Capella Lodge, Lord Howe IslandCredit: tom-archer.com
Woman relaxing by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Dreamy escapes on Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
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Switch off from the everyday with a rejuvenating escape to World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Here, you can snorkel coral reefs, hike volcanic peaks, swim with turtles, and unwind in luxury at one of five landmark stays – including Pinetrees Lodge, Capella Lodge, Arajilla Retreat, Admiralty Apartments and Island House, a Hemsworth family favourite!
Pinetrees Lodge
With its 19th-century heritage, Pinetrees is an integral part of Lord Howe Island’s identity, but this carbon-neutral lodge is not one for stuffy formalities. There’s no need to don resort wear, and the doors don’t even have locks. The pick of its relaxed ‘coastal-style’ rooms, suites and cottages is the spacious Chef’s Cottage. French doors and louvre windows summon in Pacific Ocean breezes, while blackbutt timber floors, subtropical garden-facing private decks and a 400-book library add refinement. Foodies will find happiness somewhere between flourless chocolate cake and confit duck with duck fat-roasted potatoes. A signature massage at the day spa is the perfect recovery after the five-day Seven Peaks Walk, which sets out from here. At sunset, head down to Pinetrees’s wooden boathouse on Lagoon Beach to unwind with wine and canapés.
Capella Lodge
In the island’s south, Capella Lodge claims Lord Howe’s most spectacular vistas. Let majestic mountains Lidgbird and Gower duel for your attention as you float in the mesmerising infinity pool. The intimate resort has nine timber-floored suites designed to be in visual harmony with their surroundings. The modern interiors, featuring designer furnishings such as Danish ‘Prime Time’ chairs and island-themed commissioned artworks, achieve a serene beach-house ambience. Executive chef Cooper Dickson’s cuisine makes a lasting impression, from gourmet treats in your in-suite bar to fine-dining creations sourced partly from Capella’s ever-evolving vegetable garden. And the day spa is truly decadent.
Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Pinetrees Lodge
Pinetrees Boatshed at Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island
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Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Pinetrees Lodge
Pinetrees Boatshed at Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
Arajilla Retreat
A subtle entrance off Old Settlement Beach sets the scene sublimely for small-footprint, laid-back Arajilla Retreat. The light-dappled boardwalk which links its 12 rooms with the spa and restaurant feels like a natural path through the kentia palm forest. All-inclusive Arajilla caters for most holiday demands, from island-fresh breakfasts to complimentary use of fishing gear and snorkelling equipment. Tropical-print rugs and cushions in natural materials such as linen help weave Arajilla’s boutique island vibe. Nooks of note include the Banyan Suites’ north-facing mezzanine Treetops Lounge. Book Blue Peter Beach House if you’re looking for a refined, self-contained space for two, just across from Lagoon Beach.
Island House
The sophisticated new kid on Lord Howe’s luxury block is also its most ‘Hemsworthy’. Chris Hemsworth and his extended family were the first guests at Island House, which is actually two two-bedroom, two-bathroom, architect-designed spaces, the South House and the North House. Both are elegantly curated with mid-century Danish furniture, high-end Japanese homewares and Aboriginal art. Soak in outdoor copper baths then relax by a cast-iron Cheminées Philippe fireplace, sampling a Japanese spirit or ‘new- and old-world’ wine from the well-curated bar. Your kitchen is stocked with high-end utensils and produce from nearby sister business, The Nursery, but private chefs can be arranged to do the culinary grind for you.
Admiralty Apartments
On Lord Howe’s serene northeast sit two spacious self-contained apartments by relative newcomer Admiralty Apartments. Hand-feed fish and snorkel over the reef at Ned's Beach Sanctuary Zone, which is literally almost on your doorstep. Admiralty typifies Lord Howe’s barefoot-luxury ethos. Enjoy breezy, generous interiors full of thoughtful touches such as Haiku timber ceiling fans, then grab your complimentary bottle of wine and Rose-Marie Hillier beach umbrella when you’re ready to spend some ‘you’ time on the beach.
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Dine at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
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Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Dine at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
Island House, Lord Howe Island Credit: Island House
The South House at Island House, Lord Howe Island.
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Island House, Lord Howe Island Credit: Island House
The South House at Island House, Lord Howe Island.
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
More Inspirational Stories
Blinky Beach, Lord Howe IslandCredit: tom-archer.com
Scenic coastal views of Blinky Beach looking towards Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island.
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12 ways to savour Lord Howe Island
Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
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Feel like you’ve entered another realm on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, a natural paradise where rainforest-covered peaks meet one of the world’s most southerly coral reef systems. Feel calmed by the lack of crowds — only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time — as you strike out to explore the small, the crescent-shaped island, less than two hours’ flight from Sydney. Here are 12 memorable ways to spend your time here.
Explore captivating coral reefs
Be mesmerised by the underwater wonderland of Lord Howe Island, where the meeting of tropical and cooler waters helps to nurture a thriving reef system home to more than 90 coral species and more than 500 species of fish. Discover excellent snorkelling around the island, among them Ned’s Beach, where snorkels are conveniently available for rent via an honesty box system. Or strap on a tank and get a thrill spotting endemic marine species such as the double-header wrasse on a scuba dive, with more than 100 dive sites to choose from.
Take an invigorating hike
Feel on top of the world in every sense when you reach the summit of Mount Gower (875m), the island’s highest peak and one of Australia’s top day hikes, with a variety of lush ecosystems to admire en route to the top. Or harness the calming benefits of a gentler walk among huge banyan trees on the Valley of the Shadows trail (1.2km return), just one of many walks of varying difficulty lacing the island.
Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
snorkelling off Lord Howe Island.
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Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
snorkelling off Lord Howe Island.
Be awed by Ball’s Pyramid
Marvel at the spectacular 551m spearhead of grey basalt that seemingly explodes from the ocean, 23km southeast of Lord Howe Island. Sign up for a day cruise to Balls Pyramid and admire the abundance of birdlife attracted to the world’s largest sea stack before slipping into the sea to explore waters teeming with marine life. Or enjoy a deeper immersion on a drift dive with Pro Dive Lord Howe Island.
Indulge a love of birdwatching
Unleash your inner twitcher on Lord Howe Island, where almost 170 species of sea and land birds either live or visit throughout the year. Delight in spotting endemic species such as the curious ground-dwelling woodhen; the island’s population has flourished in recent years. And witness the unforgettable sight of thousands of providence petrels breeding on the summit of Mount Gower during the wintertime.
Sleep in island-style luxury
Wake up to the ultimate view of Mount Gower on a decadent stay in Capella Lodge’s Lidgbird Pavilion, an all-inclusive double-storey apartment featuring panoramic views of the ocean, mountains and subtropical rainforest, and a private outdoor plunge pool. Relish the privacy of the private, self-contained beach house just for two at Arajilla Retreat, and revel in the architectural finesse and art-filled spaces of Island House, which comprises a pair of two-bedroom houses that can be combined to accommodate eight guests. Or stay just steps from the sand at the island’s idyllic lagoon at the luxurious, family-owned Pinetrees lodge — Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel.
Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
Sun rising over Lord Howe Island.
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Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
Sun rising over Lord Howe Island.
Savour homegrown island flavours
Lean into the novelty of sipping the only craft beer brewed on the island at the recently opened Lord Howe Island Brewery, nestled at the centre of the island, and sample island-inspired cocktails at The Crooked Post in ‘town’ while lapping up lagoon views. Enjoy a casual fresh-seafood meal at the Coral Cafe or the Anchorage Restaurant, or dine alongside locals at Lord Howe Island Golf Club’s Sunset Bar & Grill as the sun sinks behind the island’s idyllic lagoon.
Get the money shot
Soak up the magical vista from the top of Malabar Hill at the northern end of the island, where the 360-degree views are supercharged during the ‘golden hours’ either side of sunrise and sunset. You’re welcome. Or cherish the accomplishment of traversing the island’s diverse landscapes over five spectacular days on the Seven Peaks Walk. One of the Great Walks of Australia, this memorable guided adventure includes an ascent of Mount Gower on the final day.
Cook up an island-style barbecue
Unfurl a picnic blanket at one of 10 wood-fired barbecue spots around the island and luxuriate in the incredible coastal views as you cook yourself an island-style feed. Order a barbecue hamper stocked with island-fresh produce from your accommodation, pick up some supplies from Thompson’s Store, or bask in the satisfaction of grilling a fish you hooked on a fishing charter, with yellowfin tuna, wahoo and marlin among the fishy trophies you might bag.
Outdoor dining, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic barbeque on Lord Howe Island with scenic views.
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Outdoor dining, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a romantic barbeque on Lord Howe Island with scenic views.
Kayak into the sunset
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the island’s calm, protected lagoon on a relaxing paddle. Rent a kayak in the late afternoon to enjoy the ultimate sunset viewpoint.
Discover the island’s history
Step back into the island’s fascinating history at the Lord Howe Island Museum, a treasure chest of natural history, with fascinating collections spanning historical artefacts to a herbarium of dried and pressed specimens. Treat yourself to a memorable souvenir or pick up thoughtful gifts at the museum shop.
Explore Lord Howe on two wheels
Enjoy a peaceful bike ride on Lord Howe’s refreshingly quiet roads. With a limited number of cars on the island, and a maximum speed limit of 25km/hr, Lord Howe is perfect for cycling. Rent or borrow a bike from your accommodation and explore the island at your leisure.
Play a memorable round of golf
Have a ball teeing off on one of Australia’s most picturesque golf courses. Hugging the southern end of the island’s iconic lagoon, Lord Howe Island Golf Club will keep you on your toes as the challenging nine-hole course meanders through a lush palm forest and out onto gently undulating open fairways.
Lord Howe Island Golf Course Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a round of gold at Lord Howe Island Golf Course.
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Lord Howe Island Golf Course Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a round of gold at Lord Howe Island Golf Course.