At a Glance
Explore the pristine beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage listed paradise, with a six-day walking and kayaking adventure on Lord Howe Island. Only 400 visitors are allowed on this island at any one time, ensuring total serenity and seclusion across this extraordinary destination, home to a wide array of unique marine and bird life.
Known as Australia's answer to the Galapagos Islands, Lord Howe Island and Ball's Pyramid are the last remnants of two volcanic seamounts that formed around 7 million years ago. This spectacular natural playground is a haven for an overwhelming variety of living creatures. Explore crystal clear waters, and encounter more than 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral while on land spot native birds as you walk beneath towering Kentia palms and enormous Banyan trees. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights luxury accommodation in a one-bedroom Kentia Suite at Arajilla Retreat on twin share basis. Room upgrade is available at additional cost
- All meals. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés. 3 course dinner and return airport transfers
- Professional daily guided activities including walking, kayaking and snorkeling
Itinerary
Fly to Lord Howe Island with Qantaslink from Sydney and Brisbane at your own arrangement. Lord Howe Island is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world and one of the best walking destinations in Australia. Combine warm climate, vibrant local community and great range of world-class activities, this UNESCO World Heritage listed island. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Arajilla Retreat. Positioning on the northern sheltered end of the Island's lagoon just behind Old Settlement Beach. Your luxury retreat Arajilla Retreat is a haven of tranquility and peace. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may swim with the turtles at Old Settlement Beach. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, followed by a gourmet 3 course dinner. Arajilla's kitchen garden produces organic vegetables, herbs and greens. The experienced chefs skilfully prepare these ingredients creating delicious ever changing menus for you to enjoy. |
Walking distance: approx. 9 -10 km, 6 - 7 hours Enjoy hearty breakfast. Then you will start the day with a glass bottom boat cruise to North Bay, then a climb of North Head and Mt Eliza. It's believed that Mount Eliza is one of the best views on Lord Howe Island. Explore the Old Gulch, the only beach on the 3 km long cliff, 120-150 m high northern shore. Return to Arajilla for lunch. Then this afternoon, you will climb to Kim's Lookout and traverse the ridge between Kims and Malabar (two peaks). Kim’s Lookout offers magnificent views over Old Settlement Beach. Descend the south ridge of Malabar to Neds Beach and have a swim or feed the fish. You will instantly be surrounded by a feeding frenzy of Mullet, Wrasse, Garfish, Silver-drummer, Spangled Emperor and Kingfish. Return to Arajilla and enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and delicious 3 course dinner prepared by the talent chef. |
Walking distance: approx. 6 km, 7 hours After breakfast, you will be taken to East Coast. Walk to Mutton Bird Point and Rocky Run, then climb to Goat House. Descend to Smoking Tree Ridge and climb Intermediate Hill to the new observation platform. Enjoy picnic lunch at Cobby's Corner. In the afternoon, kayak from the Cobby's beach in the southern lagoon back and enjoy afternoon tea. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and 3 course dinner. |
Walking distance: approx. 2 km, 2 hours Today you will embark on a guided snorkelling tour on the outer reef in the morning. In the afternoon, you will be taken to climb Transit Hill, which is roughly centred on the island, and you might spot an Emerald Ground dove or a Golden Whistler along the way. Walk across the picturesque Blinky Beach along a narrow track, to reach the lookout point. The return walk can be done at leisure in around an hour and is well worth it for the fantastic 360 degree views. After soaking up the sights, stroll back down to Blinky Beach. The unspoilt, white Blinky Beach is a top spot to relax, or take a refreshing swim in pristine turquoise waters. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and 3 course dinner. |
Walking distance: approx. 14 km, 8 - 10 hours. The walk is challenging in a small group, complete with rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops. For guests who wish not to take the walk, you can enjoy a self guided day or rest at the resort. Today you will take a challenge climb to the summit of Mt Gower. Standing tall at 875 metres, Mt Gower is Lord Howe's highest mountain. Rated as one of Australia's best day walks, the Mt Gower hike is a challenging 8 - 9 hour return trek, complete with rope-assisted climbs and dizzying drops. During the trek you will enjoy the views of Balls Pyramid- the world’s tallest sea stack, Mt Lidgbird, the lagoon and the Island's northern settlement area. You will also discover the mist forest on the summit of Mt Gower containing trees, ferns, mosses and orchids seen nowhere else on the planet. For non-walkers, you can enjoy swim, surf, snorkel, fish, cycle around the Island, or take it easy on a deserted beach. Bicycles, light fishing gear, and snorkelling equipment are included. Return to Arajilla. Enjoy a Day Spa treatment under a majestic Banyan Tree at your own expense. This is the perfect setting to relax, unwind and enjoy all that this space has on offer. The delights of Arajilla's restaurant await. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés, and 3 course dinner. |
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in your final moments in paradise, a perfect time to reflect back on an incredible adventure. You'll then transfer to the airport for your onward journey. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Departs daily on request. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
QantasLink offers year-round scheduled services to Lord Howe Island. Flight time is under two hours, with flights departing from Sydney on most days, and from Brisbane on weekends.
Day 1: Arrive on Lord Howe Island
Day 2: Approx. 9 - 10 km, 6 - 7 hours
Day 3: Approx. 6 km, 7 hours
Day 4: Approx. 2 km, 2 hours
Day 5: Approx. 14 km, 8 - 9 hours
Day 6: Depart
Total walking distance: approx. 18 - 20 km
Lord Howe Island’s climate is mild, year-round. Sea breezes prevent the summers from being too hot, while surrounding warm seas ensure pleasant winters.
Maximum temperatures on the island hover around 25 degrees Celsius throughout summer, dipping to an average of 19 degrees in winter, while daily minimums range from 20C in summer falling to around 12-14C in winter.
The most popular time to visit Lord Howe is between September and May, however, even in the winter months (June, July and August), the days can be sunny and warm.
Winter on Lord Howe Island showcases an array of unique activities that highlight the wildlife and biodiversity of our World Heritage listed Island.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.