Pacific Island Paradises

lord howe island lovers, there are 130 species of permanent and migratory birds, including the once endangered Lord Howe Island woodhen. The sights Lord Howe Island offers visitors a relaxed holiday in a pristine, unspoilt environment. The Information Centre on Lagoon Road provides a 'Discovery Kit of Walks' and its museum gives a fascinating insight into the island's days of early settlement and natural history. Where to stay There are a range of properties on the island to suit all tastes and budgets. Pinetrees is an all-inclusive resort hotel which has been run by the same family for over a hundred years. No camping is allowed anywhere on the island. Getting around A network of walking tracks criss-cross the island providing access to scenic lookouts and various points of interest. The tracks vary from easy to quite difficult and all have well marked signposts. Hiring a bicycle is the easiest way to get around the island but there are a limited number of hire cars available too. All accommodation properties provide free airport transfers for guests. Food and entertainment The Anchorage Restaurant offers meals seven days a week as well as an on-site bakery. There is also a general store for self-catering visitors. The local Golf Club and Bowls Club serve 118  www.paradisesonline.com dinner most nights. There are also a number of fine restaurants on the island with Pinetrees being the most popular. Bookings are advisable. Activities For the adventurous, there are charter boats for deep-sea fishing for kingfish and yellowfin tuna, or make the trip out to Blackburn Island by kayak. The highlight of any trip to the island though is the eight-hour, rope-assisted guided walk up Mt. Gower, the highest vertical climb in Australia. Alternatively, there are guided nature walks, fish feeding at Ned's Beach, reef walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, barefoot lawn bowls or just swimming in the crystal clear waters. North Bay is a great spot for picnics, bush walking and bird watching and Lord Howe Environmental Tours offers the chance to view the vast array of underwater life in comfort in their glass-bottom boat cruise on the lagoon. Shopping guide There is a general store and local produce and bulk groceries are available at the Co-Op. Souvenirs are available at Thompson's General Store and the Visitor Centre. Alcohol is available from the Liquor Store, located on Bowker Avenue. Check the Visitors Centre for opening hours. Clothing Casual. A jacket for cooler evenings as it can be windy in winter. Comfortable shoes are essential and good quality walking shoes

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