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- Mount Gower summit hike — An all-day, guided scramble up to a misty cloud-forest crown that you won’t find anywhere else this far south. The plateau is packed with endemic plants, weird mossy gullies and views that make the long, steep slog worth it. (Permit and guide required; one of the island’s true signature experiences.)
- Lord Howe Lagoon & North Bay snorkeling — The island sits on one of the southernmost coral reef systems in the world. Snorkel straight off the sand into clear water thick with colourful reef fish, branching corals and lazy green turtles — an unusually intact reef experience for a small, easily walkable island.
- Ned’s Beach — A favourite with locals for a calm swim, short reef snorkel and easy shore fishing. It’s less crowded than the main settlement beach and has great
- Mount Gower summit hike — An all-day, guided scramble up to a misty cloud-forest crown that you won’t find anywhere else this far south. The plateau is packed with endemic plants, weird mossy gullies and views that make the long, steep slog worth it. (Permit and guide required; one of the island’s true signature experiences.)
- Lord Howe Lagoon & North Bay snorkeling — The island sits on one of the southernmost coral reef systems in the world. Snorkel straight off the sand into clear water thick with colourful reef fish, branching corals and lazy green turtles — an unusually intact reef experience for a small, easily walkable island.
- Ned’s Beach — A favourite with locals for a calm swim, short reef snorkel and easy shore fishing. It’s less crowded than the main settlement beach and has great picnic/snorkel combos; if you like shallow, fish-rich water this is your go-to.
- Old Settlement Historic Area & cemetery — A compact slice of island history: ruined cottages, weathered graves and stories of the early settlers. The walk through these old homesteads gives a real sense of how people carved out life here, and it’s quiet enough to feel like stepping back in time.
- Kentia palm groves and nursery — Lord Howe is the birthplace of the Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana), the famous export houseplant. Walking through the endemic palm stands and seeing the small nursery operations gives an oddly intimate look at a global horticultural story that literally started on this island.
- Admiralty Islands boat trip (Hidden gem) — Small offshore islets you can circle or snorkel around by charter. They’re serious seabird rookeries and have pristine snorkel spots that many day-trippers skip. If you want birds, turtles and near-empty water, book a local skipper for a half-day.
- Sea view of Ball’s Pyramid from a charter — You can’t miss the world’s tallest volcanic sea stack when you take a boat out; seeing Ball’s Pyramid rise from the ocean is the kind of dramatic seascape you won’t get elsewhere. Landing is off-limits/rare, but a close sea passage makes for an unforgettable photo and the chance to hear the story of the rare insects connected to it.
- Blinky Beach & coastal walk (Hidden gem) — A quieter, wind-sculpted shore with dramatic rock edges and often empty sand. The coastal walk from here gives you a good mix of seabird-watching, tide pools and a feeling of real island solitude — locals recommend it for low-key sunsets away from the packed spots.
- Lord Howe woodhen watching (Hidden gem) — This flightless bird is an island success story of conservation and is endemic to Lord Howe. You won’t find it in zoos the same way; early mornings or dusk around forest edges and certain open grounds give good chances to spot one in the wild.
- Settlement loop and village atmosphere — The tiny village, jetty and short walks around the settlement give a genuine feel for island life: friendly small-community rhythms, seafood-focused meals, and easy access to beaches and short trails. It’s simple, local, and the best place to learn the island’s stories from the people who live here.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.