MELBOURNE TO LORD HOWE ISLAND

Welcome to our holiday on beautiful Lord Howe Island. With chauffeured pickup from home, we travel to Melbourne Airport. Here we’ll be greeted by our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours Tour Director 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 will meet our hosts, Anthony and Judy and settle in for the next six nights. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the delightful Anchorage Restaurant.

Refreshments inflight

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

ISLAND SIGHTSEEING

This morning after our breakfast, we will get a feel for this unique island. The group will be split into two with one group going with hosts Janine and Peter Phillips 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 enjoy dinner together at the Bowling Club.

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.  We have a free afternoon before dinner at The Golf Club.

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

CORAL VIEWING AND WALKING TOUR

We enjoy a two-hour cruise that will cater for everyone, experiencing Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage marine environment on board a glass bottom boat. We can either sit in comfort while we view the marine paradise below us, or snorkel Erscott’s Hole and be amazed at the islands incredible marine biodiversity. We will be able to observe a  natural feeding event that will attract some of the reef’s larger and more exotic fish species. The tour operates within the sheltered waters of the lagoon, and snorkelling equipment is provided if you would like to take part. The tour is guided by a local Marine Dive Master who will talk us through the diverse environment in the lagoon. This afternoon we join Peter on the Ramble Walking Tour as we take 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 a talk at the Museum followed by dinner at The Coral Café.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND 

NEDS BEACH AND ISLAND CRUISE

This morning we explore Ned’s Beach. You can go for a stroll along the beach, feed the fish, take a swim. You can choose to walk back to the resort or the van will be on hand to take us back. This afternoon, 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.  Tonight, we enjoy dinner at Driftwood.

Lunch at own expense and arrangement

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

WALKING TOUR

We have a free morning to do our own exploring—perhaps ride a bicycle or go for a swim. Early afternoon, we meet for lunch and then begin our walk with Peter 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 to the van. What better way to enjoy a day, nice walk, food and company. Later this afternoon, we are treated to an historical film in the local hall before dinner at the beautiful Anchorage Restaurant.

OVERNIGHT: Leanda Lei Apartments, LORD HOWE ISLAND

LORD HOWE ISLAND TO MELBOURNE

Saying farewell to our hosts, we are transferred to the Lord Howe Airport for our return flight home via Sydney and then on to Melbourne, completing our memorable tour of the naturally beautiful Lord Howe Island.  Upon arrival, our chauffeurs will be waiting to transport us home with many interesting stories to tell of our Island adventure.

Refreshments inflight / Lunch at own expense and arrangement