Culinary Grace on A Lord Howe Island Walking Trip

The first time we visited Lord Howe Island we were blown away by its beauty. We stayed in a basic apartment, knowing we were going to be outside exploring most days, and when we left the clock started ticking for our return.

The draw of this idyllic, untouched oasis in the Pacific, only a couple of hours from Sydney was simply too much to resist.

We decided to treat ourselves next time, stayed in the Arajilla Retreat and now, every time we go back, that’s where we stay.

We don’t mind roughing it. However we’ve come to the conclusion that if you’re going to spend a week walking around the tiniest, most perfect little paradise island, you might as well go all in. Stay in one of the best hotels, and dine on the finest food available.

And we highly recommend you do the same. Which is why we put this trip together.

Lord Howe Island truly is paradise, but we’re not going to get into that here. You can read about the walking trip elsewhere on the site, and a simple Google search will lead you to any number of beautiful pictures, and wonderful descriptions.

Right now we’re going to talk about food, yes, food, and how the right kind in the right location, can add an extra layer of depth to your experience, and truly add to your sense of place.

As a volcanic island that emerged from the sea about 7 million years ago, the soil on Lord Howe is extremely fertile, and the executive chef at Arijilla – Bill Crompton – takes full advantage by growing the restaurant’s organic vegetables, herbs and greens right there on site.

So when you have a salad, sitting on the balcony watching the sun go down after a spectacular hike up Mount Gower, consider this.

Having just surveyed the entire landmass of Lord Howe Island, all 14.5 square kilometres of it, you’re now eating the produce of that very same land, and I can assure there’s nothing more wholesome than that.

Line caught Yellowfin Tuna, Kingfish or Wahoo occasionally make it to the kitchen, and if you catch something yourself, Ben will cook it to your liking.

A healthy breakfast will set you up for the day, from organic muesli to Tokyo Eggs and Huevos Rancheros, whatever you want in these surroundings, even breakfast feels like you’re spoiling yourself.

Every day’s adventure will be interrupted by a substantial walkers picnic, freshly prepared that morning with whatever’s in season. And one day, you’ll arrive at a secluded beach to discover your BBQ lunch being cooked by the seaside. Local fish & king prawns with seasonal salad and house made tartare & chilli jam. Utter bliss.

Dinner’s every day are a two course affair, and the modern, healthy cuisine just seems to fit with the natural environment. Smoked salmon wraps, gourmet sausages with house made onion jam, sesame crusted Kingfish, peas and romesco sauce, baby corn & miso broth. The list goes on…

Overall it’s an indulgent experience, yes, but not in an over the top luxury way. Lord Howe itself has an embarrassment of riches in regards to natural beauty, and the food in Arajilla complements if perfectly.

Look at it this way. If you were half way through the Carnarvon Gorge for example, and you stopped to made a brew in a Billy, then broke out some damper, you’d be in the same state of culinary grace. Adding that extra layer of authenticity to your experience.

That’s what Arajilla feels like. Perfect food, for the perfect location, enhancing your sense of place.

Go on. Give it a go.

Now and again you deserve to treat yourself.

But beware, you can’t go to Lord Howe Island just once….

To book a walk or hike package, book now online or call us on (03) 9597 9767.