Day 1: Arrival
On arrival into Lord Howe Island you will be met at the airport and transferred to Pinetrees Lodge to get settled into your room. Depend on your arrival time you may enjoy lunch at the lodge, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: North Bay
Start the day with a glass bottom boat cruise to North Bay, then a climb of North Head and Mt Eliza. Depending on conditions, you may replace one climb with a trip to the Herring Pools from the Gulch which is an amazing place, but only available on the low tide without swell. Guests then walk over Dawson Point to Old Settlement Beach and back to Pinetrees along the Lagoon foreshore.
Day 3: Malabar
Climb to Kims Lookout and traverse the ridge between Kims and Malabar (two peaks). Descend the south ridge of Malabar to Neds Beach and have a swim or feed the fish. Then walk to Middle Beach and climb Transit Hill before returning to Pinetrees. This is a moderate trail with steps and rough ground. It offers spectacular views of the island.
Day 4: East Coast
Head to Mutton Bird Point and Rocky Run, and then climb to Goathouse on Mt Lidgbird – an optional walk which is steep, uses ropes and provides the most rewarding views of the island. You will then descend to Smoking Tree Ridge and climb Intermediate Hill to the new observation platform (funded by Dick Smith). Finally you will return to Pinetrees via Blinky Beach.
Day 5: Water day & rest day
Your day begins with a snorkelling trip on the outer reef (or an offshore snorkel adventure to the Admiralty Islands) followed by a kayak trip on the Lagoon. All optional – guests can choose their own adventure. Can be used as a weather day if earlier days are not favourable for walking.
Day 6: Mt Gower
This is the optional day for the advanced walker to climb Mt Gower at 867m. Stunning views await and a chance to experience the unique mist forest and bird rookery at the summit of this extinct volcano. Variations of this day are offered depending on the group ability. If people aren't up to the summit of Gower (and many won't be) then there is the option of the stunning Erskine Valley or an off-track adventure to some secret spots on Mt Lidgbird. All options take people along the Lower Road, which is one of the most spectacular 400m walking tracks in Australia.
Day 7: Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast this morning and at the appropriate time the lodge will transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight.
