Travel Tips for Lord Howe Island
Marilyn March 16th, 2006
Over the years various friends have raved about Lord Howe Island but it was only recently that the opportunity arose for us to have 6 days there. It is quite gorgeous … very small with beautiful white sandy beaches and sub-tropical foliage, punctuated by tall Norfolk Island pines. It is 2 hours flying time from Brisbane or Sydney and has World Heritage status.
The charm of the place is really the 1950s atmosphere. It’s a step back in time that the people of Lord Howe have cleverly and deliberately kept. With only 300 residents and a maximum of 400 tourists (and that is only in school holidays), LHI is the epitome of relaxed and is distinctly ungroovy. We met families who have been going there for decades, they love it so much.
There is no curb or guttering and the (mowed) lawn simply butts up against the bitumen road. No advertising signs or other visual pollution sully the vista of turquoise water, fishing boats and bikes … lots of push bikes. The locals have a few cars, but tourists get around on foot or push bike. The speed limit for cars is 25 kms and no seatbelts. However, helmets for bike riders are compulsory in case you have a head-on with a palm tree.
Activities
Hand feeding the fish, scuba diving and snorkeling, fishing, lots of walks, bird watching and dining out. It is recommended for families or go with some friends so that you have company.
Accommodation
There are a dozen places – mostly apartments or motel-style units although Pine Trees, the first and last remaining guest house, still does full board – and we’re told the food is excellent. http://www.pinetrees.com.au/
The most up-market accommodation is at Capella Lodge — at $1000 per night for two people including breakfast and dinner. With only 9 suites it is often hard to get into. It is also somewhat out of town and you are a bit isolated from the rest of the island, but the position is stunning with uninterrupted views to beach and mountains. http://www.lordhowe.com/
Our favourite is Arajilla which has very comfortable small suites set in a lush sub-tropical landscape, one of the best restaurants on the island and staff that bend over backwards to make your stay memorable. http://www.arajilla.com.au/
Security is not needed and no keys are provided for your hotel room. One man was overheard asking where his key was, only to be told:
‘I take it you’re from Sydney …’
Eating
With only 2 general stores on the island and freight on everything you buy self catering is expensive. Luggage is restricted to 14 kilos each so you can’t bring much with you.
The best restaurants are Pandanus, Arajilla, Palm Sugar and Capella. We also had very good reports of Pinetrees for dinner. You must book ahead because they fill up quickly during school holidays. (In the Winter months of June to September many places are closed.) Restaurant prices are similar to the mainland – Lord Howe Island is part of N.S.W.
They have a great system whereby the place you are staying at will drop you off in their minibus at a restaurant for dinner, and the restaurant then drives you back to your accommodation afterwards.
Best Time to Go
Late February or March.
Avoid the Christmas school holidays simply because accommodation and dining are more difficult to get into – however, even at Christmas you never have a sense of lots of people.
Climate
Can be wet and windy in winter. Water was 24 degrees when we were there in January. We had some overcast days with a little wind, but then it is an island. It never gets as hot as Brisbane.
Good Idea
All around the island, overlooking various beautiful beaches, they have set up BBQs with tables and wood already cut for you. Some accommodation will make you up a picnic basket or you can order up a fishy feast from David at Fish ‘n’ Fillet. He will deliver to your room or the nominated BBQ top quality prawns, lobsters, oysters, raw fish fillets, salads with all the trimmings. Watch the sun go down whilst indulging in some wine, good food and friends.
If you need lots of activities to fill in your time or you are not up to lots of walking and bike riding, this is not the holiday for you. However, if you like old fashioned values, friendliness, beauty and a sense of time standing still – you may find yourself returning again and again to Lord Howe Island (which by the way is part of N.S.W.).
January 2006
P.S. Kathy at Lets Travel 3857 1444 does all our bookings and we highly recommend her, because she is so experienced.
Hi, just getting some info about the island, and ways to get there? Do you know which methods you can get to the island (boat/flight)?
Hi — From Australia Lord Howe is only I think accessible by commercial flights and also of course private yachts. There would be inter-island boats (from Norfolk or perhaps New Zealand). It’s a (mercifully) short flight direct from Brisbane or Sydney and you land on an excitingly short runway. Taking off in a storm was quite exhilerating!
Marilyn