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Somerset
Home » Hotels & Resorts » Pacific Island » Lord Howe Island » All Other Regions » Somerset
Details:
Somerset is centrally located and is ideal for all visitors to Lord Howe Island. Neds Beach, the lagoon, restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance of the property.
Somerset has 25 self-catering units nestled in subtropical palm groves alive with hibiscus and frangipani. Tracks meander through the gardens and palms enhancing the atmosphere and privacy of the resort.
Guests can choose from Superior or Standard accommodation. All units have separate bedrooms and living areas, en suite bathrooms, plus covered verandas for entertaining and relaxing.
Each unit is equipped with a fridge and microwave, television, linen, fan, electric blankets, bath and beach towels. On-site facilities include covered gas barbecues, coin-operated laundry machines, day lounge, small library and pay phone for STD and local calls.
Internet access is available during office hours for guests who bring their own laptops.
The courtesy bus provides airport transfers and transport to restaurants for evening meals for the convenience of all guests.
Somerset is the perfect location for visitors wanting to enjoy and explore the wonderful attractions that have made Lord Howe Island famous.
Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Somerset.
Guide to Lord Howe Island
With official admission to the register in 1982, Lord Howe is one of only four island groups to have World Heritage listing. Widely known as the Last Paradise in the South Pacific, Lord Howe Island delivers a unique experience for the discerning traveller looking for a destination that's not touristy. Part of New South Wales (Australia), it lies 700 kilometres northeast of Sydney, the same distance southeast of Brisbane (Queensland). Lord Howe Island is all that remains of a volcanic eruption that occurred around seven million years ago. Just 11 kilometres long and less than three kilometres at its widest point, two thirds of the island's land mass is covered in rainforest and bushland. Surrounded by the southernmost coral reef in the world, it is fed by warm currents from the Great Barrier Reef.
The People of Lord Howe Island
Only 350 residents live on Lord Howe and visitor numbers are restricted to 400 at any one time. The main industries are tourism and the propagation of Kentia Palms and seeds, now available throughout the world. The protection of Lord Howe's unique environment is a source of pride for both the community and the visitor.
History of Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island was discovered in 1788 by the First Fleet ship HMS 'Supply' under the command of Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball. The ship was on a journey to Norfolk Island looking for sources of food and water for the new Sydney colony. He claimed it as a British possession, giving it the name of the then Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Howe. Settlement first began in 1834 with the island supplying passing ships with food and water.
Nature on Lord Howe Island
The natural forests include banyan trees, pandanus, the indigenous Kentia palms and a huge variety of flora. The surrounding waters are now a Marine Park and teem with diverse sea life, 94 species of coral – some of which are unique to Lord Howe waters, and 490 fish species. For bird lovers there are 130 species of permanent and migratory birds, including the once endangered and rare Lord Howe Island woodhen. There are no snakes, stinging plants or sandflies on the island.
The Sights on Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is the ideal destination in which to experience a relaxed holiday in a pristine, unspoilt environment. The Visitor Centre and Museum on Lagoon Road provides information and a fascinating look at the island's history. Explore the spectacular flora and fauna on foot with a 'Discovery Kit of Walks' available from the Centre, or take on the challenging eight-hour, rope-assisted guided walk up Mt. Gower.
Where to Stay on Lord Howe Island
There are 18 accommodation properties to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. Prices vary from budget hotels to 5-star resorts. Pinetrees is an all-inclusive resort hotel which has been run by the same family for over a hundred years. For those looking for quality, self contained accommodation, Blue Lagoon Lodge is a two minute walk from local shops and the beach. The range of self-contained accommodation range is excellent, and ranges villas and apartments like those at Somerset, with barbecues and bike hire on site; to the secluded Earl's Anchorage, with its generous free-standing cabins nestled in amongst the forest trees. For a unique spa resort, try the luxury offered by Arajilla Retreat. No camping is allowed anywhere on the island.
Getting Around Lord Howe Island
All accommodation properties provide free airport transfers for guests. Walking is a popular way to explore and enjoy the island. A network of walking tracks criss-crosses the island conveying visitors to various points of interest. The walking tracks vary from very easy to quite difficult and all have well marked signposts. Maps and guides are available for purchase. Hiring bicycles is a fun way to see Lord Howe and there are a limited number of hire cars available.
Food & Entertainment on Lord Howe Island
Meals are available at a number of fine restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine and offering a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers. There is a fine dining restaurant at Arajilla and a great restaurant at Pinetrees. Humpty Micks offers light snacks and meals and there is a general store for self-catering visitors. Check the Visitor Information Centre for opening times. Movies are shown at the local hall and there is dancing at the Bowling Club on Friday nights.
Activities on Lord Howe Island
Visitors have the choice of active or relaxing activities on Lord Howe Island – or mixing it up for a bit of both!. For the adventurous there is deep-sea and rock fishing, bush walking, and mountain climbing. There are also guided nature walks with local experts.
Experience fish feeding at Neds Beach, reef walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, or swimming in the crystal clear waters. Cruise round the island, take a scenic flight or see the underwater world in a glass-bottom boat cruise on the lagoon. North Bay is a great spot for picnics, bushwalking and bird watching.
Lord Howe Island Golf Club and the Bowls Club both welcome visitors. Clubs are available for hire. Tennis courts and kayaks can also be hired.
Shopping Guide to Lord Howe Island
There is a general store and local produce and bulk groceries are available at the Co-Op. Larrups sells surf, swim and beach wear, while souvenirs are available at Thompson's General Store and the Museum and Visitor Centre. Liquor is available at the Liquor Store, check the Visitors Centre for opening hours.
CLIMATE OF LORD HOWE ISLAND
A year-round destination – semi tropical with warm currents from the Great Barrier Reef in summer. Temperatures rarely fall below 16ºC in winter, or rise above 28ºC in the summer. Can be windy in winter.
CLOTHING ON LORD HOWE ISLAND
Casual. A jacket for cooler evenings and a raincoat are advisable. Comfortable shoes are essential and sandshoes for reefwalking or bushwalking (sturdier shoes for Mt Gower).
ELECTRICITY ON LORD HOWE ISLAND
Diesel generated, 240 volts. Bring a torch to assist in finding your way home at night.
TIME ZONE OF LORD HOWE ISLAND
Summer – same as Sydney (Eastern Daylight/Summer Time). Winter, 30 minutes ahead of AEST. GMT plus 11 hrs.
CURRENCY OF LORD HOWE ISLAND
Australian dollars. AUD travellers' cheques accepted by all business. NZ, US and UK travellers' cheques can be cashed at the bank agencies or Post Office. Credit cards accepted but no ATMs on the island. Tipping is not customary.
VISAS & HEALTH FOR LORD HOWE ISLAND
No entry requirements. Yachts need to make arrangements for pilotage and moorings. Australian citizens don't need passports.
GETTING THERE
QantasLink has regular direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie in under two hours. Details available through the Qantas network worldwide.
The People of Lord Howe Island
Only 350 residents live on Lord Howe and visitor numbers are restricted to 400 at any one time. The main industries are tourism and the propagation of Kentia Palms and seeds, now available throughout the world. The protection of Lord Howe's unique environment is a source of pride for both the community and the visitor.
History of Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island was discovered in 1788 by the First Fleet ship HMS 'Supply' under the command of Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball. The ship was on a journey to Norfolk Island looking for sources of food and water for the new Sydney colony. He claimed it as a British possession, giving it the name of the then Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Howe. Settlement first began in 1834 with the island supplying passing ships with food and water.
Nature on Lord Howe Island
The natural forests include banyan trees, pandanus, the indigenous Kentia palms and a huge variety of flora. The surrounding waters are now a Marine Park and teem with diverse sea life, 94 species of coral – some of which are unique to Lord Howe waters, and 490 fish species. For bird lovers there are 130 species of permanent and migratory birds, including the once endangered and rare Lord Howe Island woodhen. There are no snakes, stinging plants or sandflies on the island.
The Sights on Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is the ideal destination in which to experience a relaxed holiday in a pristine, unspoilt environment. The Visitor Centre and Museum on Lagoon Road provides information and a fascinating look at the island's history. Explore the spectacular flora and fauna on foot with a 'Discovery Kit of Walks' available from the Centre, or take on the challenging eight-hour, rope-assisted guided walk up Mt. Gower.
Where to Stay on Lord Howe Island
There are 18 accommodation properties to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. Prices vary from budget hotels to 5-star resorts. Pinetrees is an all-inclusive resort hotel which has been run by the same family for over a hundred years. For those looking for quality, self contained accommodation, Blue Lagoon Lodge is a two minute walk from local shops and the beach. The range of self-contained accommodation range is excellent, and ranges villas and apartments like those at Somerset, with barbecues and bike hire on site; to the secluded Earl's Anchorage, with its generous free-standing cabins nestled in amongst the forest trees. For a unique spa resort, try the luxury offered by Arajilla Retreat. No camping is allowed anywhere on the island.
Getting Around Lord Howe Island
All accommodation properties provide free airport transfers for guests. Walking is a popular way to explore and enjoy the island. A network of walking tracks criss-crosses the island conveying visitors to various points of interest. The walking tracks vary from very easy to quite difficult and all have well marked signposts. Maps and guides are available for purchase. Hiring bicycles is a fun way to see Lord Howe and there are a limited number of hire cars available.
Food & Entertainment on Lord Howe Island
Meals are available at a number of fine restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine and offering a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers. There is a fine dining restaurant at Arajilla and a great restaurant at Pinetrees. Humpty Micks offers light snacks and meals and there is a general store for self-catering visitors. Check the Visitor Information Centre for opening times. Movies are shown at the local hall and there is dancing at the Bowling Club on Friday nights.
Activities on Lord Howe Island
Visitors have the choice of active or relaxing activities on Lord Howe Island – or mixing it up for a bit of both!. For the adventurous there is deep-sea and rock fishing, bush walking, and mountain climbing. There are also guided nature walks with local experts.
Experience fish feeding at Neds Beach, reef walks, scuba diving, snorkelling, or swimming in the crystal clear waters. Cruise round the island, take a scenic flight or see the underwater world in a glass-bottom boat cruise on the lagoon. North Bay is a great spot for picnics, bushwalking and bird watching.
Lord Howe Island Golf Club and the Bowls Club both welcome visitors. Clubs are available for hire. Tennis courts and kayaks can also be hired.
Shopping Guide to Lord Howe Island
There is a general store and local produce and bulk groceries are available at the Co-Op. Larrups sells surf, swim and beach wear, while souvenirs are available at Thompson's General Store and the Museum and Visitor Centre. Liquor is available at the Liquor Store, check the Visitors Centre for opening hours.
CLIMATE OF LORD HOWE ISLAND
A year-round destination – semi tropical with warm currents from the Great Barrier Reef in summer. Temperatures rarely fall below 16ºC in winter, or rise above 28ºC in the summer. Can be windy in winter.
CLOTHING ON LORD HOWE ISLAND
Casual. A jacket for cooler evenings and a raincoat are advisable. Comfortable shoes are essential and sandshoes for reefwalking or bushwalking (sturdier shoes for Mt Gower).
ELECTRICITY ON LORD HOWE ISLAND
Diesel generated, 240 volts. Bring a torch to assist in finding your way home at night.
TIME ZONE OF LORD HOWE ISLAND
Summer – same as Sydney (Eastern Daylight/Summer Time). Winter, 30 minutes ahead of AEST. GMT plus 11 hrs.
CURRENCY OF LORD HOWE ISLAND
Australian dollars. AUD travellers' cheques accepted by all business. NZ, US and UK travellers' cheques can be cashed at the bank agencies or Post Office. Credit cards accepted but no ATMs on the island. Tipping is not customary.
VISAS & HEALTH FOR LORD HOWE ISLAND
No entry requirements. Yachts need to make arrangements for pilotage and moorings. Australian citizens don't need passports.
GETTING THERE
QantasLink has regular direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Port Macquarie in under two hours. Details available through the Qantas network worldwide.