Lord Howe Island holiday
The leading photographer shares his travel tips, including the island’s ‘best-kept secret’.
Eugene Tan is no stranger to a glistening coastline. The Bondi-based photographer founded Aquabumps based off his ability to capture one of the world’s most iconic stretches of sand better than anybody else and has travelled to the likes of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Milos in Greece to shoot content for his gallery.
Yet in his opinion, nothing quite compares to New South Wales.
For Destination NSW’s ‘Feel New’ campaign, Tan found himself on the “utopic” Lord Howe Island, just a one-and-a-half hour plane ride northeast off Sydney’s coast.
“Imagine landing on a little airstrip in the middle of nowhere with these Jurassic-like mountains surrounding you. That’s what it felt like arriving in Lord Howe,” Tan says.
With only 400 visitors allowed to visit at one time, ‘living like a local’ is all the more achievable.
“There’s only one place to eat on a Monday night that brings all the guests to the one place; it’s a clever way of sharing the business around the island,” he says.
Below, find Tan’s guide to slowing down, switching off and exploring the island like a local.
EAT
For a burger and swim: Tan started each morning during his trip with breakfast at Anchorage Restaurant, which serves artisan sourdough and pastries baked fresh at the on-site bakery. If you’re looking for a heartier feed, he recommends the veggie burger. The restaurant is located next to the iconic Lagoon Beach on the western side of the island, which makes it the ideal spot for a quick bite and a sunset swim.
Cocktails with a view: After a dip in the lagoon, head to The Crooked Post which has “one of the best views of the island from the deck,” says Tan. The small bar specialises in tropical-inspired cocktails, including an Island Sour made with a house blend of amaretto, aquafaba, a squeeze of lemon, and hibiscus syrup.
STAY
Fit for a crowd: For families, he recommends Pinetrees Lodge, which boasts a restaurant, lounge, bar, day spa, tennis court and waterfront deck. It has suites and cottages for larger groups, as well as access to some of the best activities on the island, including fishing, diving and snorkelling.
Luxury lodging: Island House, an upscale offering that includes two houses for a maximum of eight guests, is at the top of Tan’s list to book when he returns. The space is decorated with vintage Danish furniture from the likes of Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, and boasts copper bathtubs that overlook the surrounding forest with centuries-old Banyan trees.
PLAY
Adventure time: Tan says five nights is ample time to explore the island in full, which includes waking at dawn to catch sunrise, best admired from Malabar Peak over Ned’s Beach. A climb up Mt Gower and a trip to Ball’s Pyramid are also must-do’s. “Go with Jack, a fifth generation local who knows everything about the island,” Tan says.
“A swim with a congregation of Galapagos Whalers Sharks with Pro Dive off the island is also amazing, and dinner at the golf club if you have any energy left”.
Cycle into the sun: There’s only six cars on the island which are often booked out by families. The alternative is a push bike and “personally, I wouldn’t want to get around any other way,” Tan says. But for those needing a bit more space, a buggy hitched to the back of your bike will suffice. Electric bikes are slowly being introduced to the island, “or so I heard from one of the locals,” Tan says, before adding: “Don‘t forget your head torch”.
Secret swim spot: It’s a big claim but Tan is calling it: the island’s best-kept secret is Lovers Bay, a small, secluded stretch of sand on the south west coast of the island surrounded by towering mountains.
“You will always find a spot out of the wind on an island. If it’s onshore on one side, head to the other for flat calm seas,” he says. “If you surf, take a board. I didn’t this time, but certainly will next time!” After a few days on the island, it’s clear that Tan has found his new muse.
Eugene’s top five
- Swim at Lovers Bay
- Breakfast at Anchorage Restaurant
- Drink at The Crooked Post
- Stay at Pinetrees
- See Ball’s Pyramid
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