Walking Discoveries of Lord Howe Island’s Flora, Seabirds & Marine Life

Travel in a small group to Lord Howe Island. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site permits just 200 visitors at any one time. Travelling with expert Botanical Guide Ian Hutton, you will learn about some of the challenges of living on this remote island. Having lived here for more than 30 years, Ian knows the terrain intimately, and there is no-one better equipped to accompany you on nature walks to discover its endemic flora and fauna, including the famous Kentia palm.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Lord Howe Island

Our Qantas flight departs from Sydney this morning. Arrive on Lord Howe Island, where you will be transferred to your accommodation before gaining an insight into what your tour will entail during a tour briefing this afternoon. 

Day 2: Settlement Walk, Transit Hill and Pre-Dinner Lecture on Geology, Flora & Fauna – Walk: 6 kilometres, approximately 5 hours

After breakfast this morning, join Ian for a walk around the settlement, as he introduces you to the island’s many plants and birdlife. He will then accompany you on an easy walk to Transit Hill where there is a viewing platform that offers a 360-degree view of Lord Howe Island. Look out for the island’s signature plants, the Kentia and curly palms that dominate the landscape in many places. This evening’s pre-dinner lecture will feature an overview of the region’s geology, flora, fauna and conservation. 

Day 3: Lord Howe History and Sights, Stevens Reserve and Kentia Palms Walk – Walk: 2.5 kilometres, approximately 2 hours

Today’s island exploration will include a bus tour to see Lord Howe Island’s many landmarks and to learn about its history. You’ll also immerse yourself in nature during a walk through Stevens Reserve, while also learning about the Kentia palm industry. Gain insight into the plants of Lord Howe Island at this evening’s pre-dinner lecture.

Day 4: Little Island to the Base of Mount Gower and Clear Place Walk to see Ball’s Pyramid – Walk: 6 kilometres, approximately 5 hours

This morning, take an easy walk along the south-western shoreline to Little Island, located at the base of Lord Howe’s mountains.  Here, you’ll learn about the volcanic origins of the island while soaking up the spectacular scenery of this World Heritage-listed site. Ian will then guide you to Clear Place, where you’ll get to witness the tall palm forest, massive banyan trees and array of seabirds that are found here. 

Day 5: Ned’s Coral Beach Reef Walk and Historical Movie – Walk: 1 kilometre, approximately 1 hour

Enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore. After lunch, at low tide, set off on a reef walk at Ned’s Beach rock platform to discover the surrounding coral and rockpools. As some of the world’s most southerly, the coral found here is rich and diverse, and among the last to be impacted by global environmental effects such as coral bleaching. You’ll also learn about the wealth of marine creatures that inhabit the island’s intertidal areas. You may then like to spend some time swimming or snorkelling before enjoying historical movies at the public hall. 

Day 6: North Bay – Old and New Gulch Walks – Walk: 3 kilometres, approximately 3 hours

Today, set off on a full-day trip to North Bay. Travelling by boat, you’ll arrive at a pristine beach on the northern tip of the island, inaccessible by land. The waters here are a snorkeller’s paradise; rich in colourful corals, turtles, stingrays and an estimated 500 species of fish. The birdlife is also spectacular. Look out for colonies of sooty terns, brown noddies and black noddies during a short nature walk. You may also spot red-tailed tropicbirds and waders during low tide. Enjoy a barbecue lunch before returning to your accommodation later this afternoon. Ian’s lecture tonight will focus on the marine life of Lord Howe Island.

Day 7: Curators Museum Tour, Glass Bottom Boat Cruise and Snorkelling

Spend this morning relaxing or enjoy a curator’s tour of the local museum, then take a glass-bottom boat on a discovery of the marine life supported by the world’s most southerly coral reef. You’ll also have the option to snorkel and see these marine wonders up close. 

Day 8: Lord Howe Island to Sydney

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Sydney.