing state travel restrictions, we’re pleased to be able to help more travellers explore world class destinations like Lord Howe Island, in their own state.
The repealed Health Order was the fourth issued for the island and provided for the travel restrictions to remain in place until November 28 with monthly review for an earlier repeal pending sustained low rates of Coronavirus infection rates on the mainland.
IMAGE: Snorkelling on Lord Howe Island/Destination NSW
