Island House – Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island

Exceptionally beautiful Lord Howe was World Heritage-listed in 1982 for its rare collection of plants, birds, and marine life. Born from a volcanic eruption some seven million years ago, the island is 11 kilometres long and barely two kilometres at its widest point.

A ‘treasure island’ of extraordinary contrasts, with rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests, rolling surf and serene lagoons, Lord Howe Island is encircled by the world’s southern-most coral reef. Long recognised for its pristine natural heritage, around 75% of the island is permanently preserved as marine park and subtropical rainforest.

Rising from the Tasman Sea 700km northeast of Sydney, Lord Howe’s visitor numbers are restricted to 400 at any one time to preserve the precious natural environment.

Lord Howe Island is serviced by Sydney and Brisbane Airports. Flights to Lord Howe take approximately two hours. Airport transfers are included in your stay, and your hosts are happy to assist with car transfers while on island.

Island House comes with a dedicated Adventure Room, stocked with high-quality outdoor equipment inviting you to explore the many different experiences the island provides. As both environment and weather shape the day-to-day exploration of the island, you will be left with no shortage of adventures during your stay.

Outdoor activities include:

• Walking or riding around the island, enjoying open roads rarely used by cars. High-quality bikes are provided to you for the duration of your stay.
• Hiking the 7-million-year old shield volcano that formed the island, and spotting unique flora and fauna in diverse landscapes ranging from high humid forest and unexplored caves
• Discover the diverse and colourful marine life that live within the Marine Park, ranging from fish, corals, and occasionally turtles via snorkel, stand-up paddleboard, surfboard, or a dive – with accompanying gear included in your stay
• Fishing within the pristine waters surrounding the island, either off the jetty or beach to catch garfish, salmon, pelagic fish and more. Quality fishing gear is included in your stay, suiting your preferred style, from beach fishing to rock fishing.
• Embrace serenity with yoga, with perfect locations on-site and on the island to salute the sun with yoga mats, blocks and seats, and more

Other outdoor activities can be arranged for additional cost, including guided nature walks, hikes, snorkels, and more with expert naturalists, and curated charters on the Lulawei vessel.

Inside, the houses are well-equipped to support relaxation and leisure. Facilities include:

• A world-class sound system, televisions with free-to-air and Foxtel, and outdoor cinema options
• A library with a broad range of novels, art books, cookbooks, and more
• Photography gear, including underwater digital cameras with hard casing
• Generous cooking facilities including large kitchens, generously stocked pantries, and beautiful tools to spark your creativity

Island House comprises of two separate residences, with a shared Transit and Adventure Room. Each residence caters to a total of four guests, with a total of eight guests on the property at any time. Island House offers unparalleled privacy, with each residence nestled within a forest of Kentia palms and centuries-old Banyan trees.

One or both of these houses are available for rent, with Island House being particularly suitable for whole-site bookings.

South House offers a striking inside/outside feel, with an open-plan layout offering immediate proximity and views over the forest. One bedroom has an indoor/outdoor bathroom with a copper bath surrounded by palms, while the other bedroom is accessible via breezeway and looks onto a large courtyard.

North House offers a large central living room facing the forest. The two bedrooms are separated, allowing each guest to enjoy their own time and space away from the living areas, each complete with a marble bathroom ensuite featuring outdoor copper baths, garden courtyard, and generous views.

Both residences at Island House come fully stocked with island-grown produce, fresh fish caught from the region, as well as imported meats, artisanal snacks, and other ingredients. All dietaries can be catered for, provided they are given in advance.

Produce is local and is sourced from regions as close as possible. Island produce is grown at the nearby sister site called The Nursery, while other ingredients are sourced from nearby Port Macquarie. Seafood is plentiful, with fish regularly found in the region including kingfish, trevally, tuna, mahi mahi, and Wahoo.

Island House offers private chef experiences with accomplished chefs Hiro and Kimie Uemoto. After working in high end restaurants in Japan and Sydney, they are available to provide a memorable fusion dining experience, combining the island’s fresh ingredients with traditional Japanese recipes. Private chef experiences can be arranged at extra cost.

Outside of your residence, more casual fare such as barbecue packs and remote picnics can be organised as part of your stay and offer the opportunity to dine in gorgeous natural surroundings.

Your stay includes a curated bar stocked with Australian wines, beers and spirits, as well as new and classic beverages from Europe. Additional lists are available, catering to particular tastes such as sake, natural wine, whisky, or beer.

Island House is open all year around, with each season offering dynamic and different sides of the island to discover. Seasonal considerations are reflected in their rates. Please contact us for further details or to make an enquiry.