Lord Howe Island Walking Trails
Lord Howe Island Walking Trails
Lord Howe Island Walking Trails
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5.0
343 reviews
Excellent
282
Very good
53
Average
8
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0
Terrible
0
Katie D
Brighton and Hove, UK427 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Plenty of trails around the island, all very unique, very hilly some quite steep, but all definitely worth a visit.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller-vp
Wollongong, Australia64 contributions
Feb. 2023
Lord Howe island offers several trails for different fitness levels. Easy ones are flat, but a bit more challenging ones offer wonderful views like Kim's lookout. Take a walk from Settlement beach to Kim's lookout and finish it for a swim at Ned's beach. Another option is to go from Settlement Beach to North Beach and snorkel there to the small shipwreck or visit the Old Gulch and Herring pool, but the later is only at low tide. You could combine these walks too. Beware of many steps to climb from Settlement beach and from the North beach, but the experiences worth it.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyls73
Newcastle, Australia87 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
The walking trails on Lord Howe are easily accessible, clearly marked, mostly steep and a great workout. The views from every walking trail are amazing, the water is so clear, the birdlife abundant and each trail offers different perspectives of this island. Most trails take a few hours and require some level of physical fitness but from every vantage point the views are stunning, a reward for all the hard work.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frankyo
Broome, Australia97 contributions
Sep. 2022
Walks are one of the main activities on the island and there are plenty to choose from, with differing degrees of difficulty (mainly steepness). All the works are different, with very diverse flora and fauna, so it’s well worth doing as many as you feel inclined to!
The trails are pretty well marked, and there are some good resources to help - “Exploring Lord Howe Island” a free walking track guide and map, available from the visitor centre on the island or as a download if you want to plan ahead, and the more detailed “Rambler’s Guide to Lord Howe Island”, a more detailed booklet available for purchase from the visitor centre. Both are useful for grades, directions and other information, and the Rambler’s Guide is well worth buying.
Most walks we did as a circuit. All the views were fantastic although some trails might be marginally better done in one direction than the other (as you don’t tend to look back at the view so much). One of these was Malabar and Kim’s lookout. To our mind, we enjoyed the views best by starting at Settlement Beach, then Kim’s Lookout and then Malabar, rather than the other way round starting at Ned’s Beach.
Transit Hill was a lovely walk finishing at Blinky Beach where we had a refreshing swim and walked back along the road.
From Intermediate Hill, we missed going to Boat Harbour due to time, and couldn’t find the entire Rocky Run walk - that was the only one not clearly marked and seemed to peter out.
Goat House was closed due to a landslide and will be repaired for access some time in the future.
We only hired bikes to get to the start of Intermediate Hill. The rest we walked to and from our accommodation in the settlement.
The trails are pretty well marked, and there are some good resources to help - “Exploring Lord Howe Island” a free walking track guide and map, available from the visitor centre on the island or as a download if you want to plan ahead, and the more detailed “Rambler’s Guide to Lord Howe Island”, a more detailed booklet available for purchase from the visitor centre. Both are useful for grades, directions and other information, and the Rambler’s Guide is well worth buying.
Most walks we did as a circuit. All the views were fantastic although some trails might be marginally better done in one direction than the other (as you don’t tend to look back at the view so much). One of these was Malabar and Kim’s lookout. To our mind, we enjoyed the views best by starting at Settlement Beach, then Kim’s Lookout and then Malabar, rather than the other way round starting at Ned’s Beach.
Transit Hill was a lovely walk finishing at Blinky Beach where we had a refreshing swim and walked back along the road.
From Intermediate Hill, we missed going to Boat Harbour due to time, and couldn’t find the entire Rocky Run walk - that was the only one not clearly marked and seemed to peter out.
Goat House was closed due to a landslide and will be repaired for access some time in the future.
We only hired bikes to get to the start of Intermediate Hill. The rest we walked to and from our accommodation in the settlement.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveFB
Port Macquarie, Australia77 contributions
Sep. 2022
The waling tracks around the island are set out to give you a comprehensive view of the island, its flora and fauna. This island is the remnant of a huge volcano which thrust up from the floor of the Pacific some 7 million years ago. It appears to have blown its entire cone off, leaving sheers walls of hard basalt and a wide central lagoon surrounded by rocky outcrops.
The tracks are well sign-posted and very well maintained. the Southern walks can be challenging but reward the hiker with views of the entire island, either from the central Transit Hill or thewmore demanding Intermediate Hill. This would be more correctly named Advanced Hill; then I would be an Advanced Hillclimber.
The Northen walks, also moderately challenging, take you to magnificent lookouts at the poignantly-named Kim's Lookout and on to Malabar Point, with a view out to the Admiralty Islets. Don't go to Lord Howe without taking on at least one of the walks!
The tracks are well sign-posted and very well maintained. the Southern walks can be challenging but reward the hiker with views of the entire island, either from the central Transit Hill or thewmore demanding Intermediate Hill. This would be more correctly named Advanced Hill; then I would be an Advanced Hillclimber.
The Northen walks, also moderately challenging, take you to magnificent lookouts at the poignantly-named Kim's Lookout and on to Malabar Point, with a view out to the Admiralty Islets. Don't go to Lord Howe without taking on at least one of the walks!
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cagatravel
Shellharbour, Australia576 contributions
Feb. 2022
Several great free & safe walking trails. Duration is totally up to the walkers. Note in wet weather some trails may get muddy and if climbing to Goat House track to Goat house cave it will be very slippery & difficult.
Note-If you can do this walk in normal dry weather you will be able to do the Mt Gower. If you can't or struggle don't go Mt Gower.
We didn't make it but were told views are great when no clouds.
Note-If you can do this walk in normal dry weather you will be able to do the Mt Gower. If you can't or struggle don't go Mt Gower.
We didn't make it but were told views are great when no clouds.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamara Peters
Newcastle, Australia42 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Couples
There is some good information about each walk on the brochures available and the grading levels will help you select what you can do. We started with the Stephens Reserve, Clear Place and Valley of Shadows before taking on the higher level walks. We didn’t attempt Mt Gower but spoke to those who did and some didn’t make it.
For views I would rate the walk from Ned’s Beach to Kim’s lookout and the walk to the lookout at Intermediate Hill the best.
We were also lucky to meet some people when we got to the old gulch who were going to the Herrings Pools. These can only be seen at low tide and when it isn’t too rough as you have to walk along the bottom of a cliff and around the corner from the Old Gulch.
For views I would rate the walk from Ned’s Beach to Kim’s lookout and the walk to the lookout at Intermediate Hill the best.
We were also lucky to meet some people when we got to the old gulch who were going to the Herrings Pools. These can only be seen at low tide and when it isn’t too rough as you have to walk along the bottom of a cliff and around the corner from the Old Gulch.
Written 4 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrewboySydney
Port Macquarie, Australia496 contributions
Jul. 2021
Valley of Shadows was a relatively easy walk through thick groves of Kentia Palms and huge Banyan trees. The Clear Place Point was breathtaking along this track. I must admit, I sat on a thoughtfully provided seat almost at the end of the walk into the Valley of Shadows, and didn't venture downward, but the view was amazing and the being in the forest was quite breathtaking.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig_Tapper
Sydney, Australia829 contributions
Jun. 2021
As the title suggests, there ar some delightfully flat trails but some are steep, hard and require a high level of fitness. Be careful to assess what you are up for and plan (and get advice) accordingly.
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emwhitnall
Sydney, Australia430 contributions
May 2021
There are so many incredible hikes to explore on Lord Howe, with options for all fitness levels. Malabar and Kim's Lookout offer phenomenal views over the entire island and is a great trail to explore the north of the island. The Intermediate Hill hike is challenging but the long path around to the Mutton Bird Island lookout and the incredible views at the top make it all worth it. The Clear Place and Valley of the Shadows hike was less strenuous than Intermediate and was a great way to see all the different landscapes and flora the island has to offer, including a lovely walk through ancient banyans. Transit Hill offers 360 degree views from the centre of the island and can be done in a fairly easy 60min round trip, and is great for most fitness levels. For those looking for a flatter trail that is still good in wet weather, Steven's reserve is a great option.
Written 24 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I was wondering if I needed a guide to climb Mt Lidgbird. If so, where do I find one because I can't seem to find any tours.
Thank you
Phil G
Sydney, Australia113 contributions
You can climb Mt Lidgbird without a guide but the track only goes to the Goat house cave. This is at about 410m up the mountain. There are no tracks past the cave. You cannot climb to the sumit.
The only climb where you must have a guide is Mt Gower.
Did anyone get Leeches on their walks?
RoslynJS
Sydney, Australia394 contributions
We've ever had any issue with leeches in our many visits to LHI.
ruthadler2016
Sydney, Australia79 contributions
how cool and how wet does it get
is it a good time to go with children 9 & 12 year olds
RoslynJS
Sydney, Australia394 contributions
Being a small island there'll be changes in the weather within a day. It can shower on & off then be sunny. If it's windy on one side or one end then it will be better on the other side. A spray-jacket is useful.
Quoting site on when to go?
"Anytime! Lord Howe Island’s climate is mild, year-round. Sea breezes prevent the summers from being too hot, while surrounding warm seas ensure pleasant winters.
Maximum temperatures on the island hover around 25° Celsius throughout summer, dipping to an average of 19°C in winter, while daily minimums range from 20°C in summer falling to around 12-14°C in winter.
The most popular time to visit Lord Howe is between September and June" ... we always go March, April, May but we avoid school hols.
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Claim your listingLord Howe Island Walking Trails: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lord Howe Island Walking Trails
- Hotels near Lord Howe Island Walking Trails:
- (1.07 km) Capella Lodge
- (2.56 km) Pinetrees Lodge
- (3.94 km) Admiralty Apartments
- (3.83 km) Lorhiti Apartments
- (4.24 km) Arajilla Retreat - Lord Howe Island
- Restaurants near Lord Howe Island Walking Trails:
- (0.94 km) Love Lord Howe Picnics and Platters
- (0.92 km) Sunset Bar & Grill
- (0.79 km) Benny's Fish Truck
- (3.10 km) Coral Cafe
- (2.19 km) Pinetrees Lodge