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 to explore the island at leisure. E-bikes may also be hired once at the lodge subject to availability (additional charge applies). 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 the place to embark on fishing and dive charters exploring the world’s southernmost coral reef and a great spot to cast off a line. It’s also where the Island Trader docks to deliver the island’s freight.
Lord Howe offers a range of eatery options for lunch including The Anchorage Cafe, the Crooked Post and the museum’s Coral Cafe along with delicious locally caught fish and chips from Benny’s Food Truck which drops anchor in a variety of locations around the island.
Barbecuing is a ‘thing’ on Lord Howe and there are grills scattered all over the island in pristine locations. Capella offers ready-made picnics with all the essentials. Tip: ask the team for the best sites for the day, depending on the weather and the wind. They’ll deliver the pack in time for lunch!
Blinky’s offers crystal clear water, 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 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. Absolute secluded bliss it’s a perfect spot for sunset drinks.
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 or for purchase at the local store.
A cocktail enjoyed on Capella’s terrace overlooking the lagoon to the mountains is a hard thing to beat! A close second is the option to take a chilled beverage of choice and canapés across the road to ‘The Paddock’ or just beyond to Lovers Bay to watch the sunset during the golden hour.
Not only are there beach, rainforest and mountain trails on Lord Howe, at low tide you can walk the reef too. The South Reef and Ned’s Beach are great spots to explore the rockpools home to an abundance of marine life without getting wet. Don’t forget to bring your reef footwear.
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 six kilometres 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! Capella offers complimentary adult mountain bikes.
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. Travel the short distance to the lodge where a signature welcome drink awaits.
Wander to Little Island, a secluded stretch of coastline where volcanic cliffs reach into the sky from the waters edge and where sea birds including Providence Petrels soar above the landscape.
A daily ritual at Capella, enjoy drinks and canapés on Gowers Terrace as the sun sinks into the horizon. Later, dine in the lodge restaurant on contemporary cuisine accompanied with premium wines.
Join a glass-bottom boat or turtle tour to North Bay and discover Lord Howe’s pristine reef system and its unique marine species. Numerous options for snorkelling are also available.
One of Lord Howe’s most popular walks, Kim’s Lookout via the Malabar track offers spectacular views along the spine of the island’s mountain ridge as well as magnificent views over the lagoon.
Enjoy sunset drinks and canapés 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 holiday experiences on the island.
Enjoy a quintessential island tradition – a barbecue lunch at Neds Beach. Capella offers gourmet barbecue packs with all the trimmings (additional charge applies).
Relax in the lounge with its feel-at-home open bar from 6pm or toast the view from Gowers Terrace. Dine in the restaurant from 6.30pm where the breathtaking views are served as standard.
Rise early for a sunrise walk or enjoy a sleep-in before enjoying 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, visit the boutique for a gift or keepsake and say good-byes before transfer to the airport and departure. See you next time!
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 Capella’s managers at the tiny island airport. It’s a quick trip to the lodge where a warm welcome from the team and a signature drink awaits.
Evenings are heavenly at Capella: sip on sunset drinks, savour canapés in the bar, reflect on the day and share stories with fellow guests as the sun slips lazily over the horizon from Gowers Terrace.
Dine in the lodge restaurant with an exclusive backdrop of the mountain twins rising up from the ocean and enjoy three island-inspired courses accompanied with premium Australian wines.
An easy walk or cycle from Capella, the Valley of the Shadows is a cool enclave lush with banyan trees and endemic Kentia palms. Watch out for the burrows made by Mutton or Flesh-footed Shearwater birds.
Grab a bike and pedal into town to swim in the lagoon, fish off the jetty or visit the Lord Howe Island Museum. Or switch to slow mode and relax in-suite with a book and enjoy the lodge surrounds.
Complimentary from 6pm, Capella’s open bar includes fine Australian wines along with top-shelf spirits, locally crafted beers and a premium gin bar. Later, enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
One of the island’s best-loved beaches, Neds is popular for its beachcombing, snorkelling and fish feeding! Guaranteed to delight and a must-do experience when holidaying 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 (additional charge applies).
Savour sunset drinks and canapés 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.
Six o’clock signals the time for sundowners. Capella’s Gowers Terrace is the place to kick back with a beverage from the bar and toast the day’s remarkable adventures.
Capella’s stunning restaurant is reserved exclusively for guests. Settle in for three unforgettable courses matched with premium Australian wines. Be sure to save room for dessert!
Take time out and indulge in the petite Capella Spa with a relaxing massage or rejuvenating facial treatment (additional charge applies). Advance reservations essential.
Lord Howe’s picturesque nine-hole golf course offers some of the island’s best ocean views. It presents many challenges for the avid player, including keeping your eye on the ball!
Take a drink across the way to the grassy paddock or venture to Lovers Bay to watch the sunset. Return to the lodge to dine on Chef Dennis Tierney’s delicious daily-inspired menu.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the lodge restaurant and savour the view over a fresh brew. Subject to flight times, there may be time for a morning activity and lunch prior to departure.
Time to say good-bye, take final pictures and visit the boutique for a memento before transfer to the airport and departure to your next port. Safe travels onwards.
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 Capella’s managers at the airport. Journey the short distance to the lodge and settle into the surrounds while enjoying signature welcome drinks.
Capella’s Gowers Terrace is the place for drinks as the sun slips down the horizon. Help yourself from the open bar to an island-inspired spritz, a classic cocktail or cold craft beer.
Drinks segue easily into dinner in the warm ambiance of the lodge restaurant. The daily-changing menu features fresh local and regional produce paired with premium Australian wines.
Snorkel and dive in the warm waters of Lord Howe’s pristine marine park, or enjoy it from above the surface, from a glass bottom boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board.
Capella offers a light, lunch menu ideal for refueling or arrange a walkers’ lunch or gourmet barbecue pack to enjoy at one of the island’s many idyllic picnic spots.
Early evening, take a walk south from Capella through a shady arbor of banyan trees to Little Island, at the foot of Mount Gower. Sit a while and soak up the sunset as seabirds fly above.
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.
Return to Capella and post hike, soothe weary bodies and soles with a soak in the hot tub, pour a celebratory drink and toast the day’s remarkable achievement.
Capella’s stunning restaurant is reserved exclusively for guests. Dine over three unforgettable courses matched with premium Australian wines. Save room for dessert!
Retreat to the sanctuary of the Capella Spa and indulge in a dreamy island-inspired massage or facial treatment (additional charge applies). Advance reservations essential.
An easy walk or cycle from Capella, the Valley of the Shadows on Lord Howe’s east coast is a lush enclave of ancient banyan trees and endemic Kentia palm forests.
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 lodge restaurant from 6.30pm.
A journey to Balls Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack, offers an unparalleled adventure. The basalt spire is home to extraordinary bird and marine life and an endangered stick insect.
Meet the ‘locals’ up-close at Neds Beach, renowned for its snorkelling and fish feeding – they’re friendly! A Lord Howe must-do experience and guaranteed to delight.
Dine in the lodge restaurant with an exclusive mountain-scape backdrop and enjoy three island-inspired courses accompanied with premium Australian wines.
One of Lord Howe’s most popular walks, Kim’s Lookout via the Malabar track offers spectacular views along the spine of the island’s mountain ridge as well as 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 the resident green sea turtles. An afternoon spent snorkelling here is idyllic.
Cool drink in-hand, step across the way to The Paddock or venture to Lovers Bay to watch the sunset. Return for dinner in the lodge restaurant. Sandy feet? No worries!
For dedicated birdwatchers, a private tour with world renowned naturalist and Lord Howe local, Ian Hutton, exploring the island and its teeming colonies of seabirds is unforgettable.
Lord Howe Island’s golf course looks like the Garden of Eden and golfers tee off on World Heritage turf. Unsurprisingly, playing a round of nine holes is a heavenly experience.
Savour sunset drinks and canapés on Gowers Terrace before dinner in the lodge restaurant. Capella’s cuisine celebrates the freshest and finest local and regional produce. Bon appetite!
Rise early for a sunrise walk or take a well deserved sleep-in before enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Subject to flight times, plan a morning activity and lunch prior to departure.
A chance to take final pictures, visit the boutique for a gift or keepsake and say good-byes before transfer to the airport and departure. Safe travels until next time.
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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