Pinetrees Lodge is the perfect place to bring a family – it’s so safe that children enjoy a level of freedom far above other holiday destinations. Renting bikes is the best way to get around the island, but you can also walk because everything is within easy walking distance. The wonderful lack of WiFi, TV and mobile phone reception encourages children, and parents, to create their own entertainment and fun – like building sandcastles, collecting shells, feeding fish, reading books and using their imagination to play. It’s truly special.
Infants, under 2 years, travelling on Qantas flights to Lord Howe Island have no baggage allowance, but they travel for free! You’re able to take ‘infant items’ such as a collapsible stroller or bassinet etc. Children, 2 years and over, have the same baggage allowance as adults, which is 14kg checked allowance and 7kg carry on allowance. Please check the Qantas website for the specific items allowed and the most up to date information about flying with children and infants.
Pinetrees has a number of strollers, and portable cots are provided for infants who are younger than 18 months. Children older than 18 months will have their own bed. If you’d like to bring your own stroller, you can, but a portable cot isn’t necessary.
A number of baby ‘cabooses’ are available for hire with your bikes from Wilson’s Hire. They also have children’s bikes and helmets. If you’d like to pre-book these (strongly recommended for school holidays) or have any questions about renting them, please call Wilsons Hire (02 6563 2045).
There are a limited range of nappies and other baby items available for purchase from Joys Shop (02 6563 2121) and Thompsons Store (02 6563 2155). However, it’s probably a good idea to bring your own nappies as they can be expensive on the island and the brand or size you normally use may not be available.
It’s not necessary to bring baby food as the Pinetrees chefs prepare purees and other soft food for infants. It’s a good idea to bring extra treats or special foods that they particularly enjoy. There is a fridge in your room.
Please ask Pinetrees staff when you check-in if you’d like supplies in your room to prepare an early breakfast for babies or children who wake up early, since breakfast is at 8am. We can provide bread, a toaster, cereal, milk, fruit and yoghurt.
Our kids’ dinners have been served for generations. Kids’ dinner is from 5.30pm-6pm, and it’s suitable for babies and children up to the age of 12. The food is healthy and delicious and there’s always time for dessert. Unfortunately we can’t provide children’s meals at the same time as our main dinner service – there isn’t enough space in the kitchen. If your kids have allergies or just strong likes and dislikes (like our kids), then 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 kids. After dinner, kids can enjoy the freedom and safety that Lord Howe provides, or have an early night so their parents can enjoy a relaxed evening meal.
There’s no WiFi, TVs or DVD players at Pinetrees. If you’d like your children to watch movies during your stay, then please bring a pre-loaded portable device. We have a large range of games and puzzles that kids can borrow from the lodge.