Mount Gower and her ‘twin peak’ Mount Lidgbird preside over the Lord Howe Island landscape like caretakers, rising out of the ocean to 875 metres and 777 metres above sea level respectively.

With dark basalt cliffs, improbable forests and birds flying in and out of hidden crannies the mountains are a source of mystery and intrigue and appear to constantly shift with the changing weather and the light.

1 Mount Gower Expedition
2 Mount Gower Expedition

A hike up Mount Gower is one of the most unforgettable experiences – and achievements – on Lord Howe and is only available on a guided basis with locals Jack Shick of Sea to Summit Expeditions or Dean Hiscox from Environmental Tours. Jack and Dean run the tours on set days, and each walk talks eight hours, so plenty of water and snacks are a must.

The challenging walk follows the contours of Mount Gower before climbing its southern face – sometimes using ropes – to reach the higher slopes. At the summit, walkers reach a cloud forest, where endemic plants thrive among the mists and views span out across the island and ocean.