• Weather & Forecast
  • Charter Fishing on Noctiluca
  • Mount Gower Climb Guided Tour
  • Balls Pyramid & Bird Watching
  • Lord Howe Island Kiteboarding
  • Lord Howe Island Hang Gliding
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balls pyramid tour

Bird Watching at Balls Pyramid

Bird watching near Ball's Pyramid

Balls Pyramid is the tallest monolith out of the water in the world. It is an iconic rock stack rising 552m out of the water, 23km from Lord Howe Island. 

Our Bird Watching at Balls Pyramid tour is not just a boat ride. Your journey will be filled with a wealth of information including Birds, Fish, Geology, and Local History.

Your guide, Jack Shick, will be on board to make sure nothing is missed. Jack may also be accompanied by local Naturalist Ian Hutton adding more expertise for your tour.

Take the trip down on ''Noctiluca'' and gaze in awe at this fantastic piece of nature. Your guide is on board to answer all your queries as we travel.  Along the way we stop and observe rare sea birds like the Kermidec Petrel, White Bellied Storm Petrel, and at the right time of year you may be lucky enough to see an Albatross.  Bottle nosed dolphins are seen on most trips. 

On the way home -

We go around Lord Howe Island and visit it's many nooks and crannies. This trip is hugely popular with sightseers, photographers and bird watchers.  We are the most experienced operators on Lord Howe Island.  Not only the best on Lord Howe Island, our tours are very competitively priced. 

Please note that specialised tours can be arranged for groups and individuals.  For exmple: Photographers, Bird Watchers, Weddings and Family Groups.  Just contact us with the details and and we can tailor make a trip for you.

$100 per person for around the Island Trip Only $150 per person for the Balls Pyramid Bird and Dolphin Sightseeing Trip prices include GST

Checkout our website at https://www.lordhoweislandbirds.com which gives you a detailed look at all the birds that reside (or stop by) at Lord Howe Island.

Advanced bookings recommended. Contact Us

balls pyramid tour

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Reef N Beyond Eco Tours

The Most Spectacular & Immersive Adventures

On lord howe island.

Exceptional Snorkeling Opportunities at Exhilarating Locations

Amazing Encounters With Our Resident Marine Life

Breathtaking Scenery & Wildlife Encounters

Our State-of-the-art Vessels Provide Optimal Passenger Comfort

Snorkel With Galapagos Sharks in their Natural Environment

Explore the Nocturnal World Below the Surface

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Ball’s Pyramid / Lord Howe Island Expedition / Snorkel Option

Get up close & personal to the worlds tallest sea stack, endemic seabirds & marine life. This tour provides a truely captivating experience & gives you a unique perspective. Snorkelling at Ball’s Pyramid is a selected option on this tour!

  • Info Up to 20 people
  • Clock 3.5 hrs
  • Users All Ages

a blue and white boat sitting next to a body of water

Book Your Lord Howe Island Experience

  • Clock 3 hrs

Beyond the Reef Guided Snorkelling Tour

We offer a unique guided snorkelling experience beyond the reef! Turtles, Galapagos sharks, schools of colourful fish & maybe a snorkel through the Eye of Roache Island will enhance this

Guided Galapagos Shark Encounter

Reef N Beyond Eco Tours will provide you with a fascinating educational encounter with our amazing resident Galapagos Sharks. Pre tour departure , you will be given Galapagos Shark Facts,

  • Info Up to 12 people
  • Clock 2.5 hrs

Southern Lagoon – Guided Snorkelling Tour

This exhilarating tour offers an amazing guided snorkelling experience. You will view Lord Howe Island’s southern lagoon inner reef edge at a number of locations.These locations are weather & swell dependant.

  • Clock 2 hrs

Southern Lagoon – Escorted Kayak Tour

Why not explore the southern lagoon by kayak?   Select your kayak prior to departure (pedal or paddle) & we will tow it down south for you to use.  

Book the tour online & simply select you kayak prior to departure at our boat shed. We offer single & double paddle kayak’s & Hobie single & double pedal kayaks.

Sunset Below the Surface Snorkel

Sunset Below The Surface Night Snorkelling – a Truely Unique Experience. Our guided shore based night snorkelling experience will provide you with a totally different perspective of Lord Howe Island's

  • Clock Approx 1/2 hrs each way

North Beach Easy Ride Taxi

Explore the northern end, North beach, Old Gulch & the Herring Pools in a cruise and walk the beautiful Mt Eliza! Breathtaking views promised!

  • Info Up to 9 people
  • Clock Minimum Hire: 1 hr

Hobie Kayak and Board Hire

Our qualified staff will ensure you get the best opportunity to safely explore the Lord Howe Island lagoon at you own pace.

  • Clock 4.5 hrs

Big Blue Buzz Snorkelling Adventure

A truely out there experience for serious snorkelers & free divers. Galapagos Sharks, Dolphin, Pelagic Fish & much more! All locations are carefully selected. Locations include "The Sunken Rock", "Ball's

Reef N Beyond Eco Tours Lord Howe Island

Book Your Reef N Beyond Ticket to Paradise

Reef N Beyond Eco Tours for your ticket to paradise. A visit to Lord Howe Island wouldn’t be complete without joining us. Ball’s Pyramid, Lord Howe Island, Photography, Interpretive Expeditions & Guided Snorkeling tours are our specialty

Join Us in Reef N Beyond Eco Tours

We had a great overall experience with a trip to Ball's Pyramid first up with our skipper, Dave, being very generous with information & photo ops. It's a must see if the weather is kind. The boat is brilliant & so stable. Lots of sea birds along our journey today & the colour of the water in places was mesmerizing. Great information provided along all stops & a fun snorkel up the north of Malabar. We'd go again in a heartbeat.

Dave is a fantastic enthusiastic knowledgeable skipper. the boat is comfortable and ideal for LHI. Thanks for a fantastic around island cruise, out to Balls Pyramid and snorkeling at balls pyramid. Weather dictates all water trips and we had to wait til near the end of our trip til the winds calmed down. But it was well worth the wait. Highly recommend.

Amazing experience. My jaw dropped when I saw Ball’s Pyramid. So majestic. Captain Dave is fantastic - experienced, you feel extremely safe and in good hands. Boat is wonderful. It was awesome to go around Lord Howe - such a different perspective. Lot’s of big waves breaking - very cool stuff to see. Oh and Dolphins riding your side on the way back from Ball’s Pyramid..!

This was our second visit to LHI and our second boat experience with Dave, Both of which were excellent . We loved the boat ride to Balls Pyramid , Dave was informative re history, bird life etc Balls Pyramid is amazing and a not to be missed experience, Thank you for a fantastic experience both Dave & Glenys

We weren’t expecting such a comfortable boat, nor such excellent informative tour guides as Dave (the captain) and Josh. The boat ends up circumnavigating LHI and Balls Pyramid, and the Pyramid is even more stunning close up than I imagined. We also got to snorkel there, and as an extra treat a couple of Galapagos sharks came over to say hello. Weather permitting - this is a must do trip.

Reef N Beyond!! Really great boat ; fast & very comfortable even though we had a bit of swell it handled it with ease!! Great commentary from both guys who obviously know all about this magic island. Bird life at Balls Pyramid was amazing !!! Had a snorkel at Malabar with great coral, fish & turtles!! Dave , Glenys & Josh make sure your trip is enjoyable for everyone!! Don’t miss out on this adventure when visiting LHI.

Great boat ride, very informative trip about the pyramid's history, adventure and climbing, geology and bird life. Excellent value for the money. The captain and wife were very helpful, answered all questions and provided very good printed information about the climb attempts on Balls Pyramid. The trip around LHI itself was magnificent. Recommend it to all

A great skipper and crew, spectacular coastline, dolphins right next to the boat, snorkelling at Ball's Pyramid, up close and personal with a blow hole, homemade cake and a cuppa on return - what an experience! The brand new boat is extremely stable and gives everyone a terrific view of the sights. It was an exhilarating experience that shouldn't be missed.

balls pyramid tour

Ball's Pyramid

Top choice in Lord Howe Island

Sticking out of the middle of the ocean some 23km southeast of Lord Howe Island, the memorably jagged silhouette of this crag stands 551m high. A volcano caused by the same hotspot that threw up Lord Howe, it has a steep slope, for very serious climbers only. But a boat trip out here is a memorable experience, and the diving and birdwatching are excellent. Several Lord Howe operators can get you out here, weather permitting.

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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

A view of Mt Gower, Lord Howe Island framed by the branches of a Norfolk Pine tree

15.59 MILES

The southernmost of the two magnificent peaks dominating the island, Mt Gower (875m) is a spectacular sight. Though it looks sheer at first glance, it's…

A beautiful White Tern (Gygis alba) sits on an egg in a notch in the branch of a Norfolk Island Pine tree behind Lagoon Beach on Lord Howe Island, Australia. These birds build no nest, but lay their eggs on bare branches.

Lord Howe Island Museum

19.08 MILES

At what passes on Lord Howe for a major road junction, this museum has an interesting if somewhat random display on local history, taking in whaling, wars…

Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, Unincorporated area of New South Wales, Australia. Palm forest on Intermediate Hill.

Intermediate Hill

17.09 MILES

Another star exhibit for the Australian love of no-bullshit names, this hill (250m) offers some of the island's better views of Ball's Pyramid and a…

North Beach

North Beach

20.44 MILES

This pretty crescent of sand is reached by a thigh-straining up-and-down walk over a ridge from town, but it's worth it, with barbecue facilities and the…

Sunrise sun streams through palm trees on  the road to Ned's Beach,Lord Howe Island,New South Wales,Australia

Ned's Beach

19.59 MILES

A short stroll from town, Ned's Beach offers good snorkelling – you can hire wetsuits and gear from a little stall. Feeding the fish in the shallows here…

Nearby Lord Howe Island attractions

1 . Mt Gower

2 . Intermediate Hill

3 . Lord Howe Island Museum

4 . Ned's Beach

5 . North Beach

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balls pyramid tour

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Balls Pyramid and Bird Watching

Visit Balls Pyramid - rising 552 metres out of the water - 23 kilometres from Lord Howe Island. Not just a boat ride, featuring Jack Shick and Ian Hutton on board, the information flows. Balls Pyramid is the world's tallest out of the water monolith. Take the trip down on 'Noctiluca', gazing in awe at this iconic rock formation.

Along the way you'll stop and observe rare sea birds and bottle nosed dolphins are seen on most trips. Heading home you circumnavigate the island, with its nooks and crannies. This trip is hugely popular with sightseers, photographers and bird watchers. Travel with the most experienced operators on Lord Howe Island. Not only the best on Lord Howe Island, these tours are very competitively priced.

Location - Physical Address               offshore of Lord Howe Island Lord Howe Island NSW 2898 Australia

Accessibility

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Fishing on Noctiluca

Fishing on Noctiluca

Mount Gower Climb

Mount Gower Climb

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Pure joy as you wake to the sunrise. Awe as you make it to the snowy peak. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. The relief of rejuvenation as you wade into an alpine stream. Connection as you taste native, fragrant leaves. A sense of belonging as you return to your favourite holiday house. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Discover the endless feelings a visit to NSW can inspire.

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Balls Pyramid tour - Greenback Fishing & Scenic Charters

  • South Pacific    
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  • Greenback Fishing & Scenic Charters

Circumnavigating Lord Howe Island and venturing out to Balls Pyramid for a snorkelling experience... read more

balls pyramid tour

Went to Balls Pyramid with Reef and Beyond What a great afternoon one of the highlights of trip to... read more

balls pyramid tour

Balls Pyramid tour

After several days of very rough seas, we managed to fit in a Balls Pyramid/Round Island tour before flying out in the afternoon. Leaving at 8am, we saw dolphins on the way. This is an excellent way to see Balls Pyramid up close.

Captain Dave took us out to Balls Pyramid and then around the island, the tour was everything we hoped, dolphins, fish, birds, sharks. Exceptional weather and Dave made sure that we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Thanks Dave we will be back

balls pyramid tour

We did a trip out to Balls Pyramid and around Lord Howe Is . We would have to say this would be a best charter we have ever been on . To see the size of Balls Pyramid is just belong comprehension .It should be on everyones bucket list . The skipper was very good and went out of his way to see all the sights on the return to the Is.If you are in Lord Howe Is .its a must.

We did the Balls Pyramid, and round the island scenic Cruise in April this year with Greenbacks. It was fantastic: A once in a lifetime experience. Whilst trip was fortunate to have good weather (which is essential), the service provided by Greenbacks was also second to none. They were originally booked out, and Greenbacks were going to help me get a round the island scenic tour, but the weather and demand was sufficient enough to organise another tour with Greenbacks. The handling of the boat we went on was fantastic, the commentary was excellent, and the scenery was awesome, and we saw plenty of wildlife, especially birds, but we saw dolphins as well. We were able to come very close to balls pyramid, and it is one of the most majestic, amazing pieces of rock you will see. The commentary on how people get onto this rock, and research it, was also awesome. To get on this trip, you have to book early, and the weather has to be suitable, but if you can - do it. Once again Greenbacks, for a great trip.

balls pyramid tour

We enjoyed a sea scooter snorkelling trip and had the amazing experience of being surrounded by a school of kingfish. We also saw three turtles on our second snorkel. Dave and Glenys were wonderful hosts. The day was sunny and spectacular. Glenys was especially kind taking my husband to the local clinic with a blocked ear/pain on arriving back from the snorkel. Glenys even waited at the clinic for an hour and drove us back to our accommodation!! Thank you Glenys! Highly recommend this tour.

We had one of the best organised trips ever during our visit to the beautiful Lord Howe Island The captain Dave was very informative about the birds and geology of the Island and surrounds Plenty of stops along the trip for photos We were so impressed with the trip as well as seeing Balls Pyramid we circled the entire island So beautiful to see from the sea When we returned Dave wife Glenys served the best carrot cake and tea or coffee . The experience is highly recommended and we thoroughly recommend to go with greenback If they have fresh fish it’s a bonus to purchase and cook yourselves

balls pyramid tour

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balls pyramid tour

Balls Pyramid

Things to do lord howe island , lord howe area , new south wales.

Just 23 kilometres southeast of the island, the world’s tallest sea stack and the site of some of Australia’s most remarkable diving can be found – the 551-metre-tall Balls Pyramid. Exploring the caves and waters surrounding the basalt spearhead, divers come face-to-face with a mass of spectacular sea creatures.

From huge schools of violet sweep, rainbow runners and amberjack, to marlins, dolphins, turtles and wahoos, the underwater world will astound. Many rare species, like Spanish dancers and Galapagos whalers, also make these waters their home. The Observatory Rock Sanctuary Zone is one of the only known places where the Ballina angelfish can be sighted while scuba diving.

The deeper waters around Balls Pyramid offer popular spots for local fishing charters.

Nearby Things to Do

Lord Howe Island Bowling Club

Lord Howe Island Bowling Club

Lord Howe Island, Lord Howe Area

Just under three kilometre round trip, the walk to Little Island is easily the most gentle of walks on the island. The view is spectacular, and the flora and fauna worth the cycle to the south end of the island

Little Island

Neds Beach-snorkeller-bbq area- aerial

Ned’s Beach

Mount Gower, located to the right.

Mount Gower

Couple viewing the historic artifacts major collection on a visit to the Lord Howe Island Museum

Lord Howe Island Museum and Visitor Centre

The Valley of the Shadows

The Valley of the Shadows

Also in this location.

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balls pyramid tour

Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island - Australia

Lord Howe Island is a beautiful sub-tropical island north-east of Sydney, Australia.

  • Lord Howe Island Facts
  • Getting To Lord Howe Island
  • Lord Howe Weather
  • Lord Howe History
  • Lord Howe Geology

There's nothing like Lord Howe Island for sheer diversity of natural attractions, from rugged coast to spacious pristine beaches.

  • Balls Pyramid
  • Blinky Beach
  • Erscott's Hole
  • Malabar Hill
  • Old Settlement
  • Transit Hill

Lord Howe Island offers so much to experience.

  • Bike Riding
  • Bird Watching
  • Snorkelling + Scuba Diving

Lord Howe Island is simply enchanting, with a wide choice of accomodation from budget to pure luxury.

  • + Accommodation
  • Beachcomber Lodge
  • Blue Lagoon Lodge
  • Earl's Anchorage
  • Ebbtide Apartments
  • Howeana Apartments
  • Lagoon Landing
  • Leanda-Lei Apartments
  • Lorhiti Apartments
  • Milky Way Villas Lord Howe
  • Ocean View Apartments
  • Pinetrees Lodge Lord Howe
  • Somerset Apartments
  • The Broken Banyan
  • The Tree House
  • + Luxury Accommodation
  • Lord Howe Luxury Accommodation
  • Admiralty Apartments
  • Bowker Beach House
  • Capella Lodge
  • Island House

Balls Pyramid The highest sea stack on the planet

There are all kinds of amazing natural attractions on Lord Howe Island. But arguably the star of the bunch is Balls Pyramid, the highest sea stack on the planet and easily the most iconic rock outcropping on the island.

Balls Pyramid Facts

This jagged grey pillar of rock rises 551 metres straight out of the ocean, more than 20kms off the coast of Lord Howe Island.

It’s certainly worth taking a boat cruise to see it up close. Balls Pyramid is also one of Australia’s premier scuba diving sites, which is really saying something considering the scope and quality of its Great Barrier Reef.

This basalt spearhead is home to dozens of sea creatures, including huge schools of rainbow runners, violet sweep and amberjack. It’s also common to spot wahoo, sea turtles, dolphins and marlin swimming around its shear rock walls.

Many divers even get to glimpse extremely rare creatures like Spanish dancers and ballina angelfish. Without doubt, Balls Pyramid is one of Lord Howe Island’s most popular dive sites .

It’s understandable that you might be tempted to disembark from your boat to scamper around Balls Pyramid. But climbing the rock is strictly forbidden in order to protect the fragile environment. Creatures like the endangered Howe Island stick insect can only be found here so preservation is a major priority, like in the rest of the archipelago.

You need a boat to reach Balls Pyramid, and there are several charter companies which run regular trips out to the sea stack. Most of the trips are based around scuba diving excursions but it is possible to book passage on a cruise boat just to sightsee.

If you have any interest in boat cruise and natural wonders, a daytrip to Balls Pyramid should be high on your list of things to do on Lord Howe Island .

Map of Lord Howe Island

Explore more with our Lord Howe Island map and find your way around Australia’s last great island paradise. Zoom in on the map to discover more.

Lord Howe Island

Luxury Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island has a few excellent luxury offernings. There are luxury, high-end lodges and a recently opened self-catering luxury beach house. The rooms are certainly worth the cost, blending five-star amenities and service with unbeatable locations right on the coast.

Capella Lodge

Capella Lodge Capella Lodge is a place where sophistication, style and beauty come together in a seamless bond with the natural surroundings.

Bowker Beach House

Bowker Beach House Bowker Beach House caters for 2 adults only; exclusive, extremely private, and in a stunning location on Lord Howe Island's beautiful lagoon beach.

Arajilla Lodge

Arajilla Lodge Arajilla Lodge goes above and beyond to create an atmosphere that is both pampering and rustically tropical, with views of the ancient Banyan forest and the ocean.

Australia's last great paradise

More great australian travel destinations.

  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Fraser Island
  • Blue Mountains
  • Hunter Valley
  • Kimberley Australia
  • Cable Beach
  • Wiki Australia
  • Great Ocean Road
  • Australia's Best Beaches
  • Port Stephens
  • Lord Howe Island

About 'Lord Howe Island Australia'

Lord Howe Island Australia is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to Lord Howe Island. We are passionate about Australia's last great island paradise, its vast marine and wildlife, its lagoon and white sandy beaches, its crystal clear turquiose waters and the unforgetable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss Lord Howe Island, its history, its environment, its wildlife and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as Lord Howe Island has inspired us.

Travel web design

Travel and tourism website design by Jimmyweb Sydney website design by Jimmyweb Blue Mountains website design by iVent

balls pyramid tour

This Epic Rock Formation Near An NSW Island Is The World’s Tallest Sea Stack

If you've got megalophobia, we suggest you steer clear of the towering Ball's Pyramid, the tallest sea stack on the planet, located just off the coast of Lord Howe Island. It's 7 million years old and home to creatures once thought extinct.

Ria Lawrence

Somewhere in the middle of the deepest ocean on Earth, between Australia and New Zealand , is a jaw-dropping structure leaping out of the sea and it’s probably one of the coolest geological wonders you’ll hear about. Rising a staggering 572 metres or over 1800 feet out of the Pacific Ocean is Ball’s Pyramid — the tallest and largest sea stack known to man and it’s truly a sight to behold. It’s also part of the lost continent of Zealandia which split from Australia around 60-85 million years ago and is mostly submerged in the Pacific Ocean. The mysterious Zealandia, also known as Te Riu-a-Maui, is often regarded as the Earth’s “ 8th continent ” and the dramatic spire that is Ball’s Pyramid is one of the surviving fragments of the once-lost continent. One look at it and you’d believe there’s a secret lair in there somewhere.

Located around 20 kilometres southeast of Lord Howe Island , Ball’s Pyramid is an erosional remnant of a shield volcano and is said to be about 7 million years old. It can be found in the Tasman Sea in the southwest Pacific Ocean approximately 700 km northeast of Sydney and forms part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park . Here’s everything you need to know about the remarkable monolithic natural structure.

Ball’s Pyramid

balls pyramid tour

The first recorded sighting of the sea stack took place in 1788 by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball who it is also named after. Lord Howe Island was also discovered on the same journey by Ball. Today it is the site of some of Australia’s most marvellous diving bringing divers up close to sea creatures such as dolphins, turtles and wahoos and rare species like the vibrant Spanish dancers and Galapagos whalers.

As if the pyramid itself wasn’t fascinating enough, here’s a fun fact that makes it even cooler. It was found to be the only natural habitat of a massive prehistoric-looking insect which was considered the rarest insect on the planet and previously believed to be extinct for over a century. These giant stick insects or tree lobsters were discovered on Ball’s Pyramid in 2001 and are endemic to Australia’s Lord Howe group of islands. Dryococelus australis, commonly known as the Lord Howe Island stick is currently undergoing a breeding program to secure the survival of the species. Read more about the discovery and program here .

Wondering if this giant volcano shard has ever been climbed? Bryden Allen, John Davis, Jack Pettigrew and David Witham of the Sydney Rock Climbing Club were the first people to climb it in 1965 to the very top. In 1979, Smith returned with climbers John Worrall and Hugh Ward to declare it Australian territory by unfurling a flag of New South Wales on the pyramid. You can read the experiences of another climber, Keith Bell, on the Australian Museum website .

Can you climb Ball’s Pyramid today?

Climbing was banned in 1982 and all access to the island was removed in 1986. Gradually the rules were relaxed but only to a degree. Today, eager climbers can apply for a permit if they wish to climb Ball’s Pyramid with a handful of people gaining access every year.

How can you reach it?

You need a boat to reach Balls Pyramid and there are a number of charter companies that run trips to the structure. Needless to say, it’s an incredible experience to see it up close. It is also a popular spot for diving and snorkelling. While you can visit the giant structure and get some out-of-the-world shots of the monolith, keep in mind that climbing the rock remains strictly forbidden to preserve the fragile ecosystem.

Get more information about Ball’s Pyramid on the Lord Howe Island website .

balls pyramid tour

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A trip to Ball’s Pyramid with Reef N Beyond

I’m very embarrassed to say that I had lived on Lord Howe for nine years before I visited Ball’s Pyramid. Shocking I know!

For my birthday back in 2020, my husband bought me a gift voucher for a visit to Ball’s Pyramid with Reef N Beyond Eco Tours. What a great gift! But seriously, when was I going to use it?

It’s not that I didn’t want to go – Visiting Ball’s Pyramid has been high on my ‘to do’ list since we moved here. But when you have small children, combined with no pre-school or formal childcare and a husband who works a lot, the chances of going appeared slim.

In addition to my personal circumstances, a visit to Ball’s Pyramid is highly weather dependant, requiring perfect weather and sea conditions. How was this going to ever line up?

Dave and Glenys, the owners of Reef N Beyond knew my restrictions and actively tried to get me out on a tour. They would often call me at home when they had a spare spot and the conditions were perfect – Dave would cheerfully say ‘Today’s the day Danielle!’. But sadly, again and again I had to say, ‘Sorry I can’t go!’

Then the stars finally aligned in February 2023 when my youngest child started school. The tour was even better than I thought it would be.

I met Dave and my fellow passengers at the Jetty just after school drop off (how convenient was that!) and we boarded the boat. It’s quite large and very stable under your feet, with comfortable seating all with a view.

After a safety briefing, we were off crossing the lagoon towards the channel to the ocean outside. Dave wizzed us south, past Mt. Gower where I saw a mass of Mountain Roses in full bloom clinging to its side. We then saw a pod of dolphins which followed us almost the whole way to Ball’s Pyramid. Seeing them darting in and out of the water and playing in the wake was such an amazing sight to behold!

Ball’s Pyramid was much bigger than I thought it would be, and I was in awe of its shape and size. Dave encouraged his guests to snorkel, and I jumped into the water to see huge boulders, beautiful coral and even a massive kingfish.

Dave was knowledgeable and passionate when guests asked questions about his island home and I truly felt like a welcomed visitor rather than a local. We marvelled at the sea stack and the view of Lord Howe in the distance.

Thank you Dave, Glenys and Oscar for such a wonderful trip, and I hope others are as fortunate to experience Ball’s Pyramid with you in the future!

For more information or to book, visit: visitlordhowe.com.au

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Ball’s Pyramid

A boat journey to Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s largest sea stack rising from the oceans some 20km from Lord Howe is an unparalleled adventure. The mysterious seas stack is a volcanic remnant, home to extraordinary bird and marine life and a renowned diving and snorkelling spot when the weather and tides permit.

T he 562 – metre basalt spire is also home to the endemic Lord Howe Island stick insect or phasmid, long thought to be extinct and rediscovered on the pyramid’s shores in 2001 .  

Operators including Reef n Beyond and Sea to Summit run boat tours to the pyramid. Often schools of dolphins accompany the boat on its journey there.   

Diving the pyramid with Pro Dive Lord Howe is a world – class highlight , and divers can expect clear waters to see huge schools of fish including Sweep, Amberjack, Kingfish, Rainbow Runners, Trevally and Silver Drummer, and the occasional Marlin and Wahoo . Whale Sharks have also been sighted on the trip to the Pyramid. Ball’s Pyramid is the place to spot the rare Ballina Angelfish, which usually keep to very deep waters.  

Activity essentials

  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Towel and swimsuit
  • Warm clothing options

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Scuba diving.

Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage-listed marine park environment, abundant marine life and crystal-clear waters attract divers from around the world to explore its diverse range of dive sites.

Explore the marine park

Lord Howe Island was declared a Protected Marine Park in 1999 and its waters are home to around 500 species of fish, making for rewarding marine experiences for everyone.

Lord Howe picks up powerful groundswell from the Southern and Pacific oceans throughout the year. Combined with a shallow coral reef, it means one thing – waves. The island also boasts some of the least crowded beaches in Australia!

Water sports

Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are great ways to explore the lagoon. Craft are available to hire from the operators based in the boat sheds along the foreshore.

As part of a protected marine park, fishing on Lord Howe is a spectacular and rewarding pursuit, with tuna, marlin and the yellow-tail kingfish commonly caught and many other rarer species released with a kiss!

Admiralty Islands

The Admiralty Islands is a cluster of volcanic islands reached by a 15-minute boat trip. Birdlife flocks here, as do eager divers. Around 25 sites scattered around the atolls offer some of Australia's best diving.

Old Settlement Beach

A protected spot at the island’s north end, Old Settlement Beach is a favourite for spotting Green Sea turtles who graze on the local seagrasses and for spending the day lazing on the sand with a good book.

North Bay cruise

Lord Howe Island’s North Bay is a sheltered area of the reef, ideal for snorkelling around the lagoon’s own shipwreck and the best spot for an encounter with Green Sea turtles as they feed among the seagrasses.

Glass Bottom boat

A tour of the reef by glass-bottom boat with optional snorkel is a wonderful start to a Lord Howe holiday. The island’s excellent operators are based in the boat sheds on the lagoon near the CBD.

Ned’s Beach

One of Lord Howe’s best-loved beaches, Ned's is popular for its beach, reef-snorkelling and picnicking options. Feeding the fish at Ned's is guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe.

Freecall  1800 671 546 | [email protected]

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LAND & SEA

Lord howe island, marine adventures.

Marine Adventures operate a glass bottom boat specialising in North Bay, Turtle & Nature Tours. With 6 generations of island knowledge, our team will share their colourful history & introduce you to our amazing island playground.

balls pyramid tour

ISLANDER CRUISES

Join our specialised tours to some of the island’s more remote and untouched locations. Bush walks, beach picnics, BBQs, sunset cruises & incredible snorkelling with our qualified Divemaster. Complimentary snorkelling gear & morning tea.

balls pyramid tour

ENVIRONMENTAL TOURS

We provide a range of highest quality, natural history tours including coral viewing from glass bottom boats, specialty snorkelling & night snorkelling tours. Bushwalking and seabird tours also to Mount Gower, Blackburn Island & the Admiralty Islets.

balls pyramid tour

CHASE ‘N’ THYME TOURS

A refreshing introduction with Peter & Janine Phillipps on where & what to do on Lord Howe Island. Janine’s ancestors settled here in the 1850’s. Peter has published a book and produced DVDs on the island’s history. Learn everything about the island with them!

MOUNT GOWER CLIMB

Guided walks with Jack Shick, a 5th generation Islander & photographer. Jack is the Island’s most experienced guide with over 1300 climbs to the awe inspiring Mount Gower summit. Twice weekly most of the year. Book early, only $100.

balls pyramid tour

WILDSIDE WALKS

Wildside Walks offer a range of guided tours showcasing the best of Lord Howe Island’s natural wonders & uniquely remarkable landscapes – amazing viewpoints & photogenic perspectives of the island.

balls pyramid tour

WILSON’S HIRE SERVICE

Wilson’s have a wide range of quality bicycles for hire at the Island’s best prices (from $9 day). Also available are great value automatic cars for non-cyclists & a range of snorkelling equipment for underwater enthusiasts. Bookings advisable during school holidays.

balls pyramid tour

OCEAN VIEW BOATSHED

New to the lagoon foreshore offering a wide range of activities. Book fishing for MV Chamaeleon, snorkelling and scenic trips. Kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel equipment for hire. Kite boarding, paddle boarding lessons & guided surf tours available.

balls pyramid tour

REEF N BEYOND ECO TOURS

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lord Howe Island and Ball’s Pyramid’s remote coastlines. Enjoy a wide range of experiences, such as Island and Ball’s Pyramid scenic expeditions, guided photography walks with tuition & much more.

M.V. Chamaeleon

M.V. CHAMAELEON

Offering half day fishing, full day fishing/ Ball’s Pyramid, Around island & Ball’s Pyramid scenic, Bird watching, dolphin sighting, lagoon & passage fishing (good for kids) Snorkelling trips & private charters. Good quality fishing & snorkelling gear included.

Join Jack for a fishing, sightseeing & birdwatching trip to remember. Noctiluca is an 8m purpose built cruiser for Lord Howe conditions. All bait & fishing gear is provided. Book early to avoid missing out as groups are kept small & enjoyable.

balls pyramid tour

SEA LORD HOWE

Our vessel Sea Lord Howe is dedicated to Around Island Cruises & Sunset Cruises. With a complete refit in 2010 Lulawai offers the island’s most comfortable Around Island & Sunset Cruise Experience. Charters available – Fishing & Ball’s Pyramid.

balls pyramid tour

DIVE LORD HOWE

Dive Lord Howe has secured a reputation as one of the premier dive operators in Australia. Morning double dives allow certified divers to experience the world class diving on offer & afternoon single dives for Discover SCUBA Diving (no experience necessary). Dive courses, outer reef snorkel trips, kayaks, paddle board & snorkel hire are also available. Book early to avoid disappointment.

IMAGES

  1. Visit Ball's Pyramid: 2022 Travel Guide for Ball's Pyramid, New South

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  2. Climbing Balls Pyramid

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  3. Landing on Balls Pyramid

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  4. Ball's Pyramid

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  5. Ball’s Pyramid in Australia ~ Must See how To?

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COMMENTS

  1. Ball's Pyramid / Lord Howe Island

    Tour Info. Leaving from the Jetty, we will take you on a 43 nautical mile journey to without doubt, an unforgettable scenic tour of Ball's Pyramid, tallest sea stack in the world 551m. This tour also combines a circumnavigation of Lord Howe Island so you get to see the best of both amazing these landmarks. What to Bring: Reef N Beyond Eco ...

  2. Balls Pyramid & Bird Watching

    Take a tour Bird Watching at Balls Pyramid. Balls Pyramid is the tallest monolith out of the water in the world. It is an iconic rock stack rising 552m out of the water, 23km from Lord Howe Island. Our Bird Watching at Balls Pyramid tour is not just a boat ride. Your journey will be filled with a wealth of information including Birds, Fish ...

  3. Ball's Pyramid

    Ball's Pyramid is 23 km away so it involves 25-30min of full-on seasickness-inducing speedboating. Josh and Dave from Reef N Beyond provide excellent commentary and information about history and nature. It is definitely worth doing this tour to see a different aspect of LHI.

  4. Ball's Pyramid

    Ball's Pyramid. 23 kilometres southeast of the island, the world's tallest sea stack and the site of some of Australia's most remarkable diving can be found - the 551 metre tall Ball's Pyramid. Exploring the caves and waters surrounding the basalt spearhead, divers come face-to-face with a mass of spectacular sea creatures. From huge ...

  5. Ball's Pyramid: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    Ball's Pyramid is 23 km away so it involves 25-30min of full-on seasickness-inducing speedboating. Josh and Dave from Reef N Beyond provide excellent commentary and information about history and nature. It is definitely worth doing this tour to see a different aspect of LHI.

  6. Tours in Lord Howe Island

    Our Lord Howe Island Tours. Our guided tours are a must do for those who appreciate the raw beauty Lord Howe Island & Ball's Pyramid has to Offer. All tours are Guided, Educational & Eco-Friendly. Our vessel Reef N Beyond is fast, comfortable & modern. We have friendly, knowledgeable staff who strive to improve your customer experience.

  7. Reef N Beyond Eco Tours

    Ball's Pyramid / Lord Howe Island Expedition / Snorkel Option. From A$230. Get up close & personal to the worlds tallest sea stack, endemic seabirds & marine life. This tour provides a truely captivating experience & gives you a unique perspective. Snorkelling at Ball's Pyramid is a selected option on this tour!

  8. Balls Pyramid: The World's Tallest Sea Stack

    Balls Pyramid, rising 572 metres (1,877 ft) out of the Southern Pacific Ocean, is an impressive sight to behold. The volcanic stack is located 643 kilometres (400 mi) northeast of Sydney, New South Wales, and forms part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park in Australia. Despite its remote location, B

  9. Ball's Pyramid

    Ball's Pyramid. New South Wales, Australia, Australia & Pacific. Top choice in Lord Howe Island. Sticking out of the middle of the ocean some 23km southeast of Lord Howe Island, the memorably jagged silhouette of this crag stands 551m high. A volcano caused by the same hotspot that threw up Lord Howe, it has a steep slope, for very serious ...

  10. Ball's Pyramid (Lord Howe Island): All You Need to Know

    Balls Pyramid is about 30klm from Lord Howe Island. The best way to get there is with a tour operator, as the seas can get quite rough. Any trip to Lord Howe Island should include a trip to Ball's Pyramid. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

  11. Balls Pyramid and Bird Watching

    Overview. Visit Balls Pyramid - rising 552 metres out of the water - 23 kilometres from Lord Howe Island. Not just a boat ride, featuring Jack Shick and Ian Hutton on board, the information flows. Balls Pyramid is the world's tallest out of the water monolith. Take the trip down on 'Noctiluca', gazing in awe at this iconic rock formation.

  12. Balls Pyramid tour

    Balls Pyramid Tour Fantastic trip, well organised, great boat greta guide. We did the Balls Pyramid, and round the island scenic Cruise in April this year with Greenbacks. It was fantastic: A once in a lifetime experience.

  13. Balls Pyramid

    Balls Pyramid, natural attractions attraction in Lord Howe Island, Lord Howe Area. Just 23 kilometres southeast of the island, the world's tallest sea stack and the site of some of Australia's most remarkable diving can be found - the 551-metre-tall Balls Pyramid. Exploring the caves and waters surrounding the basalt spearhead, divers come face-to-face with a mass of spectacular sea ...

  14. Balls Pyramid

    There are all kinds of amazing natural attractions on Lord Howe Island. But arguably the star of the bunch is Balls Pyramid, the highest sea stack on the planet and easily the most iconic rock outcropping on the island. This jagged grey pillar of rock rises 551 metres straight out of the ocean, more than 20kms off the coast of Lord Howe Island.

  15. Ball's Pyramid

    Ball's Pyramid is an uninhabited islet in the Pacific Ocean located 20 kilometres (12 mi) southeast of Lord Howe Island.The steep rocky basalt outcrop is the eroded plug of a shield volcano and caldera that formed 6.4 million years ago. It is 572 metres (1,877 ft) high, while measuring 1,100 metres (3,609 ft) in length and only 300 metres (984 ft) across, making it the tallest volcanic stack ...

  16. This Epic Rock Formation Near An NSW Island Is The World's Tallest Sea

    Located around 20 kilometres southeast of Lord Howe Island, Ball's Pyramid is an erosional remnant of a shield volcano and is said to be about 7 million years old. It can be found in the Tasman Sea in the southwest Pacific Ocean approximately 700 km northeast of Sydney and forms part of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park.Here's everything you need to know about the remarkable monolithic ...

  17. In the Middle of the Pacific Sits a Giant Pyramid That's Home to the

    Join Discovery about 350 miles off the coast of Australia where we visit Ball's Pyramid. At 1,844 feet above the Pacific, it's the world's tallest sea stack; it's also one of the last dry remnants of a sunken content. The monolithic natural structure formed after years of erosion from an ancient shield volcano about 7 million years ago, and it's home to what is arguably the rarest insect in ...

  18. Reef N Beyond

    Reef n Beyond. Our new and exciting range of educational tours will guarantee you experience the best of the natural beauty "Lord Howe Island" has to offer. Lord Howe Island is often referred to as the 'Galapagos of Australia'. It supports the most southerly coral reef in the world. Sightings of rare and endemic, both marine and ...

  19. A trip to Ball's Pyramid with Reef N Beyond

    The tour was even better than I thought it would be. I met Dave and my fellow passengers at the Jetty just after school drop off (how convenient was that!) and we boarded the boat. It's quite large and very stable under your feet, with comfortable seating all with a view. ... Ball's Pyramid was much bigger than I thought it would be, and I ...

  20. Scuba Diving

    Ball's Pyramid is world class diving with species endemic to the region. Diving Ball's pyramid and its neighbouring sites you can expect clear visibility and massive schools of fish including Sweep, Amberjack, Kingfish, Rainbow Runners, Trevally and Silver Drummer, the occasional Marlin, dolphins, and Wahoo can be seen, Whale Sharks have ...

  21. Explore

    A boat journey to Ball's Pyramid, the world's largest sea stack rising from the oceans some 20km from Lord Howe is an unparalleled adventure. The mysterious seas stack is a volcanic remnant, home to extraordinary bird and marine life and a renowned diving and snorkelling spot when the weather and tides permit. The 562-metre basalt spire ...

  22. LAND & SEA

    Enjoy a wide range of experiences, such as Island and Ball's Pyramid scenic expeditions, guided photography walks with tuition & much more. M.V. CHAMAELEON Offering half day fishing, full day fishing/ Ball's Pyramid, Around island & Ball's Pyramid scenic, Bird watching, dolphin sighting, lagoon & passage fishing (good for kids ...

  23. Expedition to Balls Pyramid

    Expedition to Balls Pyramid. Twenty-three kilometres to the south of Lord Howe Island is a spectacular 550-metre spearhead of grey basalt that seemingly explodes from the ocean. The world's largest sea stack is home to extraordinary birdlife and the waters surrounding Balls Pyramid are teeming with marine life.