Your guide to the Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island

Experience the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island on the Seven Peaks Walk. The island paradise is regarded as one of Australia’s best walking destinations, from cliff-top walks to see its famous twin peaks and unique wildlife to the cloud forest and the world’s southernmost coral reef.

Highlights

Fast facts

  • How to get there: Fly direct from Sydney, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and the Gold Coast
  • Accommodation: Pinetrees Lodge
  • Operating season: Autumn and spring   
  • Duration: 5 days/6 nights                         
  • Distance: 45km (27 miles)
  • Grade: Moderate to challenging (optional)
  • Group size: Maximum 12 guests  

Overview

Part of Great Walks of Australia’s collection of premium guided walking tours, the Seven Peaks Walk operates out of waterfront resort Pinetrees Lodge. Spend six nights at the lodge and five days hiking on the beautiful Lord Howe Island, which is surrounded by an iridescent blue marine sanctuary. 

Designed for experienced, fit hikers who enjoy a challenge by day and some luxury by night, the itinerary changes each week to take in seasonal delights and accommodate weather conditions. The below five-day itinerary is a sample of what can be expected and includes marked trails as well as off-track walks that require a steady head for heights. With a maximum group size of 12 guests, you'll learn about the natural habitat, conservation of threatened species, and breeding grounds of seabirds from your knowledgeable guide.

Hikers walking near palms, Little Island, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tourism Australia

Little Island, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tourism Australia

Day 1: North Bay

Start the day with a glass-bottom boat cruise to North Bay, then a climb of North Head and Mt Eliza. Depending on conditions, replace one climb with a trip to the Herring Pools from the Gulch, which is an amazing place, but only available on the low tide without swell. Walk over Dawson Point to Old Settlement Beach and back to Pinetrees along the Lagoon foreshore.

Coastal views on Malabar walk day, Seven Peaks Walk, Lord Howe Island

Seven Peaks Walk, Lord Howe Island

Day 2: Malabar

Climb to Kims Lookout and traverse the ridge between Kims and Malabar (two peaks). Descend the south ridge of Malabar to Ned's Beach and have a swim or feed the fish. Then walk to Middle Beach and climb Transit Hill before returning to Pinetrees. This is a moderate trail with steps and rough ground. It offers spectacular views of the island.

Couple enjoying a walk, Malabar Hill, Lord Howe Island

Malabar Hill, Lord Howe Island

Day 3: East Coast

Head to Mutton Bird Point and Rocky Run and climb to Goathouse on Mt Lidgbird – an optional walk which is steep, uses ropes and provides the most rewarding views of the island. Descend to Smoking Tree Ridge and climb Intermediate Hill to the new observation platform. Return to Pinetrees via Blinky Beach.

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island - Credit Tom Archer

Blinky Beach, Lord Howe Island - Credit: Tom Archer

Day 4: Water day

Enjoy a snorkelling trip on the outer reef (or an offshore snorkel adventure to the Admiralty Islands) followed by a kayak trip on the lagoon. All activities are optional today – you can choose your own adventure. 

Snorkelling off Lord Howe Island

Snorkelling, Lord Howe Island

Day 5: Mount Gower

Spend the day walking off track to a secret spot, perhaps into the Erskine Valley or up Mount Lidgbird. Advanced walkers can opt to climb Mount Gower; however, please note that this is a challenging walk with steep terrain and rope assisted climbs. The Mount Gower trek is not part of the Seven Peaks itinerary, but those wanting to tick off this bucket list adventure can book a guided walk directly with Lord Howe Enviromental Tours

Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower - Lord Howe Island

Mount Lidgbird & Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island