pinetrees

facilities and services

Boatshed: One of the best features of Pinetrees is our waterfront boatshed and deck. We're the only lodge on Lord Howe Island to have a waterfront position. The boatshed itself is a working boatshed – we store our outboard motors, surf boards, boat and various water craft there. We also have a hot shower and our famous honesty bar fridge for guest refreshments.

Outside the boatshed is the deck that overlooks the entire western side of the island, including the lagoon, Mt Lidgbird, Mt Gower, Mt Eliza and Rabbit Island. It's a spectacular location to spend some time reading, chatting or just lazing about. Our umbrellas provide cool shade in the summer and there's always sun in the winter. Any time of day is good, and you can often find yourself alone for hours during the day. In the evening, most guests converge on the boatshed deck for sunset drinks, and sometimes canapés. If our guests have been successful on their fishing trips, there might be some kingfish or tuna sashimi to pass around as well.

Tennis court: Our tennis court is available for guest use any time of day. It's fastidiously maintained and good tennis players appreciate the bounce. We provide rackets, balls and even some Dunlop Volleys for people without tennis shoes.

Games room: Modern hotels have forgotten about the games room – a place where people of all ages can find something fun to do. Our games room is next to the bar and lounge and features a good pool table, a not-so-good piano, board games, puzzles and books.

Lounge: Our lounge is built on foundations that are over 100 years old and part of the original homestead. Some people would say that the couches are 100 years old too. There are no designer timber stools or ottomans in our lounge. Our couches are really comfortable, and provide a perfect perch for some time with your book, the newspaper or any one of our current magazines. In winter, we light the log fire in the evening and watch to see who makes the prestigious 'fireside' position by dinner. The lounge is also a hive of activity after dessert when our plate of fine cheeses and trimmings is available with tea and coffee.

Internet room: There's limited broadband coverage on Lord Howe and no wireless broadband at Pinetrees. We're proud of the fact that people can leave their pocket communications at home. It does seem strange for a day or two, but most of our guests (of all ages) comment on how good it is to be 'disconnected' or 'unplugged' during their holiday. It's also amazing what kids can discover without access to social media. Having said that, we're not draconian about it and do provide an internet room with a reasonable speed internet connection. Bring your own laptop, or borrow ours – either way is OK.

Massage deck: Most holidays bring on the need for a massage, and an active Lord Howe holiday makes it almost essential. Our peaceful massage deck is the perfect place for a remedial or relaxation massage, and our qualified and experienced masseur can put you to sleep in minutes. Her rates are cheap compared to other holiday destinations, so you'll probably go back for more. She's in demand, so it's wise to put your name on our list before you arrive at Pinetrees. We'll sort of the finer details later.

Laundry: Some guests travel to Lord Howe with very little, so it's essential for them to wash their clothes. We provide two washing machines and a dryer in our guest laundry for use at any time. They're all coin operated. We also have a large clothes line.

Babysitting: We love kids. If you wish, we can help you find a local babysitter. Guests make their own payment arrangements with babysitters, but it's usually $15-20 per hour.

Kids' dinner: Our kids' dinners have been served for generations. We serve simple food that kids like, with ice-cream and topping for dessert. Kids' dinner is at 6:00pm (6:30pm in summer). Of course, if your kids have allergies or just strong likes and dislikes, please let us know. Most parents keep a watchful eye on proceedings from the bar, and they're often amazed by how well their children eat in the company of other children. After dinner, kids can enjoy the freedom and safety that Lord Howe provides, or have an early night. The two of you can enjoy a romantic dinner together.

Notice board: Lord Howe has a range of world-class activities available and a number of tour operators to guide you around. There are snorkelling and coral viewing trips, diving trips, fishing trips, scenic boat charters, guided walks and climbs, cultural tours and environmental tours. The Pinetrees notice board advertises the best tour operators and service providers on the island and we supply a toll-free phone for you to make arrangements. Every morning we update the notice board with activities that are planned for the days ahead, and the weather forecast.

Go Back