Lord Howe Island is one of a kind; measuring just 11km long and 2.8km at its widest point, bikes are the preferred mode of transport, kids walk barefoot to school, barbecues are wood-fired, honesty boxes are common and there’s no mobile or cell connection (it’s a good thing!). Included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, the island is surrounded by a reef-fringed lagoon, rolling surf and the world’s southern-most coral reef. These insider tips will help you get a sense of how special this place is and how to make the most of your stay at Capella Lodge.

Here is the ideal way to spend 5 nights Lord Howe Island…

Day 1 | Welcome

Arrive on Lord Howe Island to be greeted by the lodge managers at the quaint island airport, complete with white picket fence. Journey the short distance to Capella Lodge and then settle in for signature welcome drinks while soaking into the surrounds.

Day 1 | Evening

A daily ritual at Capella – sunset drinks and canapés enjoyed on Gowers Terrace as the sun sinks into the horizon, match the brilliant orange hues with the Killer Negroni cocktail. Complimentary from 6pm, Capella’s open bar includes a range of fine Australian wines along with a selection of top-shelf spirits and locally crafted beers. A premium gin bar led by our own Baillies 9 gin is also on offer each evening.

Day 1 | Night

Dine in the lodge restaurant with an exclusive backdrop of sky, mountains and sea and enjoy three island-inspired courses accompanied with premium Australian wines. Cuisine at Capella Lodge is designed to promote the pure taste of superb local and regional produce. A surprising harvest springs from this tiny, pristine island blessed with rich soils, bountiful waters and from Capella’s own kitchen garden.

Day 2 | Morning

Huge banyan trees and endemic Kentia palm forests cast brooding shadows in this cool enclave on Lord Howe’s east coast. Starting near Middle Beach, an easy walk or cycle from Capella, the Clear Place loop track is reasonably level and takes walkers to the Valley of the Shadows and Clear Place through fascinating terrain.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Capella offers complimentary adult mountain bikes for guests to explore the island at leisure. Pedal down town to swim in the lagoon, fish off the jetty or visit the museum which houses the tiny island’s large history. Alternatively, slow down to island time and enjoy barefoot luxury – read a book, take a nap and delight in the lodge surrounds.

Day 2 | Night

Relax in the lounge with its feel-at-home open bar (from 6pm) and make sure you’ve still got room on your camera’s memory card or toast the view from Gowers Terrace. Dine at your leisure in the restaurant from 6.30pm. Fresh, regional produce offers a light, island-style combination of flavours to refresh and invigorate.

Day 3 | Morning

Days spent on Lord Howe Island are relaxed and free, reminiscent of childhood holidays by the sea. One of the island’s best-loved beaches, Neds is popular for its beach-combing, reef-snorkelling and even fish feeding. Guaranteed to delight and one of the most memorable experiences on a holiday on Lord Howe. 

Day 3 | Afternoon

Enjoy a quintessential island tradition – a barbecue lunch at Neds Beach. Remember to reserve your ‘barby’ with a beach towel. The island’s eleven beautiful beaches with sheltered coves and spectacular views are ideal for al fresco lunches. Beach barbecues are set in some of the most scenic spots around the island. Neds Beach, Old Settlement Beach and Cobby’s Corner are a few of the favourites. Cut firewood is neatly stacked at each barbecue, ready for action.

Day 3 | Evening

Savour sunset drinks and canapés on Gowers Terrace before dining in the lodge restaurant for dinner. Daily changing menus showcase the freshest and finest local and regional produce.

Day 4 | All Day

Rising some 875 metres above sea level, Mount Gower is the larger of the twin mountain peaks which dominate the tiny island landscape. A guided day hike to the summit is rated one of the world’s best. Activity essentials include:

  • 3-4L of water
  • Backpack
  • Snacks and lunch
  • A lightweight windbreaker/rain jacket
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Hiking shoes or boots with solid grip
  • Camera
The convivial Capella Bar creates great cocktails, serves cool long drinks and offers a concise yet balanced selection of boutique Australian wines.”

Day 4 | Evening

Reserve the hot tub, pour a drink and kick-back to toast the day’s remarkable achievements. The lodge is designed to encourage a relaxed ‘holiday house’ feel. You can help yourself to a drink and a snack from their in-suite bar to relax and enjoy with the view.

Day 4 | Night

Appetite at the ready, dine for dinner in the lodge restaurant over three unforgettable courses, matched with premium Australian wines. Dinner at Capella is a daily-changing delight, with three course menus offering choice to cater for everyone’s tastes.

Day 5 | Morning

Time to relax and enjoy the surrounds, contemplate the view glass in hand or perhaps indulge in the petite Capella Spa. A signature menu of rejuvenating and relaxation treatments embraces the island’s endemic Kentia palms and marine environment. Remember advance reservations are recommended and additional charges apply.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Lord Howe’s picturesque nine-hole golf course gently meanders through lush Kentia palm groves and along the ocean foreshore. It presents many challenges for the avid player, not the least of which is keeping one’s eye on the ball. A sometimes-challenging course, steep slopes and narrow runs keep the competition strong. Legend has it no-one has ever played a birdie on the number two this par three hole.

Day 5 | Evening

Take a hamper of drinks and nibbles to Lovers Bay – it will be love at first sight. Return to the lodge to dine for a final time on Chef Cooper’s extraordinary cuisine. Cooper’s passion for foraging is evident in the rapidly expanding kitchen veggie patch – relationships have been cultivated with plants and islanders alike, who have opened their gardens, in a warm show of community, enabling Cooper to showcase the local harvest in a single dish.

Day 6 | Morning

Rise early for a sunrise walk or enjoy a sleep-in before taking breakfast in the lodge restaurant. Choose from a daily juice and smoothie special, lodge baked pastries and fresh fruits on the breakfast bar, followed by a choice from the a la carte selection. Espresso coffee and leaf tea provide the fuel for the day ahead. Subject to flight times, there may be time for a morning activity and lunch prior to departure.

For those who want to linger longer, The Seven Peaks Walk is a stunning hiking experience with Great Walks Of Australia on Lord Howe Island. This 6 night, 5 day guided walk covers 45km of trails and peaks climbing, with options available depending on ability and weather conditions. It’s a truly spectacular way to further explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed island.

Getting There

Lord Howe Island has around 350 permanent residents with visitors limited to 400 at any one time. Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, around 700km north east of Sydney, Australia, you can get there via scheduled flights from Sydney or charter flights.

Qantaslink operates regular daily two-hour flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island. Aircraft are the Bombardier Dash 8-200 turboprop aircraft which seat up to 32 passengers. Checked baggage needs to weigh 14kg or under for guaranteed transfer, though total checked luggage of up to 23kg is permitted and best divided among two or more bags in case the second is laid off until a later flight. An additional 7kg carry on luggage is permitted.

Eastern Air Services operates flights to Lord Howe Island from Port Macquarie and Newcastle.

Delivering the ultimate in luxury comfort and flexibility for custom plans, a private air charter is a spectacular way to travel. Capella partners with Navair Jet Services to offer private jet charter flights between Sydney (Bankstown Airport) and Lord Howe Island.

For further information or to book your stay, visit.