Lord Howe Island Walk - 6 Days

Set off on a 6-day walking holiday on Lord Howe Island, a true paradise nestled in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

This World Heritage-listed island is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty, featuring rugged volcanic landscapes, lush forests, pristine beaches, and the world’s southernmost coral reef. Designed as a Pack Free adventure, this guided tour allows you to experience the island’s stunning trails without the burden of carrying a heavy pack, letting you fully immerse yourself in its natural wonders.

Throughout the journey, you’ll explore the island’s diverse landscapes, from dramatic clifftops offering breathtaking ocean views to the lush valleys of ancient forests. Discover the remarkable volcanic peaks, including Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, which stand tall over the island, and enjoy walks along pristine beaches with turquoise waters lapping at the shore. The crystal-clear lagoon, sheltered by a 6 km coral reef, provides a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, and witnessing the vibrant marine life up close.

Day 1 - Getting there

Flights are available direct from Sydney daily. Be met on arrival by an Ocean View Apartments representative and be transferred to your accommodation for the next 5 nights. The remainder of the day is for you to relax, wind down into the pace of ‘island time’ and soak up the atmosphere of this idyllic place. Your accommodation is ideally located close to the shops and museum. Tonight, meet your fellow group members and host before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 - Goat House Cave Trek

Walk 4.5kms. 6 hours with breaks. 450m elevation. Grade 4

After breakfast, we set off on one of Lord Howe Island’s most rewarding hikes. The Goat House Cave Track winds through lush lowland rainforest before ascending to Smoking Tree Ridge, where the landscape shifts into cool, misty cloud forest. Along the way, we encounter unique endemic plants such as the Mountain Rose and Big Mountain Palm. A rope-assisted final section leads to the dramatic Goat House Cave, perched beneath towering cliffs. Here, we stop for lunch with breathtaking views over Rocky Run, George’s Bay, and Red Point. To the south, the cliffs of Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower rise above the sea, while Ball’s Pyramid stands tall on the horizon. We return via the same trail and head to King’s Beach, a beautiful, secluded spot perfect for a refreshing swim and some well-earned relaxation. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, paired with Australian wine.

Day 3 - Mt Gower

14kms full day walking with breaks (8-9 hours). 875m ascent. Grade 5 Hard Grade - Difficult includes steep sections with ropes

For those who prefer not to join the main walk today, there’s an option to embark on an alternative route encompassing Transit Hill, Valley of the Shadow, and Middle Beach Trail. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and discovering the surroundings. Easy Grade. 5km. 1.5 hours.

For those up to the challenge, we will hike to the summit of Mt Gower, rated as one of Australia’s best day walks. The hike is one of the highlights of Lord Howe Island and although this is a full 8.5 – 9-hour walk, once at the top the view is simply out of this world and worth every step. You’ll feel a huge sense of achievement making it the top where you’ll experience an amazing misty cloud forest wonderland, with everything covered in pretty mosses and stunning views of the crystal clear waters of the lagoon below. At the breeding time during the year, Providence Petrels can be seen in their tens of thousands flying everywhere and dropping through the tree canopy to your guide’s calls. Note some sections of this walk are steep and require the use of anchored ropes for ascents and descents. You will need to be physically fit to do this walk. It is approximately 10 km with an elevation of 875 metres. Grade 5.

Note there is the option to stop at the saddle walking to around 500 metres and wait for the group to return from the summit. The walk up to this point has only a four to five areas where ropes are required. The saddle has amazing views over Mount Lidgbird. Hard Grade. 6kms

Tonight we will all join up to talk about our day’s adventures over another superb dinner.

Please note: The Mt Gower walk may be moved to a different day of the itinerary due to the availability of the local guide.

Day 4 - Northern Hills and Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

 6kms. 4.5 hours walking with breaks. 2 hours snorkelling. Medium grade. Malabar Hill Ascent: 210m 

After breakfast, we set off on a spectacular walking adventure exploring the northern end of Lord Howe Island. Our journey begins at Ned’s Beach, where we ascend through lush subtropical forest to Malabar Hill. Along the way, enjoy striking coastal views and keep an eye out for nesting seabirds soaring along the cliffs. From the 200-metre cliff top, take in sweeping vistas over the coral reef and turquoise lagoon to Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. We continue along the ridge to Kim’s Lookout, one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints. From here, gaze south across Old Settlement Beach, west to Mt Eliza, and northeast toward the Admiralty Islands. Descending into North Bay, the landscape changes again with dense Kentia palm forests and coastal tracks. Here, you have time to swim, stroll the boardwalk to the rugged boulders of Old Gulch, or for the energetic, take on the short but steep climb to Mt Eliza—home to nesting seabirds and dramatic ocean views. After lunch, we walk along North Beach past the bustling Sooty Tern colony before boarding a glass-bottom boat for a relaxed cruise. View vibrant coral gardens, graceful turtles, and a shipwreck resting on the lagoon floor. Enjoy snorkelling or simply relax as we cruise back to the boatsheds and return to the accommodation. This evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant, paired with Australian wine—a perfect end to a day of island adventure.

Day 5 - Boat Harbour, Rocky Run and Muttonbird Point

6kms. 5 hours walking. Medium grade. Ascent 250m.

After breakfast, we set out on our day’s walk on the eastern side of the island walking along the Coastal Track to Boat Harbour via Mutton Bird Point Lookout and Rocky Run. We follow the coast through pretty lowland forest of Curly Palms, Blackbutts, Grey barks and Hopwoods. We stop by at Muttonbird Point where we will see a large breeding colony of Masked Boobies (birds) from a special viewing platform. We follow the track to Rocky Run Creek to the sea for stunning views before we continue on to Boat Harbour. Boat Harbour is a pretty beach location with rounded volcanic boulders and worn coral. In the corner of the beach, a stream leads up into shallow pools where fresh drinking water can be found. Continue through the beautiful wet rainforest to the end of our walk. Tonight, enjoy dinner and drinks.

Day 6 - Departure Day

On the last day, we enjoy a late breakfast. As there is no walking today, the group is independent. We suggest the group set off after breakfast, take a short walk to the Museum to see some of the histories of this amazing place. Afterwards, head to Ned’s Beach where you can hand feed the fish. The group enjoys a celebratory lunch at Ned’s Beach (a cook yourself BBQ). Depending on your flight time, the hotel can pick you up from Ned’s Beach to go directly to the airport or alternatively you can cycle or walk back to the accommodation to meet your afternoon airport transfer there. Join your flight home at the end of an amazing trip.

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