MELBOURNE TO LORD HOWE ISLAND

Welcome to our holiday to the beautiful Lord Howe Island. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by an O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours representative who will assist us with check in and accompany us onto the plane for our flight to Sydney. In Sydney we board our Qantas Link connecting flight to Lord Howe Island. Upon arrival at beautiful Lord Howe Island, we are transferred to our accommodation where we can unpack and settle in for the next six nights. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Lunch and Refreshments inflight

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

ISLAND CRUISE

Following breakfast, we will view the island the way it was discovered - from the sea. On our two hour Island Cruise aboard “Dive Lord Howe”, we will view North Head Cave and cruise along the magnificent volcanic cliffs and spectacular mountain bases. We pass close by the Admiralty Isles with the thousands of sea birds which nest there. Whilst on board, crew members will point out landmarks, native wildlife as well as answer any questions we may have about beautiful Lord Howe Island. Back on dry land, we can purchase lunch before strolling back to our accommodation. Mid afternoon, we can  spend time exploring the incredible underwater life and relaxing on the white sand of Ned’s Beach. We enjoy dinner at The Anchorage.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

ISLAND SIGHTSEEING

Today, we will get a feel for this unique island by land. The group will be split into two with one group going with hosts Janine and Peter on the Chase ‘n’ Thyme Island Tour for a fun and informal bus tour of Lord Howe Island’s more interesting nooks and crannies, and the other group have free time to explore the island at their own leisure. Janine is a fifth generation islander - her Great Grandfather was American whaler, Nathan Chase Thompson who settled on the island in the 1850’s. Peter was the island’s Post Master. He has had a number of his photos and stories published as well as writing a book on the island’s history. We will learn more on this three hour tour, than if we spent a week searching things out by ourselves! This afternoon we will take part in the alternative activity to what was enjoyed this morning. We will later regroup and prior to dinner, enjoy a talk by Ian Hutton at the Museum, followed by dinner at the Coral Café.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

CORAL VIEWING AND RAMBLE WALKING TOUR

Come and experience Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage marine environment on the glass bottom boat. This is a two-hour tour that caters for everyone. Sit in comfort and view a marine paradise or snorkel Erscott’s Hole and be amazed at the island’s incredible marine biodiversity. Observe a natural feeding event that will attract some of the reefs larger and more exotic fish species. Tour operates within the sheltered waters of the lagoon according to weather, viewing conditions and tide. Snorkelling equipment provided. This afternoon, we join Peter on a relaxed, escorted 3km environmental history ramble passing through lovely forests, a mutton-bird rookery, see cliff top views, giant banyans, the valley of shadows, clear place and Balls Pyramid. We start from the much younger land forms where most of the islands residents live and roam into more ancient areas. The reason why Lord Howe is slowly disappearing will be explained and why its sister islands have long gone. This is a great island introduction as we learn about the palm and tourist industry, flora, bush tucker and medicine, birds, volcanic history, snippets of colourful local history and more. Many say the best walking they have ever done. Upon returning to our accommodation, we have time to freshen up before we enjoy dinner at The Golf Club.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

WALKING TOUR TO LITTLE ISLAND

This morning, we walk to Little Island. Starting at the fascinating mountainous end of the Island, we begin a 1km level stroll to the base of the mountains. Here, we see Little Island and where the lagoon’s reef comes to its southern end. Rock was obtained from here for the building of the airstrip and it is the start to the Mt Gower walk, where Woodhens are often seen. After a rest to enjoy the views and a photo or two, we stroll back for lunch. What better way to enjoy a day, nice walk, food and company. This afternoon is totally free for personal sightseeing, or perhaps just relax in the recreation room and read a book - the choice is yours. Tonight we are treated to a historical film in the local hall before dinner at The Driftwood.

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

EXPLORING NORTH BAY

We explore the northern aspects of the Island this morning, viewing the fish and coral of the world’s most southern coral reef as we cruise slowly to the beautiful North Bay. We drift over the wreck of the “Favourite” on our purpose built vessel “Adventure One” and can enjoy turtle spotting of the Green and Hawks Bill turtles through the boat’s glass bottom. We will be joined by a 6th generation islander who will provide us with historical commentary and for the adventurous, we can use the snorkel gear on board to snorkel the wreck below. While at North Bay we are able to view the area in different ways - some may wish to take a short climb up Mt Eliza with its panoramic views, some may walk to the Old Gulch and Herring Pools, perhaps view the sea bird rookery, or just sit and laze the day away. A packed lunch is included today. Our afternoon is free for some last minute walks before our final dinner together at the Coral Café.

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

LORD HOWE ISLAND TO MELBOURNE

This morning after breakfast, we are transferred to the Lord Howe Airport for our Qantas Link return flight home to Melbourne via Sydney. We arrive back at Tullamarine Airport mid afternoon, where our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us safely home with many interesting stories to tell of our Island adventure.

Lunch and refreshments inflight