11 must-try experiences on Lord Howe Island

How many of these experiences can you tick off your Lord Howe Island bucket list? Challenge yourself to complete all the top things to do including hiking, fishing, snorkelling, diving and, most importantly, relaxing.

Destination NSW

Sep 2025 - 3 min read

Hike to the summit of Mount Gower

Rated as one of the best day treks in the world, the 14km return hike to the summit of Mount Gower features breathtaking 360-degree views, and plants and animals only found on Lord Howe Island along the way. With rope-assisted climbs and steep terrain, you must hike with a local expert on a guided tour with Sea to Summit Expeditions or Lord Howe Environmental Tours.

Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tom Archer

Feed the fish at Ned’s Beach

Hand-feed schools of fish in the shallows of Ned’s Beach, with species like mullet, wrasse, silver drummer and kingfish drawn to the shore. Simply grab some healthy fish food from a dispenser at the beach and watch the fish feast. A protected sanctuary, this is a no-catch zone that is great for snorkelling.

Ned's Beach, Lord Howe Island

Stay in luxury at Capella Lodge

Offering the ultimate island castaway escape with views of the ocean as well as Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, Capella Lodge’s floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the outside in. Stay in one of the nine guest suites, swim in an infinity pool and relax with an Indigenous-inspired spa treatment – following the Buruwang Dreaming kelp exfoliation and Sacred Stone Therapy using basalt stones from the island's beaches, you'll never want to leave. Other popular stays include Pinetrees Lodge, standing on the shore of the lagoon with its exceptional dining, and Arajilla Retreat, which is all about location, location, location – situated near Old Settlement Beach, where turtles often swim.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

Snorkel the world’s southernmost reef

The world’s southernmost coral reef ecosystem, Lord Howe Island Marine Park is a truly unique environment found nowhere else on Earth. Existing at the intersection of warm and cool ocean currents, this rare combination supports a diverse range of marine life, blending species typical of both tropical and temperate waters. Hire snorkels or join a guided tour with Lord Howe Environmental Tours to see over 90 species of coral and 500 species of fish.

Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island

Dive the underwater caves at Ball's Pyramid

The world’s tallest sea stack, a striking 551m basalt needle rising from the ocean, it’s what’s beneath the surface that so many people want to see. Experienced scuba divers can explore Ball’s Pyramid’s caves, volcanic drop-offs and diverse marine life, seeing rare species like the Ballina angelfish. The area is also known for massive schools of fish like violet sweep, amberjack and trevally, as well as dolphins, wahoos, and marlins. Book a dive with Dive Lord Howe or snorkel with Reef N Beyond Eco Tours.

Reef N Beyond Eco Tours at Ball's Pyramid, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Reef N Beyond Eco Tours | Dave Gardiner

Reef N Beyond Eco Tours, Ball's Pyramid - Credit: Reef N Beyond Eco Tours | Dave Gardiner

Swim with the turtles at Old Settlement Beach

During mid to high tides, turtles are often sighted swimming in close to shore at Old Settlement Beach. Grab a snorkel and swim with these beautiful creatures or book a tour on Marine Adventures Turtle Tours’ glass-bottomed boat to see them from above.

North Bay Turtle and Nature Tour with Marine Adventures Turtle Tours in Lord Howe Island

Marine Adventures Turtle Tours, Lord Howe Island

Get a bird’s-eye view of the island on a scenic flight

See the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island from above on a flight with Lord Howe Island Scenic Flights. Take in the Admiralty Islands as well as Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, or fly out to Ball’s Pyramid after a lap of the island. Both routes guarantee breathtaking views.

Lord Howe Island - Credit: Jordan Robins

Watch the sunrise from the top of Malabar Hill

For the best sunrise spot, hike to the summit of Malabar Hill, approximately a one-hour walk each way. Known for its incredible views of the island and its birdlife, watch dawn rise over the towering volcanic peaks of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower to the south while the Admiralty Islands shine in the north. For amazing sunset views, head to Kim’s Lookout.

Malabar Hill, Lord Howe Island

Surf at Blinky Beach

Surf some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia at Lord Howe Island including Blinky Beach. Set against the stunning backdrop of lush rainforest and mountainous landscapes, this beach is popular with beginner and advanced surfers alike thanks to its breaks that suit both long and short boards.

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tom Archer

Sample local beers made with endemic plants at Lord Howe Island Brewery

Taste the island as you sip on a cold beer at Lord Howe Island Brewery. Locals love the Phasmid Pale Ale, flavoured with endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world. This award-winning, bold-flavoured brew provides an aroma of citrus and pine with hints of Lord Howe hibiscus.

The Lord Howe Island Brewery, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Ben Lawrence

Kayak to Rabbit Island

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are a great way to explore the sheltered waters of Lord Howe Island’s lagoon. Circumnavigate Rabbit Island or take a picnic lunch and explore the beaches of North Bay and Old Settlement Beach.