Best Hikes on Lord Howe Island: Walks Worth Travelling For

Lord Howe Island may be small, but its landscapes are anything but. From coastal tracks winding through kentia palms to steep climbs revealing sweeping views across the Tasman Sea, walking is one of the best ways to experience the island beyond its beaches.

Whether you're looking for a gentle morning stroll or a hike that will have you working for the view, there are plenty of ways to explore Lord Howe Island on foot. And with most walks beginning close to the island's small settlement, it's easy to fit a hike into a day of swimming, snorkelling or simply slowing down.

Here are some of our favourite Lord Howe Island hikes and walking tracks, from easy coastal walks to more challenging climbs.

Mount Gower: Lord Howe Island's Iconic Hike

If you're looking for the hike that defines Lord Howe Island, it's hard to look past Mount Gower.

Rising 875 metres above the island, Mount Gower is one of Australia's most spectacular mountain walks. The full return hike takes around eight to nine hours and is considered a challenging walk, but the reward is an extraordinary journey through changing landscapes, rainforest and cloud forest before reaching the summit.

What makes Mount Gower special?

The landscape changes dramatically as you climb. You'll move through palm forest and dense vegetation before reaching higher elevations where the environment becomes cooler and more atmospheric.

The summit views are spectacular, stretching across the island and out towards the surrounding ocean.

The hike is also home to some of Lord Howe Island's most distinctive plant and bird life, making it as much a nature experience as a physical challenge.

Good to know: Mount Gower is a guided walk and requires a reasonable level of fitness. It involves steep sections, ladders, ropes and some scrambling, so it's best suited to experienced walkers and those comfortable with a full day on the trail.

Malabar Hill and the North Head

For spectacular coastal scenery without committing to a full-day hike, the Malabar Hill and North Head walk is a wonderful option.

The track winds along Lord Howe Island's northern coastline, with views across the lagoon, Ball's Pyramid and the surrounding ocean.

A walk with a view at every turn

The track climbs through forest before opening up to exposed headlands and sweeping coastal views. It's a lovely example of what makes walking on Lord Howe Island so rewarding: you don't need to reach a distant summit to feel completely immersed in the landscape.

Keep an eye out for seabirds along the way, particularly around the cliffs and rocky headlands.

This is a great choice for travellers who want to combine a little exercise with some of the island's most photogenic scenery.

Transit Hill: A Shorter Climb with a Big Reward

If you're after a hike that's a little more manageable but still delivers a satisfying climb, add Transit Hill to your list.

The track climbs through native forest to one of the island's best viewpoints, where you'll have panoramic views over the lagoon, settlement and mountains.

The perfect morning walk

Transit Hill is particularly appealing if you want to get out early and make the most of the cooler part of the day.

It's steep in places, but the walk is considerably shorter than Mount Gower, making it a good option for travellers who want a rewarding hike without giving up an entire day.

And there's something particularly satisfying about reaching the top and seeing just how much of Lord Howe Island you've explored from a single viewpoint.

Valley of the Shadows: A Walk Through the Forest

Not every memorable Lord Howe Island walk needs a summit.

The Valley of the Shadows offers a completely different experience, taking you beneath the island's dense vegetation and through a landscape that feels worlds away from the coast.

Slow down and look around

The track passes through lush forest and towering kentia palms, with plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the island's unique plant life.

It's the sort of walk where the details become part of the experience: the sound of birds overhead, the filtered light through the palms and the feeling of being surrounded by a landscape that has evolved in isolation.

For nature lovers, this is one to take slowly.

Lagoon Beach to Old Settlement Beach

For something gentler, the coastal walk between Lagoon Beach and Old Settlement Beach offers an easy way to explore the island without a major climb.

The route takes you along the lagoon and through coastal landscapes, with views across the water towards the mountains.

An easy walk for any day

This is the kind of walk that works beautifully around the rest of your holiday. Take it after breakfast, before a swim or as part of a relaxed afternoon exploring the island by bike.

And because Lord Howe Island is so compact, you can easily combine shorter walks with other experiences throughout the day.

The Joy of Walking on Lord Howe Island

One of the things we love most about walking on Lord Howe Island is the variety.

In a single day, you can move from coral lagoon to palm forest, from windswept clifftop to misty mountain track. The distances may be short, but the landscapes change quickly.

And perhaps that's the best thing about exploring the island on foot: there's no need to rush.

You can stop for a view. Take a photograph. Listen for birds in the forest. Wander down a track simply because it looks interesting.

It's a different pace of travel—and on Lord Howe Island, that's exactly the point.

Planning Your Lord Howe Island Hiking Holiday

If you're planning to explore Lord Howe Island on foot, a little preparation will make the experience even better.

• Check the track conditions: Weather can affect walking conditions, particularly on higher and more exposed tracks.

• Wear suitable footwear: Even shorter walks can include uneven or steep sections.

• Take water: Carry enough water for your planned walk, particularly on warmer days.

• Allow plenty of time: Don't underestimate how long you'll want to stop for the views.

• Consider a guide: Some of the island's more challenging walks require or are best experienced with a local guide.

• Pack for changing conditions: The weather can shift quickly, particularly around Mount Gower.

For specific track conditions, access requirements and current walking information, check with local authorities or your accommodation provider before setting out.

Discover Lord Howe Island with Spacifica

Lord Howe Island is one of those destinations where the journey is as much about how you spend your days as where you stay.

Spend the morning walking through ancient forest, cool off with a swim in the lagoon, cycle to lunch and finish the afternoon watching the light change across the mountains. There's no need to fill every hour. Some of the best moments happen when you simply follow the track and see where it leads.

At Spacifica, we've spent years getting to know the South Pacific, including the experiences and places that make each destination special. We can help you plan a Lord Howe Island holiday that balances walking and adventure with plenty of time to simply enjoy being there.

Ready to find your next island adventure? Call our South Pacific experts on 1800 800 722 and let us help you plan your Lord Howe Island escape.