Lord Howe Island Expedition

Fly from Sydney to the breathtaking paradise of Lord Howe Island, where your hosts from Somerset Apartments warmly welcome you upon arrival. A short bike ride leads to the Museum, where a special lecture awaits with Ian Hutton, the island’s leading scientist & naturalist. You will dive into the captivating history, geology, and marine ecology of Lord Howe Island, gaining insight into its unique birdlife and conservation efforts. After the talk, enjoy a chance to chat with Ian, explore the museum’s exhibits, browse rare books, or simply relax with a coffee while soaking in the island’s rich heritage. As the sun begins to set, enjoy welcome drinks at The Boatsheds, where panoramic views of Blackburn Island and the lagoon create the perfect golden-hour backdrop. A scenic stroll up the hill leads to The Anchorage, where a delicious two-course dinner awaits, complete with fresh island flavours. With the night setting in, unwind and embrace the serenity of this spectacular island escape.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast at The Anchorage, fuelling up for a day of island adventure. Stroll down to The Boatsheds, where Peter Busteed from Island Cruises awaits to guide an unforgettable lagoon journey. Glide over crystal-clear waters in a glass-bottom boat, spotting Green Turtles below, or dive in for an exhilarating snorkel. At North Bay, step onto the sand for a guided walk along the pristine beach, observing Sooty Terns nesting in their natural habitat. Under the shade of towering Kentia Palms, a BBQ lunch awaits, offering a moment to soak in the island’s untouched beauty. For the active explorers, a short hike to Mount Eliza reveals breathtaking vistas, followed by a scenic walk to The Old Gulch, home to diverse birdlife. Choose to return by boat or embark on a challenging 2.5-hour hike back, passing Kim’s Lookout and Malabar cliffs. As evening falls, bike to The Lord Howe Island Golf Club for a relaxed dinner with stunning views, ending another perfect island day.

Start the day with a nice breakfast at The Anchorage, then hop on a bike and ride to The Jetty, ready for an unforgettable three-hour cruise around the island. Marvel at towering cliffs, hidden coves, and the sparkling lagoon as your skipper, Brad Wilson, shares local insights. Visit the outer islands of The Admiralty Islands and Muttonbird Island for a variety of seabirds including Masked Boobies, Albatross, Sooty Terns, Muttonbirds, Cormorants and more. Back onshore, return to The Anchorage for a relaxing lunch, savouring fresh island flavours. In the afternoon, set off on a scenic walk through the Valley of Shadows and Clear Place, where towering banyan trees and lush ferns create an enchanting atmosphere. Spot Muttonbird nesting holes before reaching stunning viewpoints overlooking the island’s eastern cliffs. As the sun sets, cycle to The Aquatic Club for a classic island fish fry, prepared by Brad Wilson, who was your skipper earlier today. Enjoy fresh seafood, crisp salads, and amazing lagoon views—the perfect end to an extraordinary day.

Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast, preparing for a fascinating day ahead. A slow 3,5 hours walk awaits, led by scientist Ian Hutton. This walk is around the settlement on flat ground and only a few kilometres but has the opportunity to look at and touch volcanic and sedimentary geology, learn about the island plants including detail of the Kentia palm evolution and flowering stories; close up look at several seabird colonies. After lunch, a bike ride to The Nursery brings a behind-the-scenes look at a thriving Kentia Palm export business, where over 500,000 seedlings are shipped to Europe annually. Meet Nelly Wilson, who oversees the palm production, and Alistair, who manages a fertigation horticulture system, supplying fresh produce to the island. After some downtime, an evening bike ride to Ned’s Beach promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter. As the sun sets, Flesh-Footed Shearwaters return from sea, swooping in dramatically to their burrows—sometimes landing right at your feet! The day ends with a delicious dinner at Driftwood, celebrating the magic of Lord Howe.

The day begins after breakfast with a scenic nature walk, immersing yourself in the island’s breathtaking landscapes. Setting off from Steven’s Reserve, a tranquil 1.2 km trail winds beneath a lush canopy, where towering Grey Bark and Ficus trees create a serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for the rare Woodhen, along with White Terns, Pacific Emerald Doves, and Pied Currawongs flitting through the foliage. From here, the path ascends gently to Transit Hill, where a stunning panoramic lookout reveals sweeping views across the island and beyond. Descending toward Blinky Beach, the terrain transforms into coastal rainforest, leading to the golden sands where Sooty Terns nest along the shoreline. The rhythmic sounds of the ocean provide the perfect backdrop to this gentle yet rewarding walk. After the adventure, unwind over a relaxed lunch at The Brewery, indulging in island-inspired flavours. In the afternoon we have more time to learn from naturalist & island local Ian Hutton. You will participate in a seabird colony count project. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy—swim, cycle, or simply bask in paradise. OR optionally (not included), you can participate in a 2 hour weeding of sea spurge on Lagoon Beach. Sea spurge is native to Mediterranean shores but arrived in Australia 1931 in ballast water at Albany. Seeds have floated around the bottom of SA and Victoria, Tasmania, and up BNSW coast. It got to Lord Howe Island in the 1990’s. It can take over dune vegetation and hinder seabirds breeding. As night falls, gather for a delightful farewell dinner at The Anchorage, toasting to an unforgettable Lord Howe experience.

Savour a final island breakfast at The Anchorage, taking in the morning tranquility before your journey home. For those wanting one last adventure, set off on a bike ride to Little Island, a hidden gem at the foot of the towering Mount Lidgebird and Mount Gower. The scenic 25-minute ride winds along the coast, followed by a peaceful 35-minute walk through lush greenery, where the towering cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop. The sound of the waves and the calls of seabirds make this a perfect farewell to Lord Howe’s wild beauty. Returning to Somerset Apartments, take a moment to soak in the island’s serenity before checking out. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences, from snorkelling with turtles (optional activity) to breathtaking walks and mesmerizing sunsets. As the afternoon flight departs, gaze out the window at the turquoise lagoon and dramatic peaks, carrying home memories of an island paradise like no other.