Lord Howe Island Price! Awards are better value (if you can get'em)

[GalaxyNexus]

I believe it's mandatory to have a guide with you if you're climbing Mt. Gower. There are though multiple other walking tracks that are less demanding and can be done alone. E.g. the walk up to Kim's lookout (in a loop) also have beautiful views.

Last time I looked, the availability is not too bad, if you can fly in/out not on weekends. For a weekend though I had to book nearly a year in advance. And the classic award comes with something like 300$+ co-pay.

 

[tgh]

It's guided.. and there are no signposts... but unless you want to race each other.. just enjoy the climb and the stunning views.

 

[grussellt]

Yes you must go with a guide and I assure you the top is unlikely to be reached without one!. When you arrive check which days are available for bookings (there are at least two guides). If you want some facts before travelling have a look at :

Tripadvisor and

Bushwalking

and plan an easy day on the day after the walk!

 

[Virgin Bart]

As always, thanks for all the advice guys and gals.

 

[Jacques Vert]

I wonder if I could include a visit on the end of my next RTW Classic award? Not sure it is reliable enough to put at the start.

Must keep it in mind. JV

 

[get me outta here]

I just looked up some random dates in July/Aug for 2 seats and they were available on points for $312.52 + 32,000 points. I am I right in thinking this is still; the best value way to get there? All still Dash 8s.

 

[Pat2065]

I just looked up some random dates in July/Aug for 2 seats and they were available on points for $312.52 + 32,000 points. I am I right in thinking this is still; the best value way to get there? All still Dash 8s.

It's a steal compared to the paid fare price and you'll love it. The 32k points should be for both seats (8k each way per person). Can only be a Dash 8s, and then only the small version, as the runway is very short. It's winter so the water will be cool but excellent for hiking and the views are there all year round.

 

[kpc]

This is my trip report to LDH. Friday - flight cancelled; Saturday- flight cancelled. As we were only going for 3 nites, I''ve cancelled the trip. The flights will be refunded but will have to claim accommodation from insurance

Thanks. ..we were told at the airport that all flights are cancelled for today. We will book for some other time for slightly longer...need to go and read my insurance policy as soon as I get home.

We finally made it to Lord Howe 3 weeks ago...we spent 3 nites....it was great and relaxing so much so that we have already booked to go again next year!

Highlights include feeding the fish at Ned's beach, snorkeling with turtles at Old Settlement beach, view from Malabar Hill and Kim's lookout, stumbling on to a topless beach at Lover's Bay...Negatives are expensive, relatively basic accommodation at Lord Howe, expensive restaurants, no moblile phone coverage (may be a +ve!), very slow, expensive internet (also may be a +ve as you are less inclined to look at work / personal emails). If you plan to go in summer, book airfares and accommodation as early as possible. ...

 

[legroom]

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AFFers, thank you !

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Lord Howe Island is on my bucket list too...... So expensive to fly to , so no wonder why those Classic awards get snapped up so far in advance.
Loving the destination hints so far

 

[Nizar]

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AFFers, thank you !

+1 this is a place I never considered but looks the goods !

 

[Mark3000]

The swimming pool at Capella lodge has spectacular views and is one of my favorite of all time.
Yet to try Marina Bay Sands though...

 

[Mr_Orange]

The swimming pool at Capella lodge has spectacular views and is one of my favorite of all time.
Yet to try Marina Bay Sands though...

You don't need to stay at Marina Bay Sands to avail yourself of the view. Head on up to Ku De Ta and enjoy the views for free (coughtails are optional ).

 

[Mark3000]

You don't need to stay at Marina Bay Sands to avail yourself of the view. Head on up to Ku De Ta and enjoy the views for free (coughtails are optional ).

Thanks MrOrange, that's a good tip. There would be something special about swimming in that pool though.

One other thing I forgot to mention about Lord Howe is the hike around one of the mountains is also stunning. Can't remember the name sorry but the hotel staff will explain. Capella is one of those places to splurge on at least once in your life.

 

[kpc]

Capella lodge is very expensive and is really far (look at a map) from all the action on Lord Howe eg Ned's beach, Old Settlement beach, activiy centres etc... I assume Capella Lodge staff will have to drive their guests to the above mentioned places. The 2-3 hour walk to Malabar Hill and Kim's lookout is stunning and is where the photo (Ned's beach is in the forefront of the photo) in the post below was taken.
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ce-payments-credit-17109-114.html#post1208539

Unless you go in Winter, why would you want to swim in a swimming pool when you can swim / snorkel over beautiful coral and swim amongst plenty of fish and turtles?!

 

[Mark3000]

Capella lodge is very expensive and is really far (look at a map) from all the action on Lord Howe eg Ned's beach, Old Settlement beach, activiy centres etc... I assume Capella Lodge staff will have to drive their guests to the above mentioned places. The 2-3 hour walk to Malabar Hill and Kim's lookout is stunning and is where the photo (Ned's beach is in the forefront of the photo) in the post below was taken.
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ce-payments-credit-17109-114.html#post1208539

Unless you go in Winter, why would you want to swim in a swimming pool when you can swim / snorkel over beautiful coral and swim amongst plenty of fish and turtles?!

Yes you're right kpc it certainly was expensive. I wouldn't say it is good value. Very romantic though.
The ocean was a bit cold when we were there. Still lovely but I wished I had brought wet suit pants and a warm swim shirt.

We cycled everywhere which was fun

 

[jrobin]

Wonderful Place, absolutely unspoiled timeless magic. ...

I agree totally.
For those of us who have been there, and would like a comparable experience, where else is there in Australia?
Some of the Queensland islands?

 

[stoneman]

Norfolk Island is a MUST

 

[Virgin Bart]

Norfolk Island is a MUST

Is there a remotely affordable way to get there though?

 

[stoneman]

Yep, Air NZ only one whom flies there. Twice a week from memory ex Bne/Syd. Watch out for specials on their site. Really really cheap from Akl!!
Did a lot of my growing up there....