Heading off on a domestic getaway is the travel trend on point during this time of international border closures and restrictions. Here at Spacifica Travel we are specialists in the South Pacific region so you might be forgiven for thinking that we have no destinations to offer you for a domestic holiday, but we do. We have two hidden gems on our books that are located in the South Pacific region and are domestic destinations – Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. Both islands offer a unique holiday experience like no other with the added bonus of only being a short flight off the east coast of Australia, so you can still claim to be travelling overseas, technically. Want to find out more about these island paradises so you can add them to your travel list, then read on to learn what makes these destinations a domestic holiday must do.

Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Spacifica Travel because it is the first South Pacific destination that we started sending our customers to over 15 years ago. This small island played an important role in Australia’s convict and settler history and is home to many descendants of the infamous ship HMS Bounty. Spend your days learning about the disappearance of early Polynesians, the arrival of European settlers, the wreckage of HMS Sirius, the emaciated convicts and much more. Throughout your stay, you can experience professional tours and shows, world-class painting displays, music, photography and the written word.

Norfolk also offers visitors more than just historical artefacts, convict settlements, museums and heritage - it has a natural beauty that will transport you back to a simpler time. The first thing that you will notice when you step off the plane is how green Norfolk is – with towering pines, rolling hills and free-roaming cows, the island has a pleasant country-side atmosphere. The second thing you will notice is how fresh the air is – clean, unpolluted and slightly salty, it will fill your lungs, leaving you feeling instantly cleansed and relaxed. For nature lovers, there are spectacular views from every angle, along with lots of lovely walks, bird watching and interesting flora and fauna. If you’re looking for something more active, there is snorkelling, kayaking and chartered fishing to keep you busy, as well as diving tours to explore the shipwrecked HMS Sirius.

Accommodation-wise, there are plenty of options on Norfolk, from self-contained apartments that are close to the main town Burnt Pine, through to stunning heritage cottages that have been fully restored to their former glory. There are also lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from, all serving great local, fresh produce. Here at Spacifica Travel we offer a range of different Norfolk Island holiday packages and all our packages can be tailored to suit your specific requirements or we can create a unique package completely from scratch, ensuring that you get the most out of your stay on Norfolk.
 

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a pristine, unspoilt gem that personifies the 'take only pictures and leave only footprints' mantra. Swap views of high rise resorts for lush, green hills that command your attention and diverse marine environments that will leave you bewildered. While you’re at it, forget about cars, and join the locals cycling around this quaint piece of untouched paradise, feeling the gentle Pacific breeze against your skin. Wearing its UNESCO world heritage status as a badge of honour, the 300 island residents are passionate about keeping their home clean and unpolluted, so much so that you can’t help but fall in love with the island and embrace the locals' contagious eco-friendly spirit.

There is plenty to do, see and eat on Lord Howe Island. Head out on one of the many walks the island has to offer from leisurely beach strolls and gentle treks through Kentia palm forests to the more challenging Mt Gower trek that takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Leaping abruptly from the ocean, Mt Gower stands 853m tall, creating a magnificent backdrop for which the island is famous for. If you do reach the summit, the stunning ocean views surrounding the island are just breath-taking and well worth the effort.

After admiring the ocean above the treetops, cool off and experience the island’s waters and marine environment up close and personal. Perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts, you can explore the wonder of the coral reefs and gardens with all their colourful marine life, dazzling coral and maybe even a turtle. Once you’re done floating blissfully on the ocean's surface, make a trip to Ball's Pyramid for a diving experience like no other. Located a 20-minute boat ride to the Island's south, this magnificent rock formation jumps out of the pristine deep blue water. With many caverns and caves hidden beneath the surface, discover the rare and wonderful marine life who make this area their home. You can also explore the waters without getting wet, hire a kayak and paddle over the calm waters of the lagoon or jump on-board the glass bottom boat to see even more. Don’t forget to feed the fish at Ned’s Beach, a must do on Lord Howe Island.

Your accommodation options on Lord Howe Island range from self-catering apartments to all-inclusive five star resorts but be assured all offer gorgeous views of the island plus the seclusion and tranquillity that makes for a holiday you will remember for years to come. We have a range of holiday packages for Lord Howe Island to suit all needs and requirements plus we can tailor a completely custom package for you so that you are able to enjoy a truly unique and unforgettable Lord Howe Island getaway.

If the above information has you wanting to experience one of our island paradises then call our domestic getaway specialists on 1800 800 722 today. Or check out our holiday packages ready for you to book and go now!