The NSW island paradise that celebrities love

Just a two-hour flight from Sydney lies the hottest new holiday destination for celebrities - Lord Howe Island.

While it’s been attracting famous visitors for years – Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively stayed there in 2016 while she was filming the shark thriller The Shallows – Lord Howe Island got a money-can’t-buy promotion when the Hemsworth brothers gathered there for a family holiday at Island House in October last year.

Chris Hemsworth noted on Instagram: "Lord Howe Island is one of the most sustainable destinations in the world with only a few hundred visitors allowed at any one time. This paradise is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world."

The couple loved the trip so much that they've returned for a second adventure on the island, with Chris' wife Elsa Pataky sharing a series of snaps on Instagram (above and below).

Chris added to the enviable photo album with the amazing drone photo below, captioned: "Great to get away for a few days to @visitlordhoweisland before starting on #thorloveandthunder this week!"

One of his Instagram followers commented: "I think you can see Chris' abs from space!"

TV presenter Kylie Gillies also took the island for a test run earlier this month, staying at Arajilla Retreat.

Her friends are vowing to visit too after seeing her happy snaps on Instagram.

The amazing pics above were taken by @oceanblueskyproduction.

Larry Emdur said: "WWOWW !! Ok, so now all our holiday selfies look like crap !! Thanks very much @kyliegillies."

Shelly Horton said: “You should be an ambassador for Lord Howe now because it’s now on my holiday list. Looks amazing.”

Tania Zaetta added: “You’ve sold me on #lordhoweisland as our next travel spot.”

Dr Chris Brown chimed in with: "Paradise."

While it's perfect for a relaxing beach holiday, Prevention travel writer Ute Junker said the island is also "heaven for hikers".

"Take the two-hour Malabar Walk, for instance," she advises (Gillies is pictured above at Kim's Lookout). "Starting near the tranquil Ned’s Beach, you climb through dense palm forests up to soaring cliffs that offer magnificent views of the island’s volcanic peaks, Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird.

Between September and May, these cliffs are home to the largest breeding colony of tropical birds in the world – watching these long-tailed beauties wheel through the air is an attraction in itself.

Feel like pushing yourself a little further? Mount Gower offers a challenge even for active types. Allow eight hours for the return trip to the summit, which in some sections involves rope-assisted climbs; as the path is unmarked, you’ll need to go with a licensed guide.

"Apart from drinking in stellar views, you’ll get to explore ecosystems that few visitors ever encounter, including the moss forest on the highest slopes," Junker said. "Allow yourself some hike-free days: you’ll want to spend some time lazing on the beach, strolling through the kentia palm forest or snorkelling the southern-most coral reef in the world."