Lord Howe Island Escape Discovering Paradise

Flight Details: Home Airport - 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.



Once settled into our home for the next five nights, 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 Welcome Dinner at the Coral Café, a perfect start to our Lord Howe Island escape.



Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Dinner

Our day begins with breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant, followed by an Island Tour with our local guides to gain an insider’s perspective on this unique destination. Depending on group size, we may split into two departures, joining our tour hosts Janine and Peter Phillips for a fun and informal bus tour through 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 whose work shares the island’s rich history and charm. This afternoon, we experience the magic of a Lagoon Sunset Cruise aboard a glass-bottom vessel, before enjoying dinner at the Driftwood Bar & Restaurant.



Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast and Dinner

We begin the day with another delicious breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant. 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. 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 a delicious dinner at the Anchorage Restaurant, reflecting on the natural beauty and rich history experienced during the day.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant, 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.

In the afternoon, we take a guided Nursery & Brewery Tour, discovering the local palm nursery and sampling islandgrown produce alongside a look at the island’s micro-brewery. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at the Bowling Club.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast and Dinner

Following breakfast at the Anchorage Restaurant, 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 in crystal-clear waters. This evening, we gather for a delicious dinner at the Golf Club, sharing stories of our adventures and savouring the island’s charm.

Overnight Lord Howe: Somerset Apartments

Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast in 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 - Home Airport (flight to be advised)

Breakfast