Lord Howe Island Archives - Australia 2000 Travel

Hi Karen,

As Camilla and I wait to board our plane from New Zealand for a long journey home, we write to thank you for putting together a most wonderful six week adventure?in Australia and New Zealand. It?s difficult to choose a favorite spot. I have been to a lot of spectacularly beautiful places in the world but none surpass Lord Howe Island off the coast of New South Wales.

When flying from Sydney to New Zealand we thought nothing could possibly top our initial three weeks in Australia.? We?left with such a love for your country and an appreciation for every single excellent accommodation you provided us.?? Now as we discuss it, we cannot choose between the two countries. Apples and oranges but equally sweet. We leave New Zealand with so much appreciation for this place . . . the beauty just never ends.

Rick Kaufman photo — Photo Credit to Rick Kaufman

Although we were initially worried about all the strenuous activities you had scheduled for us we are extremely glad we missed none of them.? ?Each hike turned out to be truly memorable?- especially the three days on the Routeburn Track that was simply spectacular. ?Every kayak experience was stunning.? We were apprehensive about the seven hour caving and rock climbing adventure in Waitomo but loved it.? We had never done anything like that before.? It was exhilarating, thrilling and we were captivated by the beautiful glow worms.? It was like looking at the Galaxy on a beautiful clear night.

BHE - Bay of Many Coves (from Rick Kaufman) — Bay of Many Coves ~ Photo Credit to Rick Kaufman

This photo is a view from our fabulous cottage at Bay of Many Coves. Another winner. I?ve traveled a lot and this adventure is up there with my best.

You did a great job!

Rick

ORPHEUS ISLAND

Orpheus Island is a true Great Barrier Reef island, located fifty miles north of Townsville, one hundred and twenty? miles south of Cairns and fifteen? miles offshore. ?It is fringed by sheltered bays and seven unspoiled sandy beaches, wreathed in spectacular coral gardens and invigorated with native flora and fauna. While snorkeling guests will view giant clams in their natural environment and? look for over a thousand species of tropical fish and more than three hundred varieties of reef coral in the underwater gardens surrounding the island.

The entire island, 3380 acres was declared a National Park in 1960.? ?Guests are likely to see echidnas and bandicoots, harmless brown and green tree snakes and green tree frogs in the rainforest, woodland and around the resort.? Many native birds can be found on the island including the orange-footed scrub fowl, brilliant yellow-bellied sunbirds, friar birds, boobook owls, sulfur crested cockatoos, ospreys, spangled drongo, brahminy kite, reef heron and rainbow lorikeets.

KANGAROO ISLAND

One of Australias true wilderness areas, Kangaroo Island is a place of rugged cliffs, roaring surf, pristine beaches, vivid blue ocean waters, dramatic caves, beautiful bush land, national parks and home to an abundance of wildlife.?Its natures paradise with unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.

To derive the greatest pleasure and value from any visit to KI we always suggest?exploring the island with one of our specialist guides who know just where to find the timid Aussie wildlife and where best to observe the?spectacular scenery along the South Coast.

LIZARD ISLAND

Situated right on the famed Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is an exclusive island; with 24 soft white beaches and fringed with coral reefs. Guests are limited to just 80 at any one time. This is an island where you can enjoy a wide choice of activities or simply take a break and luxuriate in the peace and solitude of the islands delightful natural environment.

LORD HOWE ISLAND

After flying over 370 miles of empty ocean from Sydney you will be in awe as you approach the breathtaking World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, formed when a volcano erupted 6 million years ago. Snorkeling on the most southern coral reef in the world that teems with marine life of over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral is a popular past time. World-class bush walks through the natural forests of spectacular Banyan trees and Kentia palm range from easy level-ground walks to challenging hikes to the peak of Mt Gower. In order to maintain the islands pristine environment and uniqueness the number of visitors is limited to 400 at any time.

MARIA ISLAND

Get off the beaten path on an award winning four day guided walk on historic Maria Island where peak hour traffic is a line of little blue penguins emerging from the sea.

During your four day hike you?ll see world-rated fossil cliffs and tread softly through a refuge of rare wildlife and plants.? You?ll trace the history from the era of convicts back to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.? The entire island is a national park, surrounded by pristine beaches and secluded coves.

Maria Island is a wildlife haven for mammals, birds and marine creatures and home to many rare and endangered species found nowhere else on earth.? The meeting of the warm and cold ocean currents surrounding the island provides a rich source of food for bait fish, seals and sea birds.?? The island lies on one of the great whale migration paths.? Maria Island has long been a prized destination for the keen birdwatcher with 11 of Tasmania?s 12 endemics and over 130 recorded species.? There are almost too many animals to take in.? Rare Tasmanian mammals that hop, climb trees, burrow underground or even lay eggs, seals and dolphins splashing happily in the sea are all to be found during your adventure on? Maria Island.

Thank you from Rick Kaufman