Breathtaking Lord Howe Island Walks and Hikes

Whether you’d like to test your mettle or adopt an unhurried pace, these are the best walks and hikes for discovering the beauty of Lord Howe Island.

Looming from the sea as if a mirage, the UNESCO World Heritage Lord Howe Island easily evades comparison to any other island. Fringed by impossibly clear, cyan-hued waters and with lush sub-tropical forests draped over soaring mountains, it offers some of the most dramatic and beautiful terrain in Australia.

With heart-snatching views, adrenalin-spiking trails, and sparkling hidden coves, the island is crisscrossed with incredible treks and walks. From multi-day challenges to gentle strolls, these are the best Lord Howe walks and hikes.

1. Seven Peaks Walk

Distance: 45km

Time: 5 days

Difficulty: Moderate to hard (with options)

Terrain: Bush trails with steep and rope sections, rocky and beach walks

The king of all Lord Howe hikes, this five-day, six-night adventure is part of the Great Walks of Australia collection and is run by the wonderful people at Pinetrees Lodge.

the Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island — Experience laid-back luxury on the picturesque Lord Howe Island. (Image: Pinetrees Lodge)

You’ll hit all the high notes as you’re guided by United Nations ecologist, Luke Hanson, who is as knowledgeable as he is deeply enthusiastic about his island home.

a hiker traversing the Seven Peaks Walk — Tackle the Seven Peaks Walk. (Image: Tourism Australia)

You’ll take in spectacular vistas from North Head and Mount Eliza, Kims and Malabar Hill, and cool off in the crystalline waters of the island’s pristine beaches.

sunset views over the North Head, Lord Howe Island — The sun peeks over North Head, Lord Howe Island. (Image: tom-archer.com)

Packed into the itinerary is also a water day, where hikers may swap boots for boats and choose their own aqua adventure, be it beach lounging, kayaking or snorkelling the outer reef.

colourful coral gradens surrounding Lord Howe Island with views ofMount Lidgbird and Mount Gower — Swim past colourful coral gardens. (Image: Jordan Robins)

The final and most challenging day featuring the formidable Mount Gower summit comes with an optional bail out to explore off-track spots on Mount Lidgbird instead.

an aerial view across Lord Howe Island to Mount Gower — Take in the beautiful scenery across Lord Howe Island to Mount Gower. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick; Destination NSW)

2. Mt Eliza

Distance: 600m

Time:

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Rocky and steep

Pretty little Mount Eliza climbs upwards to a lofty 147 metres above sea level. It’s a rocky and steep scramble to the top, but up here you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping lay of the island’s north section.

Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower as seen from Mt Eliza — Take in spectacular views from the summit of Mt Eliza. (Image: photosbyash via Getty Images)

Twitchers will be disappointed that between September and March the track is closed on account of nesting sooty turns and their newborns. At all other times, follow the track up Eliza from the North Bay picnic area.

coastal views from the Seven Peaks Walk, Mt Eliza — Be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the island’s north section. (Image: Pinetrees Lodge)

3. Mount Gower

Distance: 4.5 kilometres (one way)

Time: 8–10 hours

Difficulty: Demanding

Terrain: Steep, narrow, rocky

A colossal sentinel overseeing the paradise below, Mount Gower presents an irresistible, boast-worthy challenge for experienced hikers. But no matter how mountain-ready you are, you’ll only be able to hike Gower with a licenced guide and for good reason, as conquering the summit requires an intimate understanding of the landscape and its climate.

Mt Gower as seen from Malabar lookout — Hike Mount Gower and admire the paradise below. (Image: photosbyash via Getty Images)

Taking around eight hours up and back, the difficulty pays dividends when you eventually reach the cool, mist-shrouded and fern-festooned forest at 875 metres high.

a Sooty Tern flying above North Bay on Lord Howe Island — Spot native birdlife at North Bay on Lord Howe Island. (Image: photosbyash via Getty Images)

Along the way, you’ll be tested with a vertiginous rope section and steep, rocky trails. But you’ll also be treated to clear views of Balls Pyramid and Mount Lidgbird, as well as native birdlife and you’ll return to sea level with a sizeable feeling of accomplishment.

coastal views across Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island — The views across Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower are nothing short of spectacular. (Image: tom-archer.com)

4. Malabar Hill to Dawsons Point Ridge

Distance: 1.5km (one way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Steep with rocks and tree roots

Begin this walk from Neds Beach after a reviving morning swim. You’ll ascend a grassy slope up to Pooles lookout from which you can spend a few moments soaking in the large format beauty before following the track onto Malabar Hill, which rises 208 metres.

a couple admiring Lord Howe Island on top of Malabar Hill — Walk up the Malabar Hill for panoramic views. (Image: Destination NSW)

The cliff-hugging track pauses at Kims Lookout en route to Dawsons Point Ridge, where a right hand turn will lead you down stairs to North Bay, where you can conclude your hike with another deserved dip.

a woman fish feeding at Ned's Beach, Lord Howe Island — Head to Ned’s Beach for an early morning swim. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Goat House Cave

Distance: 2.1km (one way)

Time: 3–4 hours

Difficulty: Difficult

Terrain: Steep and rocky

Pack your lunch and your valour for this walk to Goat House Cave on Mount Lidgbird. You’ll need both sustenance and fortitude to complete this, at times, vertigo-inducing hike. Ropes are required in parts and exposure to the elements on the way to the cave may tap into your reserves of resolve, but if you push onwards the attention-seeking views will more than compensate.

Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird on Lord Howe Island — Follow the scenic route on Mount Lidgbird. (Image: colbourne49 via Getty Images)

The walk begins sedately enough with a boardwalk section through Soldiers Creek Valley, but as the pandanus and endemic kentia palms give way to the more exposed Smoke Tree Ridge and Intermediate Hill, you’ll get an inkling things are looking up – way, way up. It’s a thigh-burning ascension with the final climb a work of willpower for those not entirely OK with heights, but at the top, Lord Howe’s best view is laid out for you.

an aerial view of Lord Howe Island — Capture the best view of Lord Howe Island. (Image: Destination NSW/Eugene Tan)

6. Intermediate Hill

Distance: 1km

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Steep

It’s quite the uphill burn, but given the comparatively formidable peaks elsewhere on the island, the 250-metre summit of Intermediate Hill is, well, intermediate. The viewing platform at the top is worth tomorrow’s stiff legs, though, with vast and sweeping blues and greens punctuated by the Balls Pyramid sea stack. You can go back the way you came, or if you’ve not quite had enough of a challenge, follow the steep descent via Smoking Tree Ridge.

a woman standing on top of Lord Howe Island — Soak up panoramic ocean views from the summit. (Image: Destination NSW/Eugene Tan)

7. Old Gulch and the Herring Pools

Distance: 300-metres plus extra

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Terrain: Boardwalk and rocks

From North Bay, a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk will lead you to the crystalline, rocky cove of Old Gulch, which is pleasant enough if you’d like to stop there. But, not far beyond is one of the island’s hidden treasures. You’ll need a low tide and a south wind to rock hop it around the eastern ledge to the Herring Pools. These deep and beguiling coral-lined plunge pools are fascinating to snorkel, so bring your mask for the dip. You can either return the way you came or – if you’re an experienced swimmer – jump off the ledge and swim the 300 metres back to shore.

the rocky cove of Old Gulch — Stroll along the crystalline, rocky cove of Old Gulch.

8. Little Island

Distance: 3km

Difficulty: Easy

Terrain: Mostly flat

While the southern end of the island has some of Lord Howe’s most intimidating peaks (looking at you, Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird), there are also plenty of accessible spots for a gentle walk. Beginning at the southern end of Lagoon Road, this flat wander through the forest of banyan trees and kentia palms deposits you at a grassy clearing in the immense shadow of the twin peaks.

an aerial view of Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower — The hike deposits you at a grassy clearing so you can take in the views. (Image: Unsplash/Dylan Shaw)

One of the most incredible moments of the island happens here between March and September, when the rare Providence Petrels swarm around the mountain tops at sunset. Holler out to the birds with a special call the locals will share with you and watch the seabirds clumsily tumble from the sky to satiate their curiosity.

scenic coastal views on Lord Howe Island — The UNESCO World Heritage Lord Howe Island boasts cyan-hued waters and lush sub-tropical forests. (Image: colbourne49 via Getty Images)

Check out the best Lord Howe Island Accommodation.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

8 breathtaking Lord Howe Island walks and hikes

Whether you’d like to test your mettle or adopt an unhurried pace, these are the best walks and hikes for discovering the beauty of Lord Howe Island.

1. Seven Peaks Walk

2. Mt Eliza

3. Mount Gower

4. Malabar Hill to Dawsons Point Ridge

5. Goat House Cave

6. Intermediate Hill

7. Old Gulch and the Herring Pools

8. Little Island

Check out the best Lord Howe Island Accommodation.

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No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith