8 of the best Lord Howe Island accommodations for island bliss

Bonita GrimaBy Bonita Grima
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Whether you’re wanting an all-inclusive luxury resort, self-catering apartments, or an island-style hideaway, there’s a variety of accommodation options to choose from on Lord Howe Island.

Measuring just 11 kilometres long and around 2.8 kilometres at its widest point, and with visitor numbers restricted to just 400 people at any one time, you might think Lord Howe Island doesn’t have much to offer in terms of accommodation.

The good news is that there’s a range of places to stay during a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination, with most offering airport transfers, restaurant pick-ups, and wi-fi.

Here are some of the best Lord Howe Island accommodations to enjoy in between exploring the island.

1. The Cabin

a woman relaxing in a tub at The Cabin, Lord Howe Island accommodation
Spend a glorious day relaxing in a luxurious bath. (Image: Chelsea Holden)

Built with love by 6th generation Lord Howe Islander, Jess Owens and partner, Cameron, The Cabin is Lord Howe Island’s newest accommodation offering and its first fully off-grid retreat, set on five acres of untouched bushland, tucked away behind the family home and farm.

Getting back to nature doesn’t have to mean roughing it either, with The Cabin providing unlimited wi-fi, a luxury indoor bathtub, premium toiletries, plush bedding and furniture, and a welcome hamper packed with gourmet produce – think freshly laid eggs, baked sourdough, organic wines, and honey straight from the hive.

Perfect for couples, solo travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts, guests will love The Cabin’s outdoor rainwater shower, firepit, complimentary bikes, and private bush track leading to a secluded beach with use of kayaks included.

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2. Pinetrees Lodge

the Pinetrees Lodge nestled among tall pine trees, Lord Howe Island accommodation
This all-inclusive style lodge is surrounded by pines. (Image: Pinetrees Lodge)

A long-time favourite on Lord Howe Island, Pinetrees Lodge never gets old. As one of the longest-running family businesses in Australia, the lodge rests on land that’s been occupied by the family since their arrival on the island in 1848.

With a small collection of stylish rooms, suites and cottages, accommodation at Pinetrees Lodge has been regularly updated to provide guests with an elegant and comfortable stay.

Though you won’t find wi-fi and TV here (they’re intentionally excluded), there are endless nature-based and social activities to keep you occupied in this all-inclusive style lodge, with offerings that include shared facilities, yoga, guided tours, and culinary packages.

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3. Ocean View Apartments

the interior of Ocean View Apartments, Lord Howe Island accommodation
The self-catered units are complete with a kitchen and access to a games room. (Image: Ocean View Apartments)

An oldie but a goodie, Ocean View Apartments is one of Lord Howe Island’s original accommodation offerings. With 120 years’ worth of history, the apartments are conveniently located near the centre of town and the island’s main swimming spot, Lagoon Beach.

With their self-catered style, the units come complete with bedding, towels and cooking utensils, plus access to a games room, and the only full-size swimming pool on the island, that’s recently been renovated. Also included in a stay, is the use of outdoor equipment like paddleboards and snorkel gear from Ocean View’s boat house located at the lagoon foreshore.

Another feather in the property’s cap is the recent addition of its on-site restaurant, Driftwood. Specialising in Asian fusion, Driftwood Bar and Restaurant is a local favourite, as is Ocean View Apartments’ new coffee bar which operates daily from 7am-9am.

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4. Bowker Beach House

the Bowker Beach House within a forest, Lord Howe Island accommodation
Stay in a contemporary one-bedroom beach house in the forest. (Image: Bowker Beach House)

If you want somewhere all for yourself, Bowker Beach House is for you. Hidden away amongst native forest, yet centrally located, this contemporary one-bedroom beach house with its Instagram aesthetic comes with wrap-around timber decking, plus all mod cons and comforts like heated towel rails, coffee machine, Bose Bluetooth speakers, and fast wi-fi.

Perfect for lovers of indoors and outdoors, Bowker Beach House has an extensive library, boardgames, and selection of movies on a streaming service, plus it’s equipped with complimentary paddleboards, yoga mats and bicycles.

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5. Lagoon Landing

a beach-style bungalow at Lagoon Landing, Lord Howe Island accommodation
Each bungalow is designed in earthy tones with bleached timbers. (Image: lordhoweisland.info)

Though Lagoon Landing isn’t new, the two one-bedroom beach-style bungalows located near the central lagoon have undergone a refresh recently when current owners, Kylie and Rahnie Owens took over the business a few years ago.

Having spent their childhood living here, the Owens sisters have a nostalgic connection to the property, while their modern touches to the self-catered style cottages include cosy beach-chic style furniture, decorations and linens.

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6. Capella Lodge

Lord Howe Island accommodation
Take in views of Mounts Gower and Lidgebird from your luxe suite. (Image: Capella Lodge)

One of five Bailie Lodges within Australia and nine throughout the world, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s most premium resort, with its enviable position near the base of the island’s iconic twin peaks.

Consisting of 9 barefoot luxury suites connected to the main pavilion via boarded walkways and lush garden areas, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the coral reef plus Mounts Gower and Lidgebird from their accommodation, with some suites equipped with private hot tubs and plunge pools. There is also an onsite spa.

Inclusions here comprise of gourmet breakfast, in-suite bar, sunset drinks and canapes, an open bar from 6pm, and dinner matched with premium wines in the resort’s restaurant.

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7. Island House

the interior of Island House, Lord Howe Island accommodation
Each pavilion-style house is nestled among Banyan trees and Kentia palms. (Image: Anson Smart)

One of Lord Howe Island’s most recent accommodation options and certainly its most exclusive, is Island House. Comprised of two separate architecturally designed houses filled with museum-quality art, Danish mid-century furniture, high-fidelity sound systems, and kitchen full of produce grown on-site plus imported artisanal goods. Island House is set upon spacious grounds amid a forest of Kentia palms and old banyan trees.

Specialising in curated packages, Island House offers your own private chef and on-site manager to plan your island itinerary perfectly. Additions include a transit room for use as a flexible space and an adventure room stocked with high-quality outdoor adventure equipment. Best suited for whole-site bookings.

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8. Arajilla Retreat

With a collection of 12 luxurious suites amid lush surrounds, ranging from its 1-bedroom Kentia Suite to its 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Blue Peter Beach House, Arajilla Retreat is located on the sheltered northern end of the island, behind Old Settlement Beach.

The resort continues to be one of the island’s most popular high-end stays, with its packages including gourmet breakfast, light lunch, drinks and canapes in the resort’s bar lounge, plus a 3-course dinner in the restaurant. With its menu changing daily, Arajilla’s dedicated chefs prepare meals with organic produce from the resort’s kitchen garden, fresh island seafood, plus a selection of quality produce from the mainland. Complimentary bicycles and snorkel gear are also included for exploring the island further.

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Discover the best Lord Howe Island walks and hikes

Bonita Grima
Bonita Grima is a freelance travel writer with a background in television and radio production. With a passion for immersive storytelling, Bonita believes travel has the power to challenge, inspire and educate us, and encourage empathy by providing a window into the worlds of others. Based in Margaret River, when not working on a story, you’ll find her at the beach, on a trail, drinking great coffee, discovering what’s new around town, or simply dreaming up the next adventure!
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Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

    Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

    Winter on the NSW South Coast

    Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

    Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

    two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
    See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

    Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
    Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

    Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

    End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

    The Sebel Kiama exterior
    Sleep by the harbour.

    Winter on the Mid-North Coast

    A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

    First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

    Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
    Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

    Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

    port macquarie koala hospital
    Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

    Back in town, Whalebone Wharf  serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

    At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

    bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
    Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

    Winter on the Central Coast

    On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

    The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

    Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

    a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
    Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

    If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

    Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

    woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

    Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

    restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
    Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Winter in Wollongong

    Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

    If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

    Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

    monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
    Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

    The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

    monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
    Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

    As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

    Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

    Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
    Fall asleep listening to the waves.

    Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.