Lord Howe Island
Australia

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island rises from the Tasman Sea as one of the world's most breathtaking natural sanctuaries and one of Australia's most serene walking destinations.

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Overview

Lord Howe Island is unlike anywhere else on earth. Rising from the Tasman Sea with dramatic volcanic cliffs, turquoise waters and pristine beaches, this remote island sanctuary offers a walking experience defined by extraordinary natural beauty and genuine tranquillity.

The island's twin peaks, Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, dominate the southern skyline, their verdant slopes rising sharply from the sea. Walking trails wind through hidden valleys and lush rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna, much of it found nowhere else on the planet. At every turn, panoramic vistas open up across the coastline and out to the open ocean beyond.

What sets Lord Howe apart is its atmosphere. The gentle rhythm of the waves, the calls of native birds and the absence of crowds create a stillness that is increasingly hard to find. Whether walking a secluded beach, trekking through ancient forest or watching the stars from the shoreline at night, Lord Howe offers a rare and unhurried escape into one of the world's last truly unspoiled natural landscapes.


Available Walks

lord howe island accomodation
Group-Guided

Lord Howe Island - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
5
From$5,995
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The Lord Howe Island experience

Wonder
Discover one of the world's most isolated and pristine islands, limited to 400 visitors at any time
Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of only two Australian islands on the list
Ball's Pyramid, the world's tallest sea stack at 562 metres, rises from the Tasman Sea 20 kilometres away
Wellness
Seven days of guided walking on an island with no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, and no crowds
Snorkel on the world's most southerly coral reef inside the island's sheltered 6-kilometre lagoon
The island's extraordinary calm, its birdsong, and its unhurried pace are restorative in a rare and deep way
Nature
Endemic kentia palms, banyan forests, and over 200 bird species make every walk a wildlife encounter
The coral reef lagoon shelters sea turtles, dolphins, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish
Ned's Beach, where fish can be hand-fed in shallow crystal-clear water, is unlike any beach in Australia
Coming soon
Local recommendations are coming soon.

Lord Howe Island reviews

More About This Destination

Darley's in Katoomba

Located in one of your options for accommodation, Lilianfels Resort and Spa, is Darley’s. Darley’s is known as the queen of the mountains for its award-winning cuisine and formal English gardens. With the choice of a five or seven-course menu, you will leave stuffed to the brim and your palate fully satisfied.

Miss Lilian Tea House in Katoomba

Authentic and casual Asian dining located in the heart of Katoomba. Miss Lilian Tea House combines the best produce in the region to create flavourful comfort foods from Asia. Steamed dumplings, beef Pho and more are available to fill your belly to satisfaction.

Silk’s Brasserie in Leura

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Silk’s Brasserie in Leura. High ceilings and a checkerboard floor will have you feeling right at home without being too stuffy. Two and three-course meals are available with a wide variety of options within each course to customise them to fit your style. In addition, they have an incredible choice of wines that you may wish to try.

Eucalypt in Leura

If you are looking for finer dining with modern Australian cuisine and an extensive choice of wines, then Eucalypt is the perfect restaurant for you. An intimate setting was created to provide you with a comfortable atmosphere to indulge in a four-course or seven-course meal. This is the place to get a real taste of what Australian-style dining is all about.

Piedmont Inn in Blackheath

This is one of our favourites as your dinner is included one night at a local Italian restaurant, the Piedmont Inn, on the self-guided trips. This restaurant is a comfy and family favourite, specialising in pizza and pasta. Top it off with a delectable dessert, and you will be carb-ready for your next day's walk on your self-guided walking trip. In addition, this restaurant is BYO; as in, bring your own alcohol of choice. Located just down the way, it is the perfect evening stroll.

Thai Silk in Blackheath

If your self-guided walking holiday begins on a Monday, then the normal dining option will be closed. Therefore, dinner this night will be at a local Thai restaurant, Thai Silk. Located just down the road, turn right on Govett’s Leap Road and then right again onto Wentworth Street. Thai Silk will be located 100 metres down on the left-hand side. You will find a $30 voucher per person to spend on food and beverages; in addition, you can bring your own booze. Thai Silk has a vast menu with a plethora of choices that will leave you full and satisfied.

Echoes

Has possibly the best view of any restaurant in the Blue Mountains. Perched way above the Jamison Valley, enjoy superb food as you soak in the gorgeous views. Asian and contemporary Australian cuisine are on offer, and a vast wine list to enjoy. We eat here each day on the guided Blue Mountains Grand Traverse walk. Breakfast is particularly special as you can witness the dawn as the sun comes up over the sea from the east, lighting up the unique red escarpments this place is famous for.

Based on the information, the primary way to reach Lord Howe Island is by air. QantasLink operates year-round scheduled flights from Sydney, with a flight time of under two hours. These flights depart from Sydney on most days and offer connections from all Australian capital cities and many regional centres via Qantas.

Eastern Air Services also provides flights to Lord Howe Island, with weekly scheduled services and charters from Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast, and Newcastle. The flight time from Port Macquarie is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, while flights from the Gold Coast and Newcastle are around 1 hour and 30-50 minutes.

Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH) is the sole airport serving the island. Due to weight restrictions on aircraft, baggage allowances are typically 23kg of checked baggage and 7kg of carry-on. It's recommended to confirm accommodation before booking flights due to the island's limited tourist bed capacity. Upon arrival, most accommodations offer complimentary airport transfers.

Lord Howe Island enjoys a subtropical climate characterised by mild to warm summers and very mild winters.  Sea breezes play a significant role in moderating temperatures, preventing extreme heat in summer. The surrounding Tasman Sea also helps maintain relatively stable temperatures year-round.   Please see  Lord Howe Island Climate, the Bureau of Meteorology  www.bom.gov.au.

In summer (November to March), average maximum temperatures range from 24°C to 27°C, while average minimums are between 18°C and 22°C. Winter (June to August) sees average maximums between 17°C and 20°C, and minimums ranging from 12°C to 15°C.

Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, with an annual average of around 1600mm. However, the period from November to February tends to be the driest. Humidity levels generally range from 60% to 70% throughout the year, becoming more noticeable during the warmer summer months.

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your self-guided walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

  • Walking notes, a map, and a map case
  • Picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
  • Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
  • Warm jumper or jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (at least 15+)
  • 1 to 2 litres of water
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet paper
  • Some money
  • Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
  • Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
  • Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

  • Waterproof over-trousers
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with extra battery or SIM cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook and pen
  • Matches
  • Small torch
  • Walking stick
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks

Raverse itinerary, which is a part of our luxury walking collective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lord Howe Island has a mild climate year-round, making it a viable destination in any season. Check the Bureau of Meteorology ahead of time to plan your clothing but there's no bad time to visit.

Lord Howe Island is reached by a short domestic flight from Sydney or Brisbane — Qantas Link operates the route and the flight takes just a couple of hours. Most international visitors will fly into Sydney first and connect from there. Book your island flights as early as possible — seats are limited due to the island's strict cap on visitor numbers. On arrival at the island's small airport, you'll be picked up and driven directly to Arajilla Retreat.

Six nights at Arajilla Retreat, a five-star property nestled under a canopy of Kentia Palms and Banyan Trees on the northern end of the island's lagoon. Suites have separate living areas, king-sized beds, two contemporary bathrooms and private timber decks with sunbeds looking out into the rainforest. There's also a day spa, complimentary WiFi, and gear including bikes, snorkelling equipment and light fishing gear available on-site.

This is a genuine all-inclusive trip. Included are six nights' luxury accommodation, all meals prepared by Arajilla's in-house chefs (cooked breakfasts and two-course dinners each evening, plus a substantial walkers' lunch daily), two professional guides, a coral reef boat trip with snorkelling, all island transport, national park admission, and your guide pack with notes, maps, lunch bag and container.

Most days are easy to moderate, with distances ranging from 5 to 12km. The island has an excellent network of walking trails across its volcanic landscape. The two standout challenges are Goat House Cave on Day 3 — a 400-metre climb with fixed rope sections — and Mount Gower on Day 6, the island's highest peak at 875 metres, a demanding eight-hour return trek with rope-assisted climbs and steep drops. An easier alternative walk is offered on both days, so no one is left behind.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended, with a focus on hill climbing rather than distance — daily distances are below average but elevation is above average. If you plan to tackle Mount Gower, build up your hill fitness in the weeks beforehand with squats, lunges and regular stair climbing. Good ankle support and grip on your footwear matters here given the rocky and uneven terrain.

The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 64 species of unique rainforest plants, the world's southernmost coral reef, and extraordinary birdlife including the wood hen — one of the rarest birds on earth. Visitor numbers are strictly capped to protect the environment, which means the trails are quiet, the reef is pristine and the whole experience feels genuinely unspoilt. It's only two hours from Sydney or Brisbane, yet feels like another world entirely.

Yes, and it's a condition of booking. Your policy must cover injury, trip cancellation and luggage loss.

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