Lord Howe Island Western delegates

Transcription

1 Aerial of Lord Howe Island (Grahaeme McConnell) Lord Howe Island Western delegates Widely regarded as the most beautiful island in the Pacific it is the closest island getaway to Sydney. It s less than two hours flying from either Sydney or Brisbane off Australia's east coast. It is one of just four island groups to be inscribed on UNESCO s World Heritage list for the global significance of its natural beauty and heritage. In December, 2007, Lord Howe celebrated its 25th anniversary of World Heritage listing. The island is a tiny, remote jewel, just 11km long and around 2km wide at its widest point. There is a resident population of 350, and a visitor limit of just 400 at any time, so it s never crowded. There are no high-rise developments, and the 18 accommodation options are almost all owned by island families. It s a timeless natural paradise, where the pace is relaxed but where there are plenty of activities and adventures to choose from. Unspoiled, uncrowded beaches with perfect golden sands entice surfers, swimmers and sybarites. The crystal lagoon is bordered by the world s most southerly coral reef. Just wander in off the beach to snorkel among colourful tropical and sub-tropical fish, turtles and other marine life. Or head further off-shore to SCUBA dive on world-class sites. The water is so clean and clear, it s like swimming in an aquarium. Families love the safety and variety of kids activities; lovers find romance in the island s secluded corners, natural beauty, luxury lodges and fine dining establishments. For adventurers, there are bushwalks and more strenuous hikes, including Mt Gower, rated as one of the world s best day walks. And to ease tired muscles, there is a choice of spa treatments. To set foot on Lord Howe Island is to escape to a pristine environment, where you'll be met with friendly hospitality and the kind of holiday experience that you'll never want to leave. Page 1

2 Bikeriding Snorkelling (Grahaeme McConnell) Lord Howe Island beach Lord Howe Island Famil PRE or POST ATE 2010 Climate The weather at this time of year is usually fine and mild. Day-time temperatures are usually low-20s during the day with cool evenings. Clothing It is recommended you bring a small backpack to carry a hat, sunscreen and water bottle for day excursions. A raincoat and/or some warm clothes are also highly recommended. Also pack a swimming costume and reef sandals or sand shoes for reef walking at low tide. Sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots are required for the Mt Gower hike, although runners are appropriate for other walks on the island. Neat casual attire is appropriate for dinners. You may need a wetsuit for snorkelling at this time of year (operators can provide you with one). Activities All activities in this itinerary can be adapted to suit the island s changing weather. In addition to the activities listed in your itinerary, you are encouraged to explore the beautiful island on your own take a stroll around to enjoy the amazing views, enjoy one of the 11 secluded beaches, take a leisurely ride on a bicycle (available from your lodge), paddle a kayak, or grab some bread from your accommodation and hand-feed the friendly Kingfish at Ned s Beach. Luggage Please note: The weight limit on Lord Howe flights is normally 14kg per person of checked baggage and 4kg of carry-on baggage. There is no mobile phone coverage on Lord Howe Island. Further information Page 2

3 Capella Lodge Sunset, Arajilla Retreat (Arajilla Retreat) DAY 1 11:50 Depart Sydney on QF2260. Please note that your flight departs from Terminal 2 at the domestic airport and you need to bring photo ID and check in one hour prior to departure. Booking reference: [xx] All flights compliments of QantasLink: 13:40 Arrive Lord Howe Island. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. 14:45 Greg Whitfield will pick you up from your accommodation for a Whitfield s Half Day Island Tour Contact: Greg and Sharon Whitfield Phone: Join us in air-conditioned comfort for a fun and informative island tour that gives you a great overview of Lord Howe Island and its beaches, walks, flora, fauna and history. 18:00 Pre-dinner drinks on the Pinetrees boatshed deck on the lagoon (weather permitting), followed by dinner. Hosted by Pixie and Ed Rourke, co-owners. Overnight Accommodation will be at one of the following: Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Phone: (02) Fax: Arajilla is a retreat in the truest sense of the word. Set in a leafy enclave just minutes from Old Settlement Beach, there are ten suites and two two-bedroom apartments, designed in a contemporary style that exudes comfort and luxury. Capella Lodge, Lagoon Road, Lord Howe Island Phone: Fax: Capella Lodge is a boutique accommodation favoured by discerning guests seeking a stylish and sophisticated escape. Both the lodge and restaurant command spectacular ocean, lagoon and mountain views. Pinetrees, Lord Howe Island Contact: Pixie Rourke Phone: pixierourke@clearmail.com.au A guest house for over 100 years, Pinetrees is a resort hotel on Lord Howe Island, in grounds studded with magnificent pine trees. This property has been passed down to the present owners, fifth generation islanders Pixie Rourke and Kerry McFadyen and their respective husbands Ed and Bruce. Page 3

4 Kayaks, Lagoon Beach (Don Fuchs) Walking, North Head (Grahaeme McConnell) Lord Howe Island Museum (Glenn Shipley) DAY 2 Breakfast compliments of your accommodation 9: North Bay Turtle and Nature Tour Enjoy breathtaking views of Lord Howe Island from the water on a half-day turtle and bird-watching excursion. Host Anthony Riddle gives an insight into island history and commentary on the island's geology and stunning endemic flora and fauna. During the cruise you will also be snorkelling, coral and turtle viewing, with spare time following lunch to explore the North Bay area, home to large numbers of the island's nesting seabirds. Contact: Anthony Riddle Phone: riddleanthony@hotmail.com Afternoon at leisure. Possible activities include: Walking The island is laced with walking tracks, ranging from easy 30 minute rambles to hikes that take up to 3 or 4 hours. There will be a walking map in your room and your hosts can provide advice on walking and on any other activities. Neds Beach Take some bread from your lodge or purchase a loaf at Thompson s store and feed the friendly metre-long kingfish in the shallows. There are masks, fins and snorkels available on an honesty box system in the shed at the beach and the snorkelling on the reef just off the beach is superb it s a great spot to see turtles, Galapagos sharks and to get up close and personal with the kingfish and other fish species that hang out at the beach. Sea kayaks are available from Islander Cruises and Howea Divers. Located at Busty s Boat Shed, at the northern end of Lagoon Beach to kayak on the lagoon. Contact: Peter or Brian Busteed Phone: howeadivers@bigpond.com.au Lord Howe Island Museum. Located at the Visitor Information Centre Phone: Open daily 9am 3pm. View displays highlighting the island s history and World Heritage environment. Audio-visual displays are held regularly. You can also purchase locally made arts and crafts. The Museum also has internet facilities, the Coral Café and the Visitor Information Centre. Or to relax, hide away in a secluded corner of the beach with a good book or be pampered at the renowned Capella or Arajilla Spas. 19:00 Dinner at your lodge, courtesy of your hosts. Overnight Arajilla Retreat, Capella Lodge or Pinetrees. Page 4

5 Lord Howe Island Golf Club (Grahaeme McConnell) Scuba diving (Grahaeme McConnell) DAY 3 Breakfast compliments of your accommodation Morning at leisure see suggested activities, above. 13:30 Depart for the airport, transfers provided. 14:40 Depart Lord Howe Island on QF :10 Arrive in Sydney. If you are able to extend your stay on Lord Howe Island, additional suggested activities include: Nine holes of golf at the LHI Golf Club Lord Howe Island allows you to tee off on World Heritage turf. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a round on one of the most scenic golf courses in Australia overlooking the lagoon with a towering back-drop of Mt. Lidgbird and Mt Gower. Phone: SCUBA Dive with Howea Divers at Busty s Boatshed (for certified divers) Let Lord Howe s most experienced dive crew introduce you to the island s amazing underwater world. Contact: Brian or Pete Busteed Phone: Lord Howe Island Environmental Tours Mt Gower Hike Lord Howe Island Environmental Tours is run by Dean Hiscox. Dean has previously been a NPWS ranger on Lord Howe Island and has excellent knowledge of the island and its natural wonders. Join Dean on the Mt Gower full day trek one of Australia s best day walks and learn about the Island's World Heritage values and its amazing natural history. Phone: Glass Bottom Boat Tour (tide and weather dependent) The glass bottom boat operates within the Island s sheltered, crystal-clear lagoon. View from the comfort of the boat coral holes where stunningly beautiful reef fish and delicate coral formations abound. Snorkel at Erscotts Hole or watch the unique double-header wrasse and other large reef fish being fed at this famous location. The boat has comfortable seating for twenty passengers as well as a sun canopy. Lord Howe Island Environmental Tours Contact Dean Hiscox Phone/Fax Page 5