Why Lord Howe Island Feels Like a Dream You Have to Hike Into
Some places feel like they’re floating just beyond reach — and Lord Howe Island is one of them. Tucked 600 kilometers off Australia’s east coast, this UNESCO-listed island limits entry to just 400 visitors per day. No crowds. No rush. Just trailheads, turquoise water, and a deep quiet I didn’t know I needed.
You can only get there by a short flight from Sydney or Brisbane — two hours in the air, but mentally, it felt like I’d landed on another planet.
Hike Up Mount Gower (Yes, You’ll Feel It in Your Legs)
Mount Gower’s summit isn’t the kind you stroll to — it’s a full-day trek that earns every view. The trail starts steep and stays wild. Cloud forest, sudden cliffs, and tangled tree roots. At the top, mist swirled and birds skimmed past my shoulder. The kind of moment that doesn't photograph well, but feels like it stays under your skin.
I brought my waterproof backpack for hiking, a 20L roll-top that kept dry even after a brief rainforest soak. Lightweight, snug against my back, and just big enough for layers, water, and lunch — nothing more, nothing less.
Kayak Around Balls Pyramid
One of the island’s most surreal features lies offshore: Balls Pyramid. A narrow rock spire rising 550 meters from the sea, like something left behind by a forgotten world. I joined a local guide for a half-day paddle, circling its base as seabirds soared above us.
Salt spray everywhere, but my gear stayed dry. One reason I never travel without a 20L waterproof daypack is exactly this — weather shifts fast, and you’re always glad you packed smart.
Snorkel, Swim, Repeat
Afternoons on Lord Howe are built for slow rituals: a short swim, a longer snorkel, a beach nap, and repeat. I didn’t check my phone once. The coral here is some of the healthiest in the world — vibrant, shallow, and just steps from shore.
With no cars, no chain stores, and no more than a few hundred people, the whole island breathes differently. You walk more. You talk softer. You notice things.
Gear I brought:
EXPED 20L Waterproof Hiking Backpack – lightweight, weatherproof, and perfect for days when you don’t want to think about your pack at all. Hikes, kayaks, boats, and trails — it handled everything.
