Lord Howe Island Guide: Trails, Snorkel Spots and Stays

The first thing you notice on Lord Howe Island is the quiet. No crowds, no traffic, just the soft hush of the lagoon and the rustle of Kentia palms. This World Heritage gem rises from the Tasman Sea about 600 kilometers off the coast of New South Wales, protecting the world’s southernmost coral reef and an astonishing array of endemic plants and birds. Visitor numbers are capped, the pace is slow, and the experiences are big. Think fish that glide past your knees at Ned’s Beach, cloud forest panoramas from the summit of Mount Gower, and barefoot afternoons that turn into star-flecked nights.

If you dream of a holiday where you can hike spectacular ridgelines in the morning, drift over coral gardens after lunch, and toast the sunset beside a palm-fringed lagoon, this guide is your invitation. Below you will find the best Lord Howe Island trails, the top places to snorkel, where to stay and dine, and the practical tips that make a trip here seamless.

Why Lord Howe Island Belongs on Your List

• It is protected and personal: Only around 400 guests are allowed on the island at any one time, which keeps trails quiet and snorkel spots serene.
• It is wildly beautiful: Twin volcanic peaks anchor the south, a sheltered lagoon shimmers on the west, and sheer sea cliffs rise to the north.
• It is a biodiversity hotspot: Expect encounters with Lord Howe woodhens, red-tailed tropicbirds, and green turtles among seagrass meadows. Underwater, hard corals thrive at the cool end of the reef’s range.
• It is easy to unplug and be present: Limited mobile coverage in places, no traffic lights, and a 25 km per hour speed limit encourage the kind of holiday you remember.

When to Go and How Long to Stay

Lord Howe Island has a mild subtropical climate year round. You can visit in any season, although the feel of the island shifts with the months.

• September to May: Warm days, vibrant reef life, and longer daylight hours. Peak season for swimming and snorkeling. Spring brings wildflowers on the trails.
• June to August: Cooler water and air temps, clear air on the summits, excellent birdwatching, and a quieter atmosphere. Winter often brings humpback whales passing offshore.

Ideal trip length: Five to seven nights lets you hike two to three signature trails, snorkel multiple sites at different tides, and build in rest days. Short on time? A three-night escape still delivers a handful of stellar moments.

How to Get to Lord Howe Island

• Flights: QantasLink operates direct flights from Sydney year round, with seasonal services from Brisbane. Because seats are limited and demand is high, book several months in advance for peak times.
• Baggage: Weight allowances can be lower than standard domestic flights due to aircraft size. Pack light, and check the latest limits before you go.
• Accommodation confirmation: You will likely need a confirmed accommodation booking to secure flights, since visitor numbers are capped.
• Biosecurity: The island’s ecosystems are fragile. Expect checks at departure, including screening of shoes and gear. Clean hiking boots and leave fresh fruit and vegetables at home unless approved.

Tip: Travel insurance is wise. Weather can affect flight schedules.

Getting Around: Bikes, Feet and Island Time

Lord Howe Island was built for walking and cycling. The roads are quiet, the distances are short, and parking is easy if you use a bike.

• Bicycles: Most guests rent bikes upon arrival or through their accommodation. Some properties include them. A basket on the handlebars makes grocery runs enjoyable.
• On foot: Many beaches and trailheads are walkable from accommodation in the Settlement and Lagoon areas.
• Cars: A limited number of small rental cars are available. Book early if you prefer to drive or have mobility needs.
• Local etiquette: The speed limit is 25 km per hour everywhere. Give birds right of way, ring your bike bell around bends, and use lights after dark.

Connectivity note: Mobile coverage is limited. Telstra users have the best chance of service in the Settlement area, but expect to unplug. Some lodges offer Wi-Fi, often at a fee.

Hiking Guide: Best Trails on Lord Howe Island

The trails here are as varied as the island itself, from banyan-shaded strolls to exposed scrambles with rope assists. Always check conditions with your lodge or the Visitor Centre, carry water and a windproof layer, and respect seasonal closures that protect nesting seabirds and sensitive habitats.

Signature Summit: Mount Gower

• Distance and time: Around 14 kilometers return, 8 to 10 hours
• Elevation: 875 meters
• Difficulty: Very hard
• Guide requirement: Mandatory with a licensed guide

Mount Gower is the island’s most famous hike and a true adventure. The route involves steep sections, cliff-edge traverses, and fixed ropes. The reward is immense. On a clear day, you look over the lagoon and across the Admiralty Islands. Often, a sea of cloud spills over the ridge to the east. Near the summit you enter a rare cloud forest with moss-draped trees and endemic ferns. Birdlife accompanies you the entire way, and a good guide turns every stop into a natural history lesson.

Book well in advance. Fitness and a head for heights are essential. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip and carry food, water, and a light rain shell.

Malabar to Kim’s Lookout Circuit

• Distance and time: 4 to 5 kilometers loop, 2 to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate, steep in sections

This clifftop circuit delivers some of the island’s most photogenic angles in a compact package. From the Settlement, climb through palms to Malabar Hill. The trail undulates along the northern cliffs to Kim’s Lookout, with sweeping views over the lagoon and south to the iconic profiles of Mounts Lidgbird and Gower. Keep an eye on the nesting colonies of red-tailed tropicbirds in season. Return via Old Settlement Beach for a swim with turtles if the tide and conditions suit.

Transit Hill and the Clear Place

• Distance and time: 2.5 to 4 kilometers depending on route, 1.5 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Right in the middle of the island, Transit Hill delivers a 360-degree perspective. Take the steps through palms to the summit platform, then continue toward the Clear Place for coastal views and a sense of the island’s layout. This is a great first-day walk to get your bearings, stretch your legs, and scout tomorrow’s adventures.

Valley of the Shadows

• Distance and time: Around 1.5 kilometers return, 30 to 45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

A short, atmospheric walk under the canopy of giant banyans and Kentia palms. Light filters down in painterly shafts, and the forest has a hush that feels prehistoric. Ideal for families or an easy stroll between beach swims.

Little Island Walk

• Distance and time: 2 to 3 kilometers return, 1 to 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

At the foot of Mount Gower on the island’s southern tip, this coastal path skirts basalt ledges and offers clear views up to the sheer slopes of Mount Lidgbird. It is an excellent spot to watch seabirds ride the wind, and you can often find shade among pandanus trees at rest stops.

North Bay and Mount Eliza Area

• Access: Best visited by boat transfer or a long walk via the North Coast track
• Difficulty: Easy walking at the bay, moderate to steep on tracks

North Bay is a lagoon-like cove with white sand, picnic spots, and superb snorkeling. From here, tracks lead to the Old Gulch and up to Mount Eliza. Climbs may be closed to protect nesting birds at times. When open, the ridgeline views are expansive, and the bay below is inviting post-hike.

Advanced and Offbeat: Goat House Cave and the Herring Pools

• Goat House Cave: A demanding route up Mount Lidgbird’s flank to a large basalt overhang. This is steep, exposed, and not always open. Only attempt with advice from locals, appropriate experience, and respect for closures.
• Herring Pools: Natural tide pools near the island’s northern coastline, best accessed at low tide with local knowledge. The approach involves rock-hopping and slippery surfaces. Ask a guide or your lodge for safe timing and advice.

Quick Trail Cheat Sheet

• Mount Gower: 8 to 10 hours return, guided only, very hard
• Malabar to Kim’s Lookout loop: 2 to 3 hours, moderate
• Transit Hill loop: 1.5 to 2 hours, easy to moderate
• Valley of the Shadows: 30 to 45 minutes, easy
• Little Island Walk: 1 to 1.5 hours, easy
• North Bay and Mount Eliza: half day with boat transfer, easy to moderate, seasonal closures may apply

Trail etiquette: Stay on signed tracks, carry out all rubbish, give seabirds space on nests, and check with the Visitor Centre about closures and weather.

Snorkeling and Diving: Clear-water Playground

Lord Howe Island protects the world’s southernmost barrier reef, which means warm-temperate waters with a surprising coral diversity. You can snorkel off beaches in calm conditions, or join marine operators for boat trips to outer reef bommies and the Admiralty Islands. Always use reef-safe, non-nano sunscreen, avoid standing on coral, and check the tide and wind before you wade in.

Ned’s Beach

Ned’s Beach is the island’s family favorite. Clear water laps a gently sloping shore, fish glide in the shallows, and an honesty box often provides mask, snorkel, and fin hire. On calm days, snorkel along the reef edge to see schools of mullet, wrasse, and colorful coral. The fish feeding area is a designated sanctuary, so follow the signage and be gentle with wildlife.

Highlights:

• Easy entry and exit, sandy bottom
• Great visibility in settled weather
• Perfect for first-time snorkelers and kids

Lagoon Favorites: Erscott’s Hole, Comets Hole, The Gardens and Sylphs Hole

Within the sheltered western lagoon, a handful of named sites feature large coral heads and abundant fish life. These are best accessed with a glass-bottom boat, snorkel tour, or by kayak in appropriate conditions.

• Erscott’s Hole: Classic coral bommies with butterflyfish, angelfish, and myriad colors. Often included on snorkel tours.
• Comets Hole: Another lagoon highlight, with excellent coral cover and cruising parrotfish.
• The Gardens: A shallow site known for soft corals and branching forms, popular on glass-bottom boat trips.
• Sylphs Hole: Near the jetty, often accessible via guided tours or experienced snorkelers who know the currents.

Local guides make all the difference. They choose the day’s best spot for visibility and wind, provide history and ecology, and keep an eye on currents so you can relax and enjoy.

Old Settlement Beach: Turtle Territory

On a high tide with calm conditions, Old Settlement Beach is the place to spot green turtles grazing on seagrass. Enter gently, avoid approaching or chasing turtles, and stay clear of their path to the surface. If the wind is up, save this for another day and enjoy it when it is glassy.

Middle Beach and Lagoon Shoreline

Middle Beach offers spur-of-the-moment snorkeling on mild days. The reef shelf is close to shore, so wear booties to protect your feet and the reef. Around the lagoon shoreline, you can find small coral gardens right off the sand at calm beaches. Ask your lodge for a tide chart and suggestions.

North Bay and the Anchorage

North Bay has clear water and scattered coral heads that are excellent for relaxed snorkels. The Anchorage area can offer a gentle drift in the right tide. Getting there is half the fun, often via a scenic boat transfer with a picnic on the beach.

Boat Trips: Admiralty Islands and Balls Pyramid

• Admiralty Islands: Basalt islets just north of the main island with dramatic drop-offs, swim-throughs, and abundant fish life. Superb diving and advanced snorkeling, usually accessed by boat with experienced operators.
• Balls Pyramid: A towering sea stack 23 kilometers to the south, known for advanced diving conditions and rare marine species. Trips are weather dependent, and this is for experienced divers with local guides.

Gear and tours:

• Hire: Snorkel sets are widely available, and many accommodations provide masks and fins. Wetsuits are helpful outside summer months.
• Tours: Choose from glass-bottom boat tours, snorkel safaris, and full-day marine adventures with local operators. Book early in peak season.

Where to Stay: Best Lodges, Hotels and Holiday Houses

Accommodation on Lord Howe Island ranges from luxurious retreats to self-contained apartments tucked into palm groves. Many properties include daily meals or offer half-board packages, which simplifies logistics since restaurant choices are limited and popular.

Luxury Lodges

• Capella Lodge: The island’s contemporary luxury icon near Lovers Bay, with cinematic views of Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Expect designer suites, an infinity plunge pool, gourmet dining, and a private, pampered vibe. Ideal for couples and special occasions.
• Arajilla Retreat: Located in the island’s lush northeast, Arajilla wraps you in a calm, wellness-focused atmosphere. Think spa treatments with local botanicals, bicycles included, and a strong food program with seasonal menus. Suites are spacious and elegant.

Full-service Island Classics

• Pinetrees Lodge: One of Australia’s oldest family-run lodges. Pinetrees blends heritage charm with thoughtful renovations, an excellent kitchen, and a convivial atmosphere that makes guests return year after year. Packages often include meals, daily activities, and special weeks for photography, wellness, or adventure.

Self-contained Apartments and Villas

• Earl’s Anchorage: Architect-designed bungalows with stylish interiors and kitchenettes. Private yet central, perfect for couples or families wanting space.
• Somerset Apartments: A popular, great-value choice with simple, comfortable apartments close to the Settlement and beach.
• Leanda-Lei Apartments: Well-located near the museum and walking distance to the lagoon, with studio and one-bedroom options.
• Milky Way Villas: Set near Old Settlement, with leafy surroundings and self-catering convenience.
• Blue Lagoon Lodge: Friendly, self-contained units near shops and the main road, a solid base for active days.
• Ocean View Apartments: Palm-fringed property with a variety of unit types and easy access to trails and beaches.
• Beachcomber Lodge: Characterful, garden-surrounded accommodation with on-site dining on selected nights.

Holiday homes and boutique cottages are also available in small numbers. If you have a specific style in mind, work with an island-based booking service or contact properties directly for availability.

Booking tips:

• Reserve early, especially for school holidays and shoulder seasons, since visitor numbers are capped.
• Minimum stays are common. Many properties prefer five or seven nights, which suits the island’s slow-travel rhythm.
• Packages with meals can be better value than piecing together every dinner, especially when restaurants book out.

Eat and Drink: Island Flavors and Sundowners

Dining on Lord Howe Island is relaxed, seasonal, and often centered around your lodge. There are a handful of independent spots and clubs that make for enjoyable evenings out.

• Anchorage Restaurant and Café: A hub in the Settlement for breakfast, coffee, casual lunches, and a polished dinner menu that celebrates local seafood.
• Coral Café at the Museum: Perfect for lunches, cakes, and a coffee after browsing the exhibits.
• Golf Club and Bowling Club: Friendly venues for a pub-style meal and a drink with locals after a day on the trails or the water. Check the weekly schedule for dinner nights.
• Lodge dining rooms: Capella, Arajilla, Pinetrees, and other lodges serve excellent dinners, often for in-house guests. Some accept outside bookings on selected nights, so ask your host to assist.

Groceries: Thompson’s Store carries staples, fresh produce, and snacks. Expect island pricing and plan simple self-catering if you have a kitchen. Pre-ordering particular items through your accommodation can help during peak periods.

Responsible Travel and Island Rules

The island’s beauty depends on careful stewardship. A few simple practices protect this fragile environment.

• Stay on marked tracks and respect closures, which protect breeding seabirds and erosion-prone areas.
• Do not touch or stand on coral. Use a mask float or noodle if you need extra buoyancy while snorkeling.
• Keep a respectful distance from turtles, birds, and all wildlife. No drones without permit and no feeding of birds.
• Biosecurity matters. Clean boots and camping gear, and do not bring plant material or soil.
• Dispose of rubbish thoughtfully. Many lodges help guests separate waste and recycling.

Suggested Itineraries

Whether you are visiting for a long weekend or a week, smart planning weaves together hikes, snorkels, and unhurried beach hours.

Three Days on Lord Howe Island: Greatest Hits

Day 1:

• Morning: Fly in, settle into your lodge, and hire bikes.
• Afternoon: Transit Hill loop for a gentle warm-up with island views.
• Late afternoon: Ned’s Beach snorkel if conditions are calm.
• Evening: Sunset drinks by the lagoon, dinner at your lodge or Anchorage.

Day 2:

• Morning: Malabar to Kim’s Lookout circuit for panoramic vistas.
• Lunch: Coral Café at the museum or a picnic on the grass.
• Afternoon: Old Settlement Beach high-tide snorkel to spot turtles.
• Evening: Golf Club or Bowling Club for a relaxed local meal.

Day 3:

• Morning: Boat snorkel to Erscott’s Hole or Comets Hole for coral bommies.
• Lunch: Picnic at the lagoon or return to Anchorage Café.
• Afternoon: Valley of the Shadows stroll and a final swim.
• Evening: Departure or one more night to linger under the stars.

Five to Seven Days: Deep Dive into Trails and Reefs

Day 1:

• Arrival, bikes, beach time on the lagoon, and an easy ride along Lagoon Road to get your bearings.

Day 2:

• Full-day guided hike up Mount Gower. Pack snacks, water, and a windproof layer. Early start, early dinner, and a long sleep.

Day 3:

• Late start followed by a glass-bottom boat and snorkel tour to Erscott’s Hole and The Gardens.
• Afternoon: Siesta, then a stroll to Little Island for seabird watching.

Day 4:

• Morning: Malabar to Kim’s Lookout circuit, then cool off at Ned’s Beach.
• Afternoon: Visit the museum to learn the island’s human and natural history.
• Evening: Sundowners at your lodge, dinner under the palms.

Day 5:

• North Bay excursion by boat, with beach time, a hike to the Old Gulch, and snorkeling in the bay.
• Return via scenic coastal waters, watch for dolphins and seabirds.

Day 6:

• Free day for diving the Admiralty Islands, kayaking in the lagoon, or a spa treatment at your lodge.
• Sunset: Walk the beach at Blinky for a wild east-coast feel.

Day 7:

• Morning: Valley of the Shadows and a final swim at your favorite spot.
• Pack, linger over lunch, and depart with salt in your hair and plans to return.

What to Pack

• Reef-safe sunscreen and zinc, hat, and sunglasses
• Lightweight long-sleeve for sun protection
• Swimsuits and a rash vest, shorty wetsuit outside summer if you feel the cold
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip, plus reef-safe booties for rocky entries
• Reusable water bottle, small daypack, and a lightweight rain jacket
• Head torch or bike lights for evening rides
• Cash card, and a little cash for honesty boxes and small purchases
• Personal medications and a small first aid kit
• Camera or phone in a waterproof pouch
• Tide chart or tide app, downloaded offline

Practical Tips for a Seamless Stay

• Book accommodation first, then flights. Seat availability follows lodging capacity.
• Lock in guided activities early, especially Mount Gower and popular snorkel tours.
• Check daily wind and tide to plan snorkels. Your lodge or visitor info board will help.
• Respect siesta time. Shops sometimes keep shorter hours, particularly midday.
• Use your bike bell and lights. The island is dark at night, and stargazing is worth the ride home.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a guide for Mount Gower? Yes. Licensed guides are required for safety and environmental protection. It is a full-day, strenuous hike.

• Is Lord Howe Island good for kids? Absolutely. Calm lagoon beaches, short forest walks, and easy snorkeling at Ned’s Beach suit families. Always watch the weather and tides.

• Are there ATMs on the island? There are limited banking services and EFTPOS is widely used. Bring a debit or credit card and a small amount of cash for honesty boxes and small purchases.

• What about mobile coverage and Wi-Fi? Coverage is limited, with Telstra offering the best chance of service near the Settlement. Many lodges have Wi-Fi, sometimes for a fee. Plan to unplug.

• Are there sharks? You may see reef sharks while snorkeling or swimming. They are generally timid. As with all wildlife, keep your distance and avoid dusk and dawn swimming if you are uneasy.

• Do I need a car? Most guests get around by bike and on foot. A small number of rental cars are available if needed. Book early if mobility or convenience is a priority.

• Is Lord Howe Island expensive? Flights and accommodation reflect the island’s remoteness and limited capacity. Packages with meals can offer better value. The experience is premium and uncrowded.

• Can I fly my drone? Drones are restricted and require permits. The island’s birdlife is sensitive to disturbance. Leave drones at home unless you have specific approvals.

A Few Words on Seasons and Wildlife

Birdlife is a highlight throughout the year. Winter can see soaring numbers of migratory seabirds, and summer brings colonies to the cliffs. The endemic Lord Howe woodhen is often seen foraging along paths, a conservation success story you will be glad to meet. In the water, summer snorkeling brings warm temps and vivid coral activity, while cooler months offer exceptionally clear visibility for divers.

The Sales Pitch You Can Believe In

A Lord Howe Island holiday feels exclusive not because it is hard to reach, but because it is designed to protect what you have come for. Trails without queues. Beaches where you can hear your own thoughts. Snorkel sites that feel like private aquariums. You do not need a crowded itinerary here. You need a handful of perfectly chosen experiences, room to breathe, and a comfortable base that takes care of the details.

Choose a lodge that fits your travel style, book those flights early, and let the island’s rhythm guide your days. The best souvenirs you will bring home are the ones you cannot pack: a sunrise shadow of Mount Gower on the lagoon, the glide of a turtle over seagrass, and the calm that comes from a place that chooses quality over quantity.

Conclusion: Make It Happen

Lord Howe Island rewards the traveler who plans ahead and then relaxes. Secure your stay, snag those limited seats, and arrive ready to walk, swim, and slow down. Hike Malabar’s cliffs and the cloud forest of Mount Gower. Drift over Erscott’s Hole and wave hello to turtles at Old Settlement Beach. Sleep in comfort beneath Kentia palms and watch the stars from a beach where your footprints are the only ones for hours.

The island is waiting with coral gardens, rainforest silence, and a sense of wonder that hangs in the air like sea salt. Book now, travel lightly, and let Lord Howe show you how good a small, careful paradise can be.