The best things to do on Lord Howe Island

If I could recommend only one thing to do on Lord Howe Island, it would be the Goat House day hike. Fair warning: this one’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll climb 533 metres above sea level, pulling yourself up parts of the cliff face with the help of sturdy ropes. But the views at the top are the ultimate reward. The 3.9-kilometre out-and-back trail starts at the end of Smoking Tree Ridge Road, ascending through sub-tropical rainforest to Goat House Cave – the second-highest lookout on Lord Howe Island. It takes roughly three to four hours return, and we recommend packing snacks to enjoy at the top while soaking in sweeping views of the turquoise lagoon, cobalt-blue ocean and rocky volcanic peaks. 

Time Out tip: Don’t attempt the climb after rain – the track gets seriously slippery.

If you’re after panoramic views without the sheer cliff-face clambers, the Malabar Hill and Kim’s Peak hike is the perfect middle ground. Beginning with a lush rainforest climb, the trail opens out onto windswept ridgelines overlooking the island’s turquoise lagoon, and across to the twin peaks – Mounts Lidgbird and Gower – rising dramatically into the sky to the south. Taking around two hours (with breaks), this one is a comparatively short (but still heart-pumping) route. Steep, sweaty sections will reward you with wildly stunning coastal vistas, and you’ll wind up with a breezy finish on the magical shores of Ned’s Beach.

Time Out tip: Come prepared for changing conditions, and plenty of photo stops – wind direction (and views) change every few steps.

Hard-core hikers, this one’s for you. Rising high into the clouds at 875 metres above sea level, Mount Gower is Lord Howe’s tallest mountain – and conquering it is a true badge of honour. The 14-kilometre, eight-hour return trek is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best day hikes, but it can only be done with a licensed guide. Be warned: the walk is challenging. Expect rope-assisted climbs, bush-bashing through dense forest and a lot of mountain goat action. Along the way, you’ll spot some of the island’s rarest flora and fauna, including the beloved woodhen. At the summit, surrounded by misty cloud forest, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views stretching across the entire island and all the way to Ball’s Pyramid.

Time Out tip: If you’re planning on doing the Mount Gower walk, pack sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket and a backpack to fill with snacks and water.

The Anchorage is the beating heart of town, the go-to spot for morning brews, leisurely lunches, semi-sophisticated dinners and everything in between. It’s located just moments from the sparkling Lagoon Beach, meaning you can step straight off the sand into a hearty meal. Czech-born chef David Chlumsky – whose resume includes Sydney stalwarts like Quay, Otto and Longrain – heads the kitchen, turning locally caught fish and farm-fresh produce into modern Aussie fare. Start your day with freshly-baked muffins and barista-made coffee, pick up baguettes and salads for lunch, then return for a daily-changing dinner menu paired with stunning views of the lagoon. 

Order the: Fish and chips

Don’t miss a chance to visit one of the most remote – and utterly unique – breweries on Earth. Hiding down a little laneway near Joy’s Shop, Lord Howe Island Brewery is home to tropical frothies, an endemic plant nursery and a glasshouse market garden. Owner Tim Maxwell and brewer Alastair Gillespie craft classic lagers and pale ales, but the real standout is their wild beers infused with rare plants found nowhere else on the planet. Past adventurous creations include a homegrown watermelon sour, a dark lager with locally grown coffee beans and a stout with wild-harvested wood ear jellies. Grab a picnic bench under the fairy lights in the beer garden, play some outdoor games and share woodfired pizza topped with fresh ingredients from the greenhouse. 

Time Out tip: Every Thursday at 4pm, Alastair runs a behind-the-scenes tour. You’ll learn the basics of brewing, taste signature beers, hear about their endemic species research program and see how their plants are grown. You don’t need to book this one – just rock up and pay $20.

We asked a local for their favourite spot to eat in town, and Driftwood rolled straight off their tongue. Tucked opposite the jetty inside Ocean View Apartments, it’s our top pick for a special occasion meal on the island. The Asian-fusion menu showcases locally caught seafood, alongside premium meats and veg-friendly options. We enjoyed blue-eyed trevalla in a fragrant coconut laksa broth (perfect for mopping up with paratha roti) and a saucy char ho fun featuring hand-made rice noodles tossed with tofu, Asian greens and fresh herbs. Arrive early for a drink at the fully licensed bar or play a game of pool while you wait. Bookings are essential.

Order the: Seasonal fish curry with paratha roti

A local’s favourite, Benny’s Fish Truck is exactly what it says on the tin: a casual trailer serving up locally-caught fish cooked to order (along with golden chips and homemade sauces). Popping up at various locations around the island, with a menu that changes based on the day’s catch, a meal from Benny’s is a delightfully laid-back holiday experience. The day's specials are written on the chalkboard outside the truck and available until sold out, so keep an eye out on the Facebook page and get in quick.

Order the: Benny’s is famous for fish and chips, but the sashimi (when available) is another big hitter.

If you’re wondering where to order a Martini on the island, The Crooked Post is the answer. Owner Tim Crookshank (affectionately known as Crooked by the locals) got the keys to the former post office in late 2019 and set about opening up “a better-than-expected cocktail bar in a remote destination”. With an extensive cocktail list, a small but perfectly-formed curation of salty snacks and a beautiful, wide verandah with views over the lagoon, it’s safe to say he’s achieved his mission. This is the place to come for a sunset Spritz overlooking the sea, or on Saturday nights if you’re keen to kick on (for an hour at least) after dinner.

Order this: The Painkiller – a zesty take on a Piña Colada spiked with a good dose of dark rum.

Every coastal town needs its local pub, and the Golfy is Lord Howe’s answer: a casual, light-flooded space overlooking the golf course, serving affordable tap beer and hearty pub grub. Come at sunset for golden hour views across the rolling hills, and settle in with a schnitty and a (pub-pour portioned) glass of wine. This one’s a 50-minute walk from town, but the Golfy’s free minibus runs every ten minutes or so in the evenings, stopping off at any accommodation on the island.

Order the: The joy of the Golfy is its flexibility: choose your main (the menu features pub faves including a very well-sized chicken parmi), then pile your plate as high as you please with sides from the buffet.

Hidden in its own pocket of island paradise, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s pinnacle of luxury. A true bucket-list stay, it houses just nine island-style suites that mirror the island’s pristine natural beauty. Like any five-star resort, you won’t need to lift a finger – every holiday includes a gourmet breakfast, a three-course daily-changing dinner, sunset drinks with canapés, and an open bar from 6pm. Added perks include complimentary transfers, mountain bikes and snorkelling gear, an uber-luxe day spa and a wet-edge plunge pool overlooking Lovers Bay and the twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Talk about barefoot luxury!

Time Out tip: Make the most of your in-suite mini bar – all the snacks and drinks are restocked daily.

Set within the palm trees, a 15-minute walk from town, Earl’s Anchorage is an ideal base for families or larger groups looking for a laid-back, self-catered space to call home. Each of the eight freestanding bungalows is fully equipped with a kitchen and outdoor barbecue for your communal cook-ups, with large indoor and outdoor tables (plus TVs, washing machines and super comfy beds to crawl into at the end of an activity-packed day). You’ll also find practical, thoughtful touches like backpacks to take hiking and colourful beach towels for days spent on the sand.

Time Out tip: There’s a magical walk into town through the palm trees if you’re up for an adventure.

A breezy 400-metre walk from the sheltered Lagoon Beach and the cluster of cafés and shops known as 'town', Leanda Lei Apartments are a well-located base if you want to be close to the (relatively muted) action. Since welcoming their first guests in 1954, the accommodation offering has grown to now include intimate studios for romantic escapes, as well as larger one- and two-bedroom apartments – all set within beautiful, tree-shrouded grounds with views over to the mountains.

Time Out tip: Want a minimal-effort holiday? Leanda Lei’s all-inclusive offering includes return flights to the island, plus breakfast and dinner daily, seven nights of accommodation and a perfect curation of tours and experiences to help you make the most of your stay.