Lord Howe Island Escape

Departing from our private business lounge at Brisbane (Archerfield) airport, or private lounge at Gold Coast Airport, we fly directly to the World Heritage Listed Lord Howe Island. The island only allows 400 visitors at a time, so it is certainly not overcrowded. It is paradise as far as the eye can see, with its crystal-clear waters to majestic mountains.

Our local guide will share the rich history of this unique island group and you will learn why 300 locals call this island paradise home. Its history dates back to March 1788, when Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball claimed the Island as a British possession. June 1834 saw the first permanent settlement of the island.

Your accommodation (for couples) is in one of the Banyan Suites which have a bedroom with a king size bed, a mezzanine ‘treetops lounge’, a large north facing deck overlooking the Kentia Palms and Banyan Trees. Relax in simple luxury with the silence of the forest and the calming sounds of the ocean.

Overnight Arajilla – Banyan Suite

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up for a morning nature walk taking in the Mountains, Lagoon, and Reef. The tour involves a 1.4km level stroll to one of the island’s most spectacular locations where the mountains, the open sea and the southernmost coral reef in the world meet one another. Bring your camera as the views are breathtaking (and you will want to show your loved ones back at home).

The waters of Lord Howe Island are a protected marine park, and inhabiting these waters is an abundance of many species of fish including Yellowfin Tuna, Kingfish and Wahoo.

The afternoon is yours to explore the island at your own pace or simply sit by the pool and relax.

After all, this is paradise! Your accommodation is located just behind Old Settlement Beach (where the turtles come to swim), so why not take a stroll along the beach before dinner?

Overnight Arajilla – Banyan Suite

Today’s tour includes an easy stroll in the shade – starting at the new solar farm, through the Banyan forest to the Clear Place. You will learn more of the island’s geology, bird and plant life, and history.

If you’re a plant lover then you will be amazed to learn that the island has recorded 241 species of indigenous plants, of which 47% are found nowhere else in the world! Lord Howe hosts four species of palms, the most famous of which is the Kentia Palm. For the entomophiles (those with a keen interest in insects), Lord Howe hosts more than 1,600 terrestrial insect species, of which approximately 60% are found nowhere else in the world. One of the most spectacular insects is the Lord Howe Island Phasmid, a large stick insect – thought to be extinct, but rediscovered in recent years on Balls Pyramid.

This afternoon you have the option to head out to one of the lagoons or reefs and see the island from above and/or below the water.

After a well-earned lunch your next adventure heads out on the high seas. Leaving from the Jetty, you will be taken on a 43 nautical mile journey to without doubt, an unforgettable scenic tour of Ball’s Pyramid, the tallest sea stack in the world at 551m. This tour also combines a circumnavigation of Lord Howe Island, so you get to see the best of both amazing these landmarks.

Your guide Captain Dave has spent more than 40 years skippering in and around the waters off Lord Howe Island & Ball’s Pyramid, and they guarantee the ultimate touring expedition. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel on the outer reef if you choose to, as part of this tour. (Please note that both tours are weather dependant and may need to be either cancelled or swapped around due to the conditions on the day. You are able to opt in for both or just one of the tours offered and have the afternoon or morning to explore the island on your own if you only choose one tour).

Overnight Arajilla – Banyan Suite

We have scheduled a leisure day for your final day on the island to do as much or as little as you please. You may wish to take one of the bikes to ride around the streets taking in the fresh air and local scenery or visit the local shops.

There are also many self-guided walks available and with such a comprehensive overview of the island by our local guides you will have ample time to revisit any places of interested that you may have wanted to spend more time in.

After a leisurely lunch in town, it is time to return to the airport for your short flight back to the mainland with a camera-full of memories of this island paradise. Lord Howe Island should be on every person’s “must visit” list, at least once in your lifetime.