Past Guest Letter to the team at Capella Lodge

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Posted on 30th April 2010 by capella in Guest Comments

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A letter from Michael and Helen Taylor guests of Capella in April 2010

Dear Libby,
Before we left we were able to have a lovely chat with you, all about the Lodge and Lord Howe Island in particular. Then we were able to congratulate you on how wonderful all facilities at the Lodge are – and the gorgeous meals – that made the holiday for Helen and I and for Des and Sonia, such a very special extravagance.
Your leadership of the staff and the easy lifestyle we experienced was the perfect combination of cool style and luxury attention to detail. As we mentioned, the morale of the staff was a tribute to you and Mark. We fulsomely thanked Mark when he delivered us to the airport. He is a great fellow.
But the real purpose of the letter is to ask you to very personally pass on to your kitchen and dining room/pavilion staff and tell:
Robyn, Erin, Karreen, Anna, Phil, Izaac and Brad
from us, that we so appreciate their assistance in all respects. It was they who made our stay so very enjoyable. They were so friendly yet respectful, so very efficient and competent and so typically Aussie that we loved them all.
With our very best wishes to yourself Libby, and to all at Capella for continued success at Australia’s best Lodge.

Michael and Helen

Lord Howe Island – a living history

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Posted on 20th April 2010 by capella in History

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From Lodge Manager, Libby Grant: A short history of Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island and nearby Balls Pyramid had a fiery beginning. They are part of a chain of 9 underwater volcanoes that stretches north for a 100km. The dominating, erosion resistant ramparts of 875m Mt Gower and 777m Mt Lidgbird were formed 6.4million years ago as lava filled in the crater of the LHI volcano.

 In 1788 the HMAS Supply under the command of Lieut Henry Lidgbird Ball was en route to the penal colony of Norfolk Island when he sighted LHI. Ball named the island after the first lord of the British Admiralty, Richard Howe. No one settled on LHI until 45 years after it’s discovery. Early settlers supplied provisions to the whaling fleets that plied the Pacific Ocean until the early 19th century when the Kentia Palm industry provided a

 lucrative alternative for the islanders. In the early 20th century tourism starting on LHI at Pinetrees and Ocean View Lodges. Before the outbreak of WW2 there were about 60 guesthouse beds on the Island. Now there are 400 and tourism is a thriving industry that supports the entire island community.

Lord Howe Island’s unspoiled environment is protected by its Unesco World Heritage status. It is also a National & Marine Park. All are maintained by the administrative board’s environmentally sensitive management policy of nurturing the flora and fauna to preserve the original character of the island.

Aren’t we lucky that we can experience this very special place?

The Lord Howe Island reef and mountains

The Mount Gower Summit Trek

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Posted on 12th April 2010 by capella in Lord Howe Experiences

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7 April 2010
The Mount Gower Trek justly deserves its ranking as one of Australia’s top day walks. Taking approximately 5 hours to reach the summit at 875metres and another 4 hours to return, this trek should not be taken lightly.
Marvel at the breathtaking views of Ball’s Pyramid, Mt Lidgbird, the lagoon and the northern settlement. Explore the cloud forest on the summit where lichens, ferns, orchids and mosses flourish.
This climb isn’t for everyone, it is extremely challenging. Licensed guides Jack Shick and Dean Hiscox conduct this Class 5 climb three days a week (weather depending).
So, if you are planning on visiting Lord Howe and Capella Lodge remember to start training! Not only are the views from the summit spectacular, you will also get up close and personal with the island wood hens who will be trying to pinch your lunch.
From March to September you will probably also find yourself being dive-bombed by the Providence Petrels which soar around the summit. As soon as they hear any loud noise they come crashing through the dense canopy.
A sojourn in the cedar hot tub is a must after this strenuous day – of course, only if you’re staying at Capella!

Autumn on Lord Howe

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Posted on 7th April 2010 by capella in Lord Howe Experiences

We are enjoying the most splendid week of weather on Lord Howe. Wonderful clear days and whisper breezes have guests setting off on adventures all over the island. One such couple paddled off in one of our kayaks to Blackburn Island ( or Rabbit Island as it is affectionately known), located in the centre of the lagoon.
Blackburn Island was named after David Blackburn, sailing master of the Supply. Its named changed to Goat Island, then Rabbit Island and back to Blackburn Island officially in 1973. The ‘ Rabbit Island’ nickname probably has its origins from the unattended burrows of the Wedge-tailed shearwaters that are very similar to that of a rabbit.
This oval shaped island is only really accessible by kayak or small boat. It is well worth the paddle out there as it is the home for the shearwaters. Their chicks, all well fed and fluffy can be seen outside their burrows. It is also home to Lord Howe’s two lizard species, the skink and gecko.

On the eastern side of Blackburn Island you can see the remains of an old concrete shark ‘processing tank’ from the 1930s. A very short lived industry.


Whilst on the way back from dropping guests to the jetty I passed a group of school children (all barefoot, as is the tradition at the Island school) with their teacher, heading off to guess what?! A kayak out to Blackburn Island for Friday afternoon sport. What a life!