Lord Howe Island Price! Awards are better value (if you can get'em)

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Pat2065

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LHI is a magical place just off the NSW coast. Serviced by QF on a Dash 8 (one class only), the airfare is very expensive at around $1000 return for the cheapest red-e fare from Sydney or Brisbane. However, the proximity means only 16000 points (+taxes) are required for a return trip which is good value. Book early and enjoy this very special place. :)
 
....Are you the mayor?

Pat2065 said:
LHI is a magical place just off the NSW coast. Serviced by QF on a Dash 8 (one class only), the airfare is very expensive at around $1000 return for the cheapest red-e fare from Sydney or Brisbane. However, the proximity means only 16000 points (+taxes) are required for a return trip which is good value. Book early and enjoy this very special place. :)
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The most beautiful place I've ever been. I didn't think the airfare was that bad but it was back in 1999 so a long time ago. As I recall it was always packaged with accommodation so the cost would have been masked. I do recall getting two seats with points was impossible then at any time I tried. We did have the internet back then although I had to struggle to remember it!

So it should be on everyone's bucket list. Never felt so relaxed - almost no cars and no need for them. No one hassling you ever. Safe as houses. I can recall going on a glass bottomed boat ($12 for 2 hours!) and the captain telling us to leave our valuables behind on the beach, no one was going to touch them. That's the only place in the world I've ever heard that.

Did the guided walk up the mountain (Mt Gower?) which was very strenuous but totally amazing. Also plenty of walks around the island and the best tropical fish (even though it's subtropical) I've seen. Snorkelling fans are in for the biggest treat.

I can't recommend it highly enough. We really should go back!
 
Lord Howe Island

I've been looking at award seats in June, heaps from/to Sydney available.
Less from Brisbane, flights from/to BNE only on Sundays during this period.
 
You can usually only ever get two FF seats on the same flight and you have to get in early. However, having a trip to LHI booked well in advance is a nice thing.

Any time of year is good - all different due to climate and what the wildlife is up to at different times. We like spring (late October) but have also been in summer and autumn. The weather can be wild at times but you get that on a small island in the middle of the ocean. Can't complain - it got us an extra night there last time.

The glass bottom boat is a little more expensive these days but still excellent value, the snorkeling is brilliant with great coral and fish, and it remains a very beautiful place. We're taking the grandchildren for a week this year. We have to pay for them (painful) but at least two of the four seats are on points.
 
Can see availability as YASA for 10000 points + AUD247 which makes it an actual points cost of 8000 + AUD247

Looking at heading out there somewhere this year if I can find the time to do it.
 
I seem to recall that kpc is going this year and will be doing a TR, but may have him confused with someone else of course.

ozmille said:
Can see availability as YASA for 10000 points + AUD247 which makes it an actual points cost of 8000 + AUD247

Looking at heading out there somewhere this year if I can find the time to do it.
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Found some great classic flights just for fun, like OOL-SYD-LDH-PQQ-SYD-OOL

I do want to actually visit the island, but flying the 3 routes does mean I'll have to go twice ;)
 
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One thing I forgot to mention is that Lord Howe has the best night skies I've ever seen. If there's no wind (and sea spray) the sky is just all stars. With no light pollution (one street light in town) there's nothing much to interfere with the light from the stars especially if the moon is in its darker phase.

When we stayed there you could eat at any of the other guest houses and your hosts would take you there in their bus. This way you could work your way around all the restaurants - nearly all attached to accommodation. We ate pretty well as I recall.

There's also "feeding the fish" at Ned's Beach - a sight to behold!
 
samh004 said:
I seem to recall that kpc is going this year and will be doing a TR, but may have him confused with someone else of course.
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Good memory Sam! Going this Friday am, and have already packed the snorkelling gear:)
 
Have a wonderful time, kpc. It really is one of our favourite places. We were last there in October and can hardly wait for our return with the grandchildren, about the same time. If you forget the snorkel, you can pick a set up at Ned's. It's an honesty system where you pay an allotted amount for the use.
 
Thanks Pat. I'm looking forward to it, and will post some pics or even do a mini TR;)
 
I just noticed you have been to Galapagos. We were there last year and loved it. I see LHI as a mini-Galapagos.
 
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Never a place I had really considered ... am considering it now! Plenty of classic awards available around my birthday in Spring :)
 
I'd book in a second *if* I was allowed to camp. I know its not for everyone, but I find beautiful places more enjoyable, if I can get away from the mobile phones, internet and TVs...

Last time I check, it was strictly not allowed.
 
We managed to grab 4 awards from SYD-LDH (via PQQ) in September. One infant grandson can go for free. I can hardly wait.
 
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