I’m very embarrassed to say that I had lived on Lord Howe for nine years before I visited Ball’s Pyramid. Shocking I know!
For my birthday back in 2020, my husband bought me a gift voucher for a visit to Ball’s Pyramid with Reef N Beyond Eco Tours. What a great gift! But seriously, when was I going to use it?
It’s not that I didn’t want to go – Visiting Ball’s Pyramid has been high on my ‘to do’ list since we moved here. But when you have small children, combined with no pre-school or formal childcare and a husband who works a lot, the chances of going appeared slim.
In addition to my personal circumstances, a visit to Ball’s Pyramid is highly weather dependant, requiring perfect weather and sea conditions. How was this going to ever line up?
Dave and Glenys, the owners of Reef N Beyond knew my restrictions and actively tried to get me out on a tour. They would often call me at home when they had a spare spot and the conditions were perfect – Dave would cheerfully say ‘Today’s the day Danielle!’. But sadly, again and again I had to say, ‘Sorry I can’t go!’
Then the stars finally aligned in February 2023 when my youngest child started school. The tour was even better than I thought it would be.
I met Dave and my fellow passengers at the Jetty just after school drop off (how convenient was that!) and we boarded the boat. It’s quite large and very stable under your feet, with comfortable seating all with a view.
After a safety briefing, we were off crossing the lagoon towards the channel to the ocean outside. Dave wizzed us south, past Mt. Gower where I saw a mass of Mountain Roses in full bloom clinging to its side. We then saw a pod of dolphins which followed us almost the whole way to Ball’s Pyramid. Seeing them darting in and out of the water and playing in the wake was such an amazing sight to behold!
Ball’s Pyramid was much bigger than I thought it would be, and I was in awe of its shape and size. Dave encouraged his guests to snorkel, and I jumped into the water to see huge boulders, beautiful coral and even a massive kingfish.
Dave was knowledgeable and passionate when guests asked questions about his island home and I truly felt like a welcomed visitor rather than a local. We marvelled at the sea stack and the view of Lord Howe in the distance.
Thank you Dave, Glenys and Oscar for such a wonderful trip, and I hope others are as fortunate to experience Ball’s Pyramid with you in the future!
For more information or to book, visit: visitlordhowe.com.au