Explore an Idyllic Island Paradise for a Day
Fly to remote, tropical Lord Howe Island by charted aircraft. With world-heritage listed beauty, and surprisingly off the radar, this former volcano towering out of an idyllic lagoon is verdant, with white beaches, unique ecology and fascinating birdlife. Weather permitting, fly over the spectacular pinnacle of Ball’s Pyramid before exploring the island with your local guide. Absorb the views as you sit down for a two-course meal. Spend your afternoon fish feeding at Ned’s Beach, snorkelling in the crystal waters or for those who prefer to stay dry, a glass bottom boat is available to witness marine life from above.
Departing from Bankstown Airport, you will be met and escorted to your plane, a beautiful Executive Fitted Out Cessna Conquest. After a briefing, it is time to hit the skies and enjoy your flight (approx. 2hrs) to Lord Howe Island. Weather permitting, you will circle Balls Pyramid before landing, the tallest sea stack in the world standing at 551m which is an erosional remnant of a shield volcano and caldera.
After this spectacular view, fly into Lord Howe Island which is an experience in itself! An island paradise with pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and just 350 residents, UNESCO World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island is a unique and untouched destination.
On arrival, you will be met and set off for an island orientation tour. Take a journey through the island from early settlement to the present day and all the wonderful things in between. Uncover Lord Howe Island’s more interesting nooks and crannies! Keep your eyes peeled for many of the island’s ever-changing sea and land birds. The island’s rare bird the endemic Woodhen and Kentia Palm. Learn all about the island’s social history, early settlement, predators and pests, flora and fauna, ships, flying boats and the airstrip, island tales and even buried treasure!
From here, it is time for lunch at Anchorage Restaurant, surrounded by the endemic Lord Howe Island Kentia Palms. Czech-born Executive Chef David Chlumsky brings experience from acclaimed Sydney restaurants Otto, Quay and Longrain, and combines his passion for the Island and utilising local produce with his love of modern and innovative food.
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.
Enjoy your lunch before having the option to have some free time at Lagoon Beach or Ned’s Beach.
Ned’s Beach Sanctuary Zone (and Special Purpose Zone) offers a unique opportunity to view an amazing diversity of coral, fish and marine life close to shore.
The special purpose zone here, allows you to view and experience hand feeding fish. Be part of a favourite Lord Howe ritual and help feed eager mullet, wrasse, garfish, silver drummer, spangled emperor and bluefish, so close you can find yourself in a swirl of colourful scales and fins.
To help keep marine life healthy, a fish food dispenser is located at the Ned’s Beach shelter allowing visitors to access a handful of healthy fish food. Feeding the fish bread and other food scraps can be harmful to the fish, further information can be found on an interpretive sign in the Ned’s Beach shed.
The golden sands of Ned’s Beach lead into calm waters ideal for those who want to snorkel above a colourful kaleidoscope of fish and corals.
Want to see a bit more? Jump board our glass bottom boat and discover the islands unique marine life, viewing amazing Coral Gardens, colourful reef fish and curious turtles whilst staying dry. Learn about our resident Green and Hawksbill Turtles and there amazing migration to and from Lord Howe. If you do feel like getting wet, you can certainly jump in and go for a snorkel!
After an enjoyable day in paradise, it is time to say goodbye to your newfound island paradise as you transfer back to the airport for your onward flight (approx. 2hrs).
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**Please note that this tour can only be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* This itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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