LDH will be heavily booked in January (school summer holidays). Once, QF would not issue my award ticket without me confirming where I was staying. As there are only 400 tourist beds on the island, check the web and get in early. There are no backpacker or camping facilities (but there are all sorts of better options). Also, the Dash8 flights ex SYD (and BNE?) are very fussy about baggage weight. I think its 14kg luggage (and that includes carry ons). An international ticket may allow flexibility though. Expect to be weighed (you and your bags).