Hiking in NSW is almost guaranteed to be a step above the average trail. You can wander through dense forests, ancient caves, wild beaches, nocturnal bush tracks, and pretty much any landscape your mind can conjure. And as it happens, there’s no better time to hit the trails than in the cooler months with crisp air, fewer crowds, and no blazing sun beating on you as you walk. Some of the state’s most iconic tracks include the Bouddi Coastal Walk, the Grand Canyon Track, and the Snowies Alpine Walk for sweeping, snow-capped views. But perhaps the king of them all is the Seven Peaks Walk in the stunning Lord Howe Island.
Spanning 45km, this bucket-list hike takes you past subtropical palm forests, freshwater creeks, rugged sea cliffs, natural wonders, and ancient volcanic peaks. It’s touted as one of the most stunning hikes in the country, and there’s no better time to do it than right now. Here’s everything you need to know about the Seven Peaks Walk.
Seven Peaks Walk, NSW
The Seven Peaks Walk is quieter and more primitive than most — partly because the guided trail only allows a small group of 12 people, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island itself allows no more than 400 people at any point, but more than that, it’s the landscape itself that sets it apart. The trail delivers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the world — no surprise then that it’s now officially part of the 13 Great Walks of Australia.
Despite its reputation, the Seven Peaks Walk still feels like a hidden gem. And if you’re planning to take it on, you’ll need to factor in serious preparation and budgeting — and you can’t pull any punches — it’s considered one of the toughest hikes in Australia, but the payoff is huge with dramatic views and incredible biodiversity at every turn.
Highlights of the walk
The walk is organised by Pinetrees Lodge with accommodation, meals, and an experienced guide all part of the package. As the name suggests, the trail covers seven of the island’s peaks: Transit Hill, Mount Eliza, Malabar Hill, Kims Lookout, Intermediate Hill, Goathouse, and the tallest of them all, Mount Gower.
Along the way, you’ll meander past a mix of absolutely striking landscapes — from pristine beaches and sheltered swimming coves to exposed coral platforms and volcanic peaks. Keep an eye out south for Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack rising dramatically from the ocean, as well as a range of endemic bird species and unique plant life found nowhere else on Earth. If you’re walking between March and October, you might hear, or even spot, Providence petrels — large seabirds that can only be found in Lord Howe. Another highlight is the towering banyan forests that are so wild and lush they could be something out of Jurassic Park.
Parts of the trail can be steep and unmarked, and therefore best suited for walkers who are confident with heights, although alternative routes are available if you’re seeking a gentler walking experience.
Key features
Where: Lord Howe Island
Distance: 45km
Hiking time: 5 days and 6 nights
Difficulty level: Moderate to hard
Group size: Max 12
Runs from: April and May, September to November
What are the Great Walks of Australia?
Great Walks of Australia is a curated collection of the country’s top multi-day guided hikes, offered with a touch of luxury along the way. It includes standouts like Tasmania’s Bay of Fires Signature Walk, Brisbane’s Scenic Rim Trail, and Adelaide’s Murray River Walk. So far, the Seven Peaks Walk is the only NSW trail to make the list.
If you want to build up to it, NSW has some incredible multi-day hikes worth tackling first. The new Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk takes you through ancient rainforest in Byron Hinterland, while the Grand Cliff Top Walk links dramatic lookouts with the charming villages of the Blue Mountains. For somewhere along the sea, the Tomaree Coastal Walk delivers big on coastal views and wild beaches, as does the stellar Southern Headlands Walk in the South Coast.
Find more information about the Seven Peaks Walk and make a booking for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure here. See you on the trail!