After travelling around the world for more than 45 years I am often asked, ‘Where is your favourite place, a place where you like to have a real holiday’. My answer has always been Lord Howe Island.
I made my first trip there nearly 40 years ago, flying across in a King Air. The first sight of the island was a sight that lives in my mind and imagination.
We all have a mental image of what a tropical island might look like and here below me was my perfect tropical island. In the following years, I have been fortunate to see most of the islands around the Pacific and have yet found one that even comes close!
Accommodation on Lord Howe Island
There are just 400 tourist beds on Lord Howe, which is part of what makes it so special.
Because accommodation is limited, it’s important that you book your flights and accommodation at the same time.
You’ll find the complete range of lodges, guesthouses and self-contained apartments available on Lord Howe. You can book your QantasLink flights online, or book a complete holiday package through a specialist travel agent, including flights and accommodation.
We stayed as guests of Earl’s Anchorage which boasts a tranquil, private and central location with convenient and easy access to the main beaches and walks on both sides of spectacular Lord Howe Island.
Earls Anchorage is surrounded by the endemic Lord Howe Island Kentia Palms, each bungalow on the six-acre property offers absolute privacy to ensure your stay is completely undisturbed. The self-contained bungalows are each named after one of Jack Earl’s famous Australian yachts and have been uniquely designed by Arcoessence Architects to take advantage of the sunny (northern) aspect of the property. All six bungalow’s link via a boardwalk surrounded by the sub-tropical vegetation.
Dining
Anchorage Restaurant, situated just a stone’s throw from the iconic Lagoon Beach, is the perfect venue, whether it be for morning coffee and breakfast, a quick lunch between walks or tours or a relaxing dinner after a hard days exploring.
Anchorage Restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine utilising local ingredients, and an ever-changing menu, always featuring the best of locally caught fish and locally grown fruits & vegetables. The restaurant is serviced by private aircraft to import the freshest produce direct from the markets.
They offer dine-in or take-away for all meals – 7 days per week.
The on-site bakery offers daily baked artisan sourdough, traditional loaves and Turkish breads, along with house-made pies, cakes and pastries. They also make cakes and baked goods to order – including wedding/birthday cakes for your special events.
We found that you had to order early as it is so popular and they can run out, in busy periods.
They will also make up meal packages with your stay. They also offer the option of takeaway BBQ packs delivered to a beach BBQ of your choice, or directly to your room at Earl’s Anchorage.
Capella Lodge
We didn’t get the chance to stay as they were fully booked, but next prize was the chance to dine here. Our reaction and the other diner’s was the answer as to why it is rated as one of the best in Australia.
Fine dining in the Lodge Restaurant showcases a bounty of local seafood and fresh regional produce. Guests unwind in the petite Capella Spa with its menu of signature treatments for complete relaxation.
Luxurious surrounds, exceptional island-inspired dining and unforgettable ‘first-name’ service combine to create an outstanding lodging experience.
Capella Lodge sets world-class standards of exclusive luxury on Lord Howe.
Website: http://www.capellalodge.com.au
More wonderful surprises – A visit to the golf club for the Famous Fish Fry and the scenic sunset. The sunset happens every night, but when we were there, the fish fry was on a Tuesday. Now bookings are essential, as this is so popular. The bar is open from 4.30 and meals are served from 7.00.
Relax over a few drinks, your accommodation usually drops you there and the club volunteers will drive you back, no worries!
Fresh fish delivered and Beach BBQs
If you’re in a self-catering apartment, you can have fresh fish delivered to your door or you can pack a picnic and take advantage of one of the communal BBQs, set in some of the most scenic spots around the island.
The Lord Howe Island Board ensures that cut firewood is neatly stacked at the BBQ, ready for use.
Lord Howe’s 11 beautiful beaches are perfectly suited to barbequing outdoors, with their golden sand and spectacular views of the island, to be enjoyed by families, friends and romantics alike.
Glass Bottom Boating
For the non-diver, this is the perfect chance to be enthralled with the marine life in the lagoon. They also offer a full range of marine outings and fishing trips.
We travelled as guests of Lord Howe Tourism
Words: Michael Osborne
Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au
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