How Aussie island's '70s-style apartments became a luxe ‘house hotel'
In the turquoise waters off Ned's Beach, chunky kingfish and their silver drummer mates dart and dive around us, nudging our legs and beating us to small yet perfectly formed waves. Later, when snorkelling in the island's postcard lagoon, more stickybeaks arrive; a dozen or so sooty terns that form a circle centimetres above our bobbing heads.
'What are they doing?'
'Just having a look, I reckon,' our laid-back dive boat captain replies. But even he shakes his head when a wayward squid hits the deck after making a giant leap for squidkind from the watery depths.
The fact that this World Heritage-listed island's birds and much of its sea life are protected may partly explain why the wildlife here seems so, well, in your face.
Or maybe shrinking violets just don't make the evolutionary cut in a place as ruggedly beautiful as this coral-ringed dot halfway between Australia and New Zealand that's also home to the broodingly formidable Mount Gower; giant banyan trees in the evocatively named Valley of the Shadows; and the ancient oddball that is Ball's Pyramid, the world's tallest sea stack that juts out of the water like a dark claw. It's the sole haven for another long-term islander, the Lord Howe Island stick insect, or 'tree lobster', rediscovered in 2001, long after being presumed extinct.
Lord Howe's dominant traits of stoicism and beauty have long fascinated islander Tim Maxwell. So when he and his father, Michael, debated over many chats – 'we needed to get this right' – how to transform their '70s-style apartments near Ned's Beach into a standout retreat, they took clues from the island itself.
'We weren't interested in a building that would eventually need updating,' says Tim. 'We wanted to create something solid, timeless and of enduring beauty and quality that would be here for future generations to enjoy.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Europe's new river cruise game-changer is Aussie - and I was among the first onboard
APT Ostara. Launched in: June 2025 Size: 135 metres long, 77 suites, 154 guests Itinerary: APT has a lengthy list of destinations but we're on an eight-day river cruise taking in highlights of the Rhine and Main rivers through Germany and the Netherlands, visiting World Heritage-listed towns and ending in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Prices start from $3895 per person with optional land-trip extensions including a seven-day Austria and Hungary add-on (from $7100 per person) or a 10-day post-trip addition taking in Salzburg, Budapest and Prague (from $9500 per person). Explore more: There are two new stunners turning heads on Central Europe's most popular river cruise routes, the sleek new offerings from Australian company APT, the Ostara and sister ship Solara. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area Solara was launched in April and we're on board the Ostara, launched in June. The identical ships' goal is to bring a new level of luxury to travel along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. We're among the first guests on Ostara to see whether the reality matches the hype. As I agonise over whether to pack a dinner jacket, my far more glamorous European wife raises an eyebrow as she neatly folds her elegant evening wear. "You do know this is a classy ship," she says. I take the hint. Proudly flying an Australian flag from its bow, this is no jumbo cruise ship full of neon waterslides and squealing children. Think shirts and slacks for dining, tasteful, understated decor and cocktails on the upper deck as you cruise effortlessly onwards, James Bond style. The dark navy exterior, offset with flashes of white and yellow, stands out from the crowd on the busy harbours, but it's inside that the ship really starts to show off. A skylit atrium is an eye-catching centrepiece of the entrance lobby, where a rope sculpture by Australian artist Sarah Parkes brings a nautical theme to the centre stairwell. Upstairs in the Salon lounge, where low-sung sofas and tables are set around a central bar, the vibe is casual and social. By night a more upbeat entertainment vibe takes over, and we're treated to a lively Franconian oompah band on our second night. Unsurprisingly, it's an older, mostly Australian crowd on board, but the truly international crew works hard to show off the cultural highlights of the areas we pass through, with guest speakers giving historical lectures and the best local produce and wines on offer. There are three levels of luxury to choose from among the 77 cabins, starting with the opulent Owner's Suite. Tasteful strip lighting is recessed into the ceiling and the colour scheme is one of muted whites, creams and subtle browns. There's a sofa niche with coffee table, but the real highlight is the outdoor balcony. We're staying in a category A French Balcony Suite, the next level down which, if we hadn't seen the very top tier, we would have easily mistaken for the most comfortable digs on the water. Again, off-whites, light tones and honey-coloured timbers dominate these 17-square-metre rooms. Floor-to-ceiling electric windows slide down halfway, allowing us to better take in the sights and sounds of the river. We wave at passing children on the bank and watch as long-legged herons wade through nearby shallows. The top-level Owner's Suite. Paul Hecker, one of the Melbourne-based designers behind the designs, says the intention was not to create floating hotel rooms but to remind guests they were on a ship. This is achieved through panelling, low-slung lampshades and louvres that bring a subtle nautical theme to the cabins. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Twin Window catoegory of suites, where light and airy gives way to warm, dark timbers and cozy niches. River cruising is a much more intimate affair than being onboard an ocean liner, but this hasn't prevented APT from providing six distinct dining experiences. And it's clear they've identified fine dining as one of the areas where they want to set themselves apart from the competition. Upstairs behind the salon, there are open buffets of fine cheeses, fresh fruit and a la carte casual dining, and one level down, there's a strong emphasis on highlighting the best local cuisine of the region we're passing through. The ship also has a party trick - the Gruener bar and restaurant that elevates on a hydraulic lift to create a panoramic view. The Gruener Bar and Restaurant can be raised on a hydraulic stand to give the best views on board. But the top-tier dining experience is the Owner's Cellar, a private dining room with a long, shared table that ends in a display of beautiful wines. We're treated to a five-course tasting menu featuring pike perch in brown butter and capers with hazelnuts and grapefruit, slow-cooked sirloin with salsa verde and potato gratin. Desserts are presented like works of art on uniquely branded crockery. Wines from Germany, France and Austria are matched to each course. Our degustation ends with a sweet, crisp dessert wine from Hungary. Everything from the eggs benedict at breakfast up to the Owner's Cellar is a faultless, well-thought-out dining experience that tips its hat to the local cuisine while keeping Australian preferences in mind. There's a small gym on board if you're feeling guilty about all the fine dining. But a better option is right next door at the spa, where a relaxing massage can be booked, just the thing after a busy day of exploring. But when the sun is out there's no better place to be than up on the top deck. The Daystar Deck makes an inviting hub for socialising with a drink when the weather's warm. We return from exploring Ruedesheim, on the Rhine in Germany, to find the crew cooking up a magnificent outdoor seafood barbecue, and we laze in the sun, Aperol in hand. The farewell party before arriving in Amsterdam is an unmissable night of dancing as the ship's musicians belt out ABBA favourites and get everyone out of their seats. It's a truly international affair on board from our energetic Hungarian cruise director Bernadette through to crew from Bolivia, Serbia and Myanmar, and they all speak good English. And they never stop moving. We return one afternoon to find a crew member, paint tin in hand, inspecting the hull for marks. Upstairs, more crew are on their hands and knees dusting the (to my eyes) already immaculately clean skirting boards. It's clear that a lot of care and effort has gone into these new ships, and everyone from captain Cristian Tapoi down takes pride in keeping them in perfect condition. Beating the Europeans on their own turf sounds like an audacious ambition for an Australian company. But it's clear APT is out to set a new standard on some of the world's most magnificent waterways. The writer was a guest of APT Words by Scott Hannaford I've spent a career trying to focus on the stories, people and issues that matter, while filtering out the noise that doesn't. I believe high-quality, unique and incisive reporting is worth the investment and what distinguishes a reporter or publication. Got a news tip?
West Australian
10-08-2025
- West Australian
Victorian council ends decade-long Great Ocean Road tourism bid
A Victorian council has ended a decade-long bid to be included in the renowned Great Ocean Road. The Glenelg Shire Council in far southwest Victoria is blaming state and national marketing campaigns for not including their region. Despite not being on the Great Ocean Road itself, the Glenelg council had been paying $80,000 a year to be part of the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board. In a statement on the council website, posted earlier this month, the council says it is time to cut the chord. 'From 2015, Glenelg Shire Council have been a member of the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board (GORRT),' a spokesperson said. 'Council has found that although GORRT have been strong in their advocacy and attempts to link the Glenelg Shire to the Great Ocean Road, the Glenelg Shire is simply not officially recognised by our state and federal partners as being part of the Great Ocean Road. 'We are regularly omitted from marketing, tourism campaigns and strategies.' The Great Ocean Road generates $1.9bn of economic activity each year, the state government says, creating 9800 local jobs. Tourism Australia launched its new major campaign last week, and the only Victorian location featured was the Twelve Apostles, which is on the western half of the tourism strip. The Glenelg Shire is west of the actual Great Ocean Road, despite paying $80,000 a year to the road's tourism board. Membership gives businesses and organisations access to marketing on tourism websites. 'Council has chosen not to continue with GORRT, instead redirecting the $80,000 per year membership fee to directly invest in tailored opportunities that better align with the unique needs and potential of our region,' the council spokesperson said. The Glenelg Shire will instead focus on promoting its nationally recognised Kelpie Festival, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape; the first place in Australia to be recognised solely for its Aboriginal cultural values. A state government spokesperson said Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board was in charge of tourism for the region. 'We will continue to work with Glenelg Shire to encourage visitors to visit southwest Victoria and experience the best of the Great Ocean Road,' the spokesperson said.
Perth Now
10-08-2025
- Perth Now
Council ditches bid to join iconic tourism strip
A Victorian council has ended a decade-long bid to be included in the renowned Great Ocean Road. The Glenelg Shire Council in far southwest Victoria is blaming state and national marketing campaigns for not including their region. Despite not being on the Great Ocean Road itself, the Glenelg council had been paying $80,000 a year to be part of the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board. In a statement on the council website, posted earlier this month, the council says it is time to cut the chord. 'From 2015, Glenelg Shire Council have been a member of the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board (GORRT),' a spokesperson said. The Glenelg council area doesn't actual fall across the Great Ocean Road. Picture. iStock Credit: istock 'Council has found that although GORRT have been strong in their advocacy and attempts to link the Glenelg Shire to the Great Ocean Road, the Glenelg Shire is simply not officially recognised by our state and federal partners as being part of the Great Ocean Road. 'We are regularly omitted from marketing, tourism campaigns and strategies.' The Great Ocean Road generates $1.9bn of economic activity each year, the state government says, creating 9800 local jobs. Tourism Australia launched its new major campaign last week, and the only Victorian location featured was the Twelve Apostles, which is on the western half of the tourism strip. The Glenelg Shire is west of the actual Great Ocean Road, despite paying $80,000 a year to the road's tourism board. Membership gives businesses and organisations access to marketing on tourism websites. The only Victorian spot included in Tourism Australia's newest major campaign is the Twelve Apostles. Credit: News Corp Australia 'Council has chosen not to continue with GORRT, instead redirecting the $80,000 per year membership fee to directly invest in tailored opportunities that better align with the unique needs and potential of our region,' the council spokesperson said. The Glenelg Shire will instead focus on promoting its nationally recognised Kelpie Festival, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape; the first place in Australia to be recognised solely for its Aboriginal cultural values. A state government spokesperson said Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board was in charge of tourism for the region. 'We will continue to work with Glenelg Shire to encourage visitors to visit southwest Victoria and experience the best of the Great Ocean Road,' the spokesperson said.
