Day 1

This holiday starts on Lord Howe Island mid afternoon (when the daily flight arrives from Sydney). On some days it is possible to fly from Brisbane and we can arrange extra nights accommodation on the island if required. After settling in to our accommodation we’ll do the first of our walks, an orientation through the settlement area. A highlight is seeing the huge kingfish come close to shore at Neds Beach. Accommodation: Pinetrees Resort Hotel for 6 nights.

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.

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!

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. We'll take a coral viewing boat back and there will be an opportunity to snorkel en route.

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. You could also visit the impressive local museum, where the famous naturalist Ian Hutton spends a lot of his time. There is so much to do on Lord Howe!

Day 6

Today, if you're fit enough, 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. An easier option will be offered and it includes 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

There's time to fit in one last walk before leaving this paradise behind! Our favourite is the Valley of the Shadows and the Clear Place.The trip finishes when the flight departs for Sydney - some years this is before lunch and other years it is after lunch.