As one of Australia’s most exclusive holiday destinations, welcoming a maximum of 400 guests at any one time, there are plenty of hyper high-end places to stay on Lord Howe Island. Capella Lodge, the multi-award-winning boutique stay beneath the majestic shadow of the mountains, is a case in point – a hotel to firmly add to your dream honeymoon hit list. And while luxury hotels have their place, often the most magical holiday memories are made in the moments of play and rest that come with having your own space: a private pocket of paradise where you can take your days at your own pace. Earl’s Anchorage – a collection of architecturally designed cabins and bungalows hiding between the trees on the north side of the island – offers exactly that. Set within the palm trees, a 15-minute walk from town, each self-catered apartment is home to a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecue for your communal cook-ups, with large indoor and outdoor tables and vast, sun-soaked decks where you can sprawl out in the morning with a pot of coffee as the forest wakes up around you.
RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s our ultimate guide to Lord Howe Island
What is Earl’s Anchorage like?
The Earl’s Anchorage team describe the accommodation as “a nautical village”, and that’s a pretty accurate description. Just 700 metres from one of the island’s most famous beaches (Ned’s Beach), the six-acre property is home to eight freestanding, somewhat ship-shaped bungalows, linked by a wooden boardwalk that meanders through magical, subtropical forest.
What are the rooms like at Earl’s Anchorage?
Each unique bungalow has been designed to welcome in the Lord Howe sunshine without getting too warm, with spacious verandahs and handcrafted furniture by master shipwright Ned Trewartha (made using all Australian timbers) celebrating the local environment. The interior style is best described as coastal-casual: natural, organic forms and features softened with comfy blue cushions and huge canvas photographs of the surrounding coral reef. There’s a very holiday-mode aesthetic, and a major focus on comfort, with sofas perfectly sized for an afternoon nap and super comfy beds to crawl into at the end of an activity-packed day. You’ll also find practical, thoughtful touches like backpacks to take hiking and colourful beach towels for days spent on the sand, as well as very welcome appliances like washing machines and ironing boards that make life on holiday even easier.
During our stay, we tried out two of the different options: a smaller (but still perfectly comfortable) two-bedroom apartment towards the bottom of the property, and the light-flooded penthouse. Both featured the same essential structure, but the penthouse was notably more spacious, with high ceilings that help you breathe deep and two huge decks on either side, meaning you can catch the sunshine at any time of day. The penthouse is also home to a well-sized lawn, perfect for barbecues and lawn games with the family after a big day on the beach.
Since Earl’s doesn’t take online bookings, your best bet is to be specific about your group size and holiday needs when you email to enquire. If you’re visiting with kids, I’d suggest asking to book the penthouse for the large private lawn.
Which are the best restaurants near Earl’s Anchorage?
One of many beautiful things about Lord Howe is its size, with most dining options within easy walking or cycling distance of the accommodation options dotted around the island. A 15-minute walk from the small cluster of businesses known as “town”, Earl’s is particularly well located. Our top picks during our stay included Driftwood (an Asian-fusion eatery, the go-to for special occasions), Anchorage (a breezy café in the centre of town serving a perfectly balanced all-day menu), and The Crooked Post (the island’s cocktail bar, housed in a former post office overlooking the ocean). A short drive (or 15-minute bike ride) from Earl’s is the Golfy, a pub-style set-up overlooking the golf course serving up tap beer and pub grub with five-star views of the mountains.
What is the service like at Earl’s Anchorage?
A family-run operation, the service at Earl’s is delightfully easygoing. We were picked up from the airport by Hayley, the daughter of the managers, who embodied the barefoot energy of the place. Rachel and Jim, Hayley’s parents, are on-site whenever we need them, and are more than happy to organise everything from airport drop-offs to emergency medical supplies.
Is there a gym or pool at Earl’s Anchorage?
There’s no gym or pool on site, but with spectacular hikes and stunning coral reef to explore on your doorstep, it would be a crime to get your exercise done indoors.
What’s the area like around Earl’s Anchorage?
Recently named as one of the most beautiful places in the world, there isn’t an ugly corner of Lord Howe Island. The lush, subtropical forest that surrounds Earl’s Anchorage is no exception, with a magical path winding through the trees all the way into town.
Why should you book a stay at Earl’s Anchorage?
With a total of eight separate apartments sleeping between two and six guests, this is the place to book if you’re planning a big group trip to the island and want a laid-back base where you can let your holiday memories play out on your own timeline.
Address: 2898 Anderson Rd, Lord Howe Island NSW 2898
Price per night: From $650 per night.
Closest transport link: Lord Howe Island Airport is a ten-minute drive from the property.
Book now: Enquire here.
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