Lord Howe Island Escape Discovering Paradise

Flight Details: Homeport - Sydney (flights to be advised) & QN15 Sydney - Lord Howe 1255/1530. This morning, we arrive at Sydney Airport ready to board our flight across to the beautiful Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed paradise. On arrival, we are met by our hosts from Somerset Apartments and transferred to our accommodation for check-in. Somerset is perfectly situated between Neds Beach and The Lagoon, on a level area of the island that allows easy walking and biking to nearby shops, restaurants, and the Visitor Centre. The accommodation units are nestled in subtropical palm groves, alive with splashes of colour from Hawaiian hibiscus and the fragrance of frangipani flowers. The landscaped grounds are beautifully planned, with tracks meandering through the palms and gardens, giving a sense of seclusion and tropical mystery. This evening, we gather for our first dinner on tour at the Golf Club.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Dinner

Our day begins with breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant. This morning, the group will be divided, with half enjoying a relaxing morning at leisure, while the other half joins an Island Tour with our local guides for an insider’s perspective on this unique destination. Hosted by Janine and Peter Phillips, the informal bus tour explores Lord Howe Island’s fascinating nooks and crannies. Janine, a fifth-generation islander, is the great-granddaughter of American whaler Nathan Chase Thompson, who settled here in the 1850s. Peter, the island’s Post Master, is a published author and photographer known for capturing the island’s rich history and charm. This afternoon, we are privileged to receive a presentation on Lord Howe by Ian Hutton – naturalist, photographer, and writer. Ian is perhaps the island’s most prolific photographer and has authored over 20 books and numerous scientific papers about his adopted home. Over the past few decades, he has been involved in producing dozens of videos, documentaries, and films, while building a personal collection of more than 40,000 photographs capturing the island’s beauty and unique ecology. His talk offers a fascinating introduction to the island’s natural wonders, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Following this inspiring presentation, we enjoy our dinner at the Coral Café.



Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast and Dinner

This morning following another delicious breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant, the remaining half of the group will enjoy their Island Tour with our local guides, while the others enjoy a leisurely morning to further unwind and soak up the serenity of Lord Howe Island. Once again hosted by Janine and Peter Phillips, the informal bus tour reveals more of the island’s natural beauty, intriguing history, and charming local stories. This afternoon, we experience the magic of a Lagoon Sunset Cruise aboard a glass-bottom vessel, taking in the island’s breathtaking scenery from a new perspective. As the sun dips below the horizon, we conclude the day with a relaxed dinner at the Driftwood Bar & Restaurant.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following breakfast, we set off on the unforgettable North Bay Turtle & Nature Tour. Travelling aboard Adventure One, our glass-bottom boat offers a perfect view of the lagoon’s marine life, including colourful tropical fish, graceful turtles, elegant stingrays, and the pristine coral gardens of the world’s southernmost barrier reef. Once ashore at North Bay, there’s time to explore at your own pace – perhaps climb Mt. Eliza for panoramic island views, take a scenic walk to The Old Gulch or Herring Pools, visit the seasonal seabird rookery or enjoy a refreshing swim. This afternoon, there’s time to rest or explore before gathering in the Local Hall to watch Historical Movies that bring Lord Howe’s past to life through engaging stories and archival footage. Our day concludes with dinner at the Anchorage Restaurant.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, our morning features the Clear Place Walk – an easy 3km walk taking approximately three hours. Along the way, our local guide will share fascinating insights into Lord Howe Island’s birdlife, native flora, intriguing fossils, the palm and tourism industries, traditional bush tucker and medicine, and colourful tales of volcanic origins and local heritage. The trail also offers stunning scenic outlooks, perfect for photography and soaking in the serenity. We enjoy a light lunch at the Coral Café, offering fresh flavours and a relaxed island atmosphere. After lunch we join Environmental Tours for a captivating Coral Viewing Cruise. This two-hour experience showcases the lagoon’s profuse coral seascape and its unusual inhabitants, including the endemic double-header wrasse, stingrays, and turtles. Guests may choose to snorkel at Erscott’s Hole or relax onboard and enjoy the view. We then take a guided Nursery & Brewery Tour, discovering the local palm nursery and sampling island-grown produce alongside a look at the island’s micro-brewery. Tonight, we gather for our final dinner on tour at the Coral Café, a fitting farewell shared over delicious local fare and island hospitality.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast and Dinner

After our final breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant we check out, and make our way to the airport for check in and flight back home via Sydney after a wonderful time away on Lord Howe Island with Trade Travel. Flight Details: QN12 Lord Howe - Sydney 1010/1155 & Sydney - Homeport (flight to be advised)

Breakfast only