lord howe island
stunning coastal wilderness island
highlights
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Spectacular World Heritage Area
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Most southerly coral reef in the world - unique mix of marine life in crystal clear waters
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A birdlover's paradise with huge breeding colonies of seabirds
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Learn the remarkable tale of survival of the endangered wood hen
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An optional, very challenging hike to the summit of Mt Gower
If you had to design the perfect island, Lord Howe would surely be it! Start with swaying palm trees, breathtakingly beautiful coastal scenery and a crystal clear lagoon fringed by the most southerly coral reef in the world. Bless it with a temperate climate often described as perpetual spring. Make it home to 64 species of unique plants, teeming seabird colonies and one of the rarest birds in the world. Locate it in the South Pacific Ocean only a couple of hours flight from Sydney. Add an excellent network of walking trails that criss-cross the island, traverse ridges high above the sea and lead to stunning vantage points. And finally, bestow it with a prestigious World Heritage Listing.
The lagoon in the centre and Mt Gower far right
Environmentally aware locals have successfully managed the conflicting demands of tourism with the need to preserve their unique environment. Numbers of visitors and residents are severely restricted, resulting in an unspoilt paradise. Lord Howe Island – an inspirational place for a walking holiday.
Click here to read a client's story about this trip.
The view from Pinetree's boathouse at sunset,
champagne in hand of course!
local naturalist guide
This walking holiday will be guided by Ian Hutton in conjunction with one of Auswalk's guides. Ian is a long term resident of Lord Howe Island and has written several natural history books on the area including the excellent “Australian Geographic Book of Lord Howe Island” as well as various guidebooks on the birds, plants and reef life on the island. He’s an avid walker and loves to share his knowledge with people.
Click here to see more images of Lord Howe Island.
Stunning scenery from easy ridge top walks
location
Lord Howe Island is in the South Pacific Ocean about 770km from Sydney. It is accessible by air from both Sydney and Brisbane.
travel
Most of the island’s walking routes can be accessed on foot – it’s a small island. On a couple of occasions we will use a mini bus to access more remote areas. There are also a couple of boat trips included – one is very short and is on a sheltered lagoon, the other is a two hour round-the-island cruise and is optional.
grading
You should be in reasonable shape, but there’s certainly no need to be a triathlete! Full day walks generally involve a total of 4-5 hours on the track at a moderate pace and on some days we will do two or three shorter walks. On one day there will be an optional climb up Mt Gower – this is rated very hard and requires a lot of confidence at rock scrambling and a good head for heights. This walk will be led by a local guide and is only available to people that have demonstrated their ability to cope with such a hard walk. The rest of the group will do an easier walk. With 2 guides we will be able to offer easier and harder walks most days.
Those high peaks beckon hikers who seek challenging long days. Several walks have fixed ropes to assist on the steep terrain. There are also many walks that fit into the moderate category, although most tracks are uneven underfoot. As well as hiking, we spend time enjoying other activities the island is famous for - boat cruising, a rock platform walk, lazy beachside BBQ lunches and sipping champagne as the sun sets.
Heading for Mt Gower
accommodation
We will be based at Pinetrees Resort Hotel for 6 nights. Pinetrees is centrally located and just across the road from the lagoon beach. We have chosen their mid-range room standard and you may upgrade if you wish. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and there is a communal lounge for our group. The property has a restaurant, bar, pool table and tennis court.
regional food highlights
Exceptional seafood from the bountiful oceans.
what's included
6 nights accommodation, all meals whilst on the island, two guides, all transport on the island, introductory slide show, 2 hour Round-the-Island boat tour, Mt Gower climb (optional), information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes, maps.
not included
Air travel to/from Lord Howe, alcohol, drinks with meals except for tea/coffee and fruit juice with breakfast, additional island activities during free time.
departure dates
7 September 2008, 5 September 2009
Mutton Bird Point is one of many outstanding
seabird vantage sites on the island
itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation)
Day 1: This holiday starts on Lord Howe Island mid afternoon (when the daily flight in arrives). Note that this trip starts on a Sunday and there are flights from both Sydney and Brisbane. The trip finishes on a Saturday and the only flight out this day is to Sydney – if you wish to fly direct to Brisbane you will need to stay an extra night. After settling in to our accommodation we’ll do an orientation walk around the settlement area. Accommodation: Pinetrees Resort Hotel for 6 nights.
One of the steep options along the way!
Day 2: A morning walk to Transit Hill where a lookout tower provides a panoramic sweep of both the lagoon and open ocean sides of the island. Down at Blinky Beach learn about the distinctive kentia palm – this graceful beauty occurs naturally nowhere else in the world and is the centre of a thriving local industry exporting the seeds that grow to become one of the world’s finest indoor plants. In the afternoon we’ll do a reef walk at picturesque Ned’s Beach. Marvel at the rich marine life, the vibrant colours and brilliant corals.
Dolores with a providence
petrel on her lap!
Day 3: A full day circuit walk on the southern end of the island. Of the many island vantage points providing outstanding bird watching, Mutton Bird Point is undoubtedly the best. This seabird haven is home to a large colony of masked boobies. Year round residents, they are often seen plunging into the ocean from heights of 50 metres to catch fish and squid. Onwards through stands of unusual prop-rooted pandanus trees to Boat Harbour – a secluded coral beach that makes a delightful lunch spot. Having limbered up over the past couple of days, we’re set for the first major climb 400 metres up the flanks of Mt Lidgbird to Goat House Cave (easier option available). The last section requires some scrambling and there are fixed ropes you can hold on to. The view from the cave is stupendous, with the bonus of getting a close up look at the aerial acrobatics of the red-tailed tropic birds that nest here. Goat House Cave is a good test for Mt Gower aspirants!
What a view from The Goathouse!
Day 4: Another full day on the track today, this time on the northern hills of the island. This route is a firm favourite with visitors and residents alike. Mt Eliza provides stunning views out over the Admiralty Island group and Malabar Ridge has so many fabulous vantage points it’s easy to linger for ages. North Beach is the quintessential tropical paradise with swaying palm trees, a pristine sandy beach and excellent snorkelling a few metres from shore. We’ll also explore the delightfully secluded Herring Pools where the relentless ocean has scoured out circular pools into the rock platforms, each a microcosm of aquatic life.
Day 5: This morning we’ll cruise right around the island, taking in the numerous off shore islands that are included in the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island Group. One of the most spectacular is Balls Pyramid, a basalt spire that thrusts 551 metres into the sky. This island stands as a sentinel in the turquoise ocean and is a haven for sea birds. We’ve left the afternoon free for you to try snorkelling, go deep sea fishing, play a round of golf, hire a bike, have a hit of tennis, enjoy a swim, stroll on the beach or simply put your feet up and relax. There is so much to do on Lord Howe!
Day 6: Today there will be two options, both on the southern end of the island. You can scale Mt Gower with a local guide. At 875 metres above sea level this is the highest mountain on Lord Howe Island. From the sea to the summit you pass through a stunning diversity of plant and animal life. Much of the terrain is rugged and the climb is strenuous and exhausting but for many is the highlight of their visit. The second option is much easier but still allows you to experience the first section of the Mt Gower walk. One of the highlights is Little Island where you can often see rare woodhens. These birds are one of the rarest in the world and were successfully saved from near extinction by an innovative captive breeding campaign.
Day 7: The trip finishes after breakfast. Note that on this day the only flight out is to Sydney – if you prefer to fly direct to Brisbane you can stay an extra night (additional cost) and fly out the following day.
A successful Mt Gower summiteer rececives
a congratulatory certificate from Ian Hutton
fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
Download our Lord Howe Island Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet.
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