Lord Howe Island
lost in the Tasman Sea
paradise found
Sir David Attenborough famously declared it “so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable”.
Preserved in time, Lord Howe Island is an intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests and dramatic volcanic peaks rising from the reef. This subtropical ‘treasure island’ is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, around 700km north east of Sydney, Australia. Lord Howe Island is a tiny and breathtakingly beautiful island, measuring just 11km long and 2.8km at its widest point. Around 350 residents all it home and visitors are limited to 400 at any one time. Around three-quarters of the island is preserved as permanent national and marine park and is home to hundreds of rare and endemic species. Lord Howe is a sanctuary for rare plants, sea birds and marine life and was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982.
A speed limit of 25km/h is behind the lack of seatbelts.
Lord Howe Island is the last island on Earth to be discovered. Somehow, this nature nirvana remained hidden in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean until 1788 when it was spotted by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball, sailing First Fleet ship Supply from Sydney to Norfolk Island. No sign of human contact prior has ever been found and Lord Howe Island to this day is a blissful time warp. This is truly the place where you go to get away from the world.
“Otherworldly in its purity, ethereal in its simplicity and legendary in its hospitality, New Zealand is one of those rare places that completely embraces its natural assets and celebrates them with unabashed bravado. It can be rugged and pristine; adrenaline-pumping and soul-soothing; utterly rustic and exquisitely refined. We go there to feel nature in the raw and to experience it in the most satisfying ways, whether heli-hiking on a glacier, meandering along a volcanic beach, sipping sauvignon blanc just steps from the vines, following in the footsteps of the ancient Maori, frolicking with dolphins, or simply letting the scenery take our breath away. Join us as we venture from North Island to South Island, revealing New Zealand’s intrinsic beauty, one authentic adventure at a time.”
WHAT WE LOVE
The itinerary
Here is the full Hemsworth family Lowe Howe Island itinerary:
The family were the first guests to stay at the newly opened, luxe lodge Island House. Comprised of two private architect-designed houses where no detail has been overlooked, the lodge is hidden amongst the native island landscape. The expert in-house Japanese chefs whipped up the group a Japanese feast with freshly caught kingfish and tuna sashimi.
The Hemsworth brothers and father Craig, took advantage of the legendary fishing spots the island is known for, taking the kids out on a custom-built vessel called Lulawai. They spent an afternoon catching kingfish and trevally, while the kids enjoyed jumping off and snorkelling the reef around the boat.
Reef N Beyond Eco Tours took the group on a scenic full lap around the island coastline where they explored incredible caves and cliff structures and whirlpools. Birdwatching was also part of the tour and the group were able to spot many of the 207 different bird species recorded on Lord Howe. The Captain, David Gardiner (who has spent the last 40 years skippering in and around the waters of the island), also treated the group to an epic reef surfing session.
Making the most of the island’s space and fresh air, some also walked to the summit of Mount Gower – rated as one of the best day treks in the world. The 14-kilometre return hike, which must be undertaken with a registered guide, provided panoramic views over the island while guide Dean Hiscox (who was the Lord Howe Island Ranger for 16 years), shared his extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
A trip to the island’s pristine Ned Beach saw the family hand feed fish, which swarmed around their feet. The calm waters meant everyone could snorkel above a colourful kaleidoscope of fish and coral reef, while a picnic was enjoyed onshore.
With spectacular weather, the group enjoyed a beach barbecue at Old Settlement Beach. A highlight of the trip, the food was cooked over the local community barbecue, while a game of beach cricket took place. There was also snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
REST & REJUVENATE
capella lodge
WHAT TO KNOw Getting there
Qantas fly direct to Lord Howe Island from Sydney and Brisbane (Saturdays only) but brace yourself for long-haul prices due to limited seat availability and weather-dependant cancellations.
A speed limit of 25km/h is behind the lack of seatbelts.
