Lord Howe Island Group

Lord Howe Island Group, islands of Australia lying 700 km (435 mi) northeast of Sydney in the South Pacific Ocean. Part of the state of New South Wales, the islands consist of Lord Howe Island, Ball's Pyramid, the Admiralty Islands, and other smaller islands. Its total land area is 154 sq km (59 sq mi). The group originated as parts of an ancient volcano, rising 2,000 m (6,500 ft) from sea bed to surface. Lord Howe Island itself, with an area of about 145 sq km (56 sq mi), is by far the largest in the group and rises to 875 m (2,871 ft) above sea level. The islands lie on the most southerly coral reef in the world and are famous for the spectacular beauty of their varied landscapes, especially their soft coral sand beaches. The group is also home to a number of rare native species of plants and animals. Supported mostly by tourism, the Lord Howe Island Group was named a World Heritage Site in 1982 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO's World Heritage list recognizes the world's unique natural and cultural places.