Only 400 visitors are allowed on Lord Howe at any one time, with a resident population of 382 people recorded in the 2016 census. Just about everything is within walking or cycling distance, so it’s uncommon to see cars. Lord Howe is only 11km long and between 0.3 and 2km wide, so it’s possible to cycle end to end in as little as 25 minutes. With a 25kmh speed limit, everyone always waves ‘hello’ as they pass!
Capella offers complimentary adult mountain bikes and e-bikes for hire to explore the island at leisure. A public phone in town provides free local calls, ideal for SOS pick-ups if needed! An electric buggy is also available to hire from the lodge (note, bookings are managed on-property). A limited number of hire cars is available with local operators so bookings are best arranged prior to arrival.
Sir David Attenborough once wrote that Lord Howe is 'so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable...'.
The splendid fig trees, some of which cover an acre - one look at them is compensation for all the horrors of ‘the middle passage’. Arch on arch, forty feet from the ground supported by straight strong stems that once were pendulous roots; till blending with others, they, form grand amphitheatres of columns, arches and green foliage that fairly astonish and delight the naturalist.Robert D. FitzGerald, Surveyor Geologist 1869
Climbing Balls Pyramid has been the greatest influence on my life. I didn’t get there at first but it taught me the most valuable lesson I’ve ever had; it showed me you could do something that was very risky and fail at it, and then still get the utmost satisfaction of having had the experience.Dick Smith
Lord Howe Island is one of a kind; bikes are the preferred mode of transport, kids walk barefoot to school, barbecues are wood-fired, honesty boxes are common and there’s no mobile or cell connection (it’s a good thing!). These insider tips help visitors get a sense of how special this place is!
Lord Howe’s picturesque jetty is a hub of island action, embark on fishing and dive charters exploring the world’s southernmost coral reef, jump off the pier into the turquoise waters below and BYO sundowners at dusk, it all happens here.
Lord Howe offers a range of eatery options for lunch including The Anchorage Cafe, the Sunset Bar & Grill at the Golf Club and the Coral Cafe at the museum. Alternatively, get set for a picnic with provisions from Thompson’s Store.
Barbecuing is a ‘thing’ on Lord Howe and there are grills scattered all over the island in pristine locations. Tip: reserve a barbecue by throwing a beach towel over the table first thing in the morning, and be sure to return before lunch so as not to miss out!
Blinky’s offers crystal clear water, Jurassic-views of the mountains and arguably one of the best surf breaks in Australia. For an amazing sunrise spot, there’s a sea cave hidden down the southern end of the beach which can be accessed at low tide for one of the coolest views on the island.
For a taste of the island, try Lord Howe Island Distilling Co’s Wild Lemon and Hibiscus Gin. The wild lemons used in the gin were first planted on the island by the early settlers, to help sustain them during the long periods between passing ships. Infused with locally-foraged botanicals, it’s one spirited drop!
Footsteps from Capella, this little patch of golden sand is a private slice of paradise. Following a little track off the road leads down to the grassy picnic area beneath two pine trees and then on to the sand. Perfect for sunset drinks, maybe even a skinny dip! Absolute secluded bliss.
Lord Howe Island Brewing Co was created to celebrate the unique fauna of Lord Howe through beer. The range includes the Phasmid Pale Ale, Double Header IPA, Pyramid Mid Ale and the Golden Whistler Lager. Available in the bar at Capella, on tap at the Golf Club or for purchase at the local store.
New kid on the block, the Crooked Post is a small bar serving island-inspired cocktails set in a historic building on the corner of town. A chilled beverage (or two!) enjoyed on the verandah overlooking the lagoon to the mountains is a hard thing to beat!
Secluded Old Gulch is a stunning inlet on the island’s north coast. Renowned for the Herring Pools which you can rock-hop to at low tide, the natural basins are filled with colourful tropical fish. Jump in with goggles on and you can see what it’s like to swim in an aquarium. But shhh, it’s a local secret!
Situated on the southern end of Lord Howe’s reef fringed lagoon, The Pot Holes are a series of turquoise seams brimming with extraordinary marine life to discover with snorkel and fins or on a reef walk at low tide.
Lord Howe Island is known for its honesty policy. Honesty boxes are the preferred mode of payment for shared commodities such as beach gear hire at Neds Beach. The Golf Club has an honesty system for course fees and club hire and it’s a similar situation at the Bowls Club.
With less than 6kms of road on Lord Howe Island, bikes are the best way to see the most of the UNESCO listed island. Did you know – the speed limit on Lord Howe is 25kms per hour and bikes have right of way!
Every day on Lord Howe feels like being a first-hand witness to a David Attenborough documentary. There are a range of experiences and adventures that make a stay on Lord Howe so special; many are free and self-guided while others involve a specialist local tour operator.
The following represents an indicative experience over three nights. Many factors influence the itinerary, including flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, availability, weather conditions and seasonality.
Arrive on Lord Howe Island to be greeted by the lodge managers at the quaint island airport, complete with white picket fence. Journey the short distance to the lodge. Enjoy signature welcome drinks while settling into the surrounds.
Little Island is a secluded stretch of coastline where volcanic cliffs reach into the sky from the waters edge. In the golden hours of the day, rare Providence Petrels soar above the volcanic landscape, as the sun sets out to sea.
A daily ritual at Capella – sunset drinks and canapes enjoyed on Gowers Terrace as the sun sinks into the horizon. Later, dine in the lodge restaurant on island-inspired cuisine accompanied with premium wines.
Join a glass-bottom boat or turtle tour to North Bay and discover the dazzling reef system and its unique marine species. Numerous options for snorkelling are also available.
One of Lord Howe’s most popular walks, Malabar Hill offers spectacular views along the spine of the island’s mountain ridge as well as magnificent views over the lagoon.
Enjoy sunset drinks and canapes on Gowers Terrace before dining in the lodge restaurant for dinner. Daily changing menus showcase the freshest and finest local and regional produce.
One of Lord Howe’s best-loved beaches, Neds is popular for its beachcombing, reef-snorkelling and fish feeding! Guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe.
Enjoy a quintessential island tradition – a barbecue lunch at Neds Beach. Remember to reserve your ‘barby’ with a beach towel!
Relax in the lounge with its feel-at-home open bar (from 6pm) or toast the view from Gowers Terrace. Dine at your leisure in the restaurant from 6.30pm.
Rise early for a sunrise walk or enjoy a sleep-in before taking breakfast in the lodge restaurant. Subject to flight times, there may be time for a morning activity and lunch prior to departure.
A chance to take final pictures, say good-byes, visit the boutique for an island keepsake (and possibly to plan your return visit!) before transfer to the airport and departure.
The following represents an indicative experience over five nights. Many factors influence the itinerary, including flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, availability, weather conditions and seasonality.
Arrive on Lord Howe Island to be greeted by the lodge managers at the quaint island airport, complete with white picket fence. Journey the short distance to the lodge. Enjoy signature welcome drinks while settling into the surrounds.
A daily ritual at Capella – sunset drinks and canapes enjoyed on Gowers Terrace as the sun sinks into the horizon. Try the Killer Negroni!
Dine in the lodge restaurant with an exclusive backdrop of sky, mountains and sea and enjoy three island-inspired courses accompanied with premium Australian wines.
Huge banyan trees and endemic Kentia palm forests cast brooding shadows in this cool enclave on Lord Howe’s east coast. An easy walk or cycle from Capella.
Pedal down town to swim in the lagoon, fish off the jetty or visit the island museum. Alternatively, slow down to island time, read a book, take a nap and enjoy the lodge surrounds.
Relax in the lounge with its feel-at-home open bar (from 6pm) or toast the view from Gowers Terrace. Dine at your leisure in the restaurant from 6.30pm.
One of the island’s best-loved beaches, Neds is popular for its beachcombing, reef-snorkelling and fish feeding! Guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe.
Enjoy a quintessential island tradition – a barbecue lunch at Neds Beach. Capella offers gourmet packs with all the essentials for an afternoon by the sea.
Savour sunset drinks and canapes on Gowers Terrace before dining in the lodge restaurant for dinner. Daily changing menus showcase the freshest and finest local and regional produce.
Rising some 875 metres above sea level, Mount Gower is the larger of the twin mountain peaks which dominate the tiny island landscape. A guided day hike to the summit is rated one of the world’s best.
Reserve the hot tub, pour a drink and kick-back to toast the day’s remarkable achievements.
Appetite at the ready, dine for dinner in the lodge restaurant over three unforgettable courses, matched with premium Australian wines.
Time to relax and enjoy the surrounds, contemplate the view glass in hand or perhaps indulge in the Capella Spa. Advance reservations recommended. Additional charges apply
Lord Howe’s picturesque nine-hole course gently meanders through lush Kentia palm groves and along the ocean foreshore. It presents many challenges for the avid player, not the least of which is keeping one’s eye on the ball!
Take a hamper of drinks and nibbles to Lovers Bay – it will be love at first sight! Return to the lodge to dine for a final time on Chef Cooper’s extraordinary cuisine.
Rise early for a sunrise walk or enjoy a sleep-in before taking breakfast in the lodge restaurant. Subject to flight times, there may be time for a morning activity and lunch prior to departure.
A chance to take final pictures, say good-byes, visit the boutique for an island keepsake (and possibly to plan your return visit!) before transfer to the airport and departure.
The following represents an indicative experience over seven nights. Many factors influence the itinerary, including flight arrival and departure times, pre-booked activities, availability, weather conditions and seasonality.
Arrive on Lord Howe Island to be greeted by the lodge managers at the quaint island airport, complete with white picket fence. Journey the short distance to the lodge. Enjoy signature welcome drinks while settling into the surrounds.
A daily ritual at Capella – sunset drinks and canapes enjoyed on Gowers Terrace as the sun sinks into the horizon.
Dine at your leisure from 6.30pm in the lodge restaurant on island-inspired cuisine accompanied with premium Australian wines.
Surrounded by a pristine marine park, with more than 450 fish species and 90 coral species, is an underwater paradise. Snorkel and dive in the warm waters or enjoy it from above the surface, from a glass bottom boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board.
A long lunch in the lodge restaurant starting with fresh island-sashimi and chilled Champagne is just the ticket!
Little Island is a secluded stretch of coastline where volcanic cliffs reach into the sky from the waters edge. In the golden hours of the day, rare Providence Petrels soar above the volcanic landscape, as the sun sets out to sea.
Rising some 875 metres above sea level, Mount Gower is the larger of the twin mountain peaks which dominate the tiny island landscape. A guided day hike to the summit is rated one of the world’s best.
Soothe weary soles with a hot soak, pour a celebratory drink and toast the day’s remarkable achievements.
Appetite at the ready, dine for dinner in the lodge restaurant over three unforgettable courses, matched with premium Australian wines.
Time to relax and enjoy the surrounds, contemplate the view glass in hand or perhaps indulge in the Capella Spa. Advance reservations recommended. Additional charges apply
Huge banyan trees and endemic Kentia palm forests cast brooding shadows in this cool enclave on Lord Howe’s east coast. An easy walk or cycle from Capella.
Relax in the lounge with its feel-at-home open bar (from 6pm) or toast the view from Gowers Terrace. Dine at your leisure in the restaurant from 6.30pm.
A journey to Balls Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack, offers an unparalleled adventure, home to extraordinary bird and marine life. A siren to divers, the 562 metre basalt spire is home to the endangered Lord Howe Island stick insect.
One of the island’s best-loved beaches, Neds is popular for its beachcombing, reef-snorkelling and fish feeding! Guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe.
Dine in the lodge restaurant with an exclusive backdrop of sky, mountains and sea and enjoy three island-inspired courses accompanied with premium Australian wines.
One of Lord Howe’s most popular walks, Malabar Hill offers spectacular views along the spine of the island’s mountain ridge as well as magnificent views over the lagoon.
Old Settlement is a quiet beach tucked away at the northern end of the island, known locally as the best spot to swim with turtles. An afternoon spent here snorkelling the sea grass beds is an unforgettable experience.
Take a hamper of drinks and nibbles to Lovers Bay – it will be love at first sight! Return to the lodge to dine on Chef Cooper’s extraordinary cuisine.
World renowned naturalist Ian Hutton has been exploring Lord Howe Island, researching and recording its flora and fauna for almost 35 years. For dedicated birdwatchers, a private tour with Ian exploring beautiful North Bay is an unforgettable experience.
Lord Howe’s picturesque nine-hole course gently meanders through lush Kentia palm groves and along the ocean foreshore. It presents many challenges for the avid player, not the least of which is keeping one’s eye on the ball!
Savour sunset drinks and canapes on Gowers Terrace before dining in the lodge restaurant for dinner. Daily changing menus showcase the freshest and finest local and regional produce.
Rise early for a sunrise walk or enjoy a sleep-in before taking breakfast in the lodge restaurant. Subject to flight times, there may be time for a morning activity and lunch prior to departure.
A chance to take final pictures, say good-byes, visit the boutique for an island keepsake (and possibly to plan your return visit!) before transfer to the airport and departure.
Warm maritime currents from the Coral Sea endow this iconic island with a near perfect climate often likened to perpetual spring. The water remains is crystal clear and warm for swimming, snorkeling and diving, making marine activities a joy.
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A dynamic environmental management plan featuring cutting edge technologies steers lodge operations and ultimately enhances each guest's experience.
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Lord Howe Island is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, 700km north-east of Sydney, Australia. Flights are an easy two hours from Sydney, and provide a spectacular aerial welcome to the island.
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