Lord Howe Environmental Tours
Lord Howe Environmental Tours
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Established in 1998, Lord Howe Environmental Tours provides a wide variety of unique adventures. Tours include: Coral Viewing & Snorkelling The Coral Viewing and Snorkelling Tour is the ultimate way to experience the lagoons premier reef and coral holes. This two hour tour focuses on exploring the profuse coral seascape and introduces visitors to some of the more unusual lagoon inhabitants such as the endemic double-header wrasse, stingrays and turtles. Mt Gower Trek The Mount Gower Trek justly deserves its ranking as one of Australia’s top day walks. Taking approximately five hours to reach the summit at 875 metres and another four hours to return, this trek should not be taken lightly. During the trek you will enjoy the views of Balls Pyramid, Mt Lidgbird, the lagoon and the Island’s northern settlement area. You will also discover the mist forest on the summit of Mt Gower containing trees, ferns, mosses and orchids seen nowhere else on the planet. Specialty Snorkelling Tour For the snorkelling enthusiast join us on our two hour Specialty Snorkelling Tour to four or more of the lagoons most amazing coral gardens. Enjoy snorkelling within the calm pristine waters of the lagoon and marvel at the diversity of this reef environment. The specialty Snorkelling Tour has been developed specifically by Lord Howe Environmental Tours to enable snorkelers to experience the greatest range of coral communities and fish fauna within the Island’s stunning lagoon. We take you to four amazing locations on this tour. We have a wide selection of other tours, including: Guided Kayak Tours Private Glass Bottom Boat Charters Admiralty Island Guided Kayak Tour Night Snorkelling Tour Blackburn Island, Natural History and Seabird Tour North Bay and North Head Natural History Tour We also hire: 1 and 2 person Kayaks Paddle Boards Mask, Snorkels and Fins
Lord Howe Island, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
274 reviews
Excellent
251
Very good
14
Average
3
Poor
5
Terrible
1
wanaaring
Sydney, Australia23 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
I’ve wanted to walk up Mt Gower for a long time and last Friday that dream became a reality. Dean is an accomplished guide, managing our group of 15 walkers with a brilliant mix of professionalism, humour and gravity. His passion for the island and his experience in environmental management was a huge enhancement to the walk. The whole thing was beautifully balanced in terms of effort, information and timing. Although there was a reasonable spread of ages and abilities Dean managed to keep us cohesive and motivated both on the ascent and descent.
That said, everything you’ll see or hear in the Pre-walk video or briefing is true. This is not a theme park ride and the rewards come with a reasonable degree of managed risk and a lot of sweat!
And we were blessed with a beautifully clear day - the views stunned us at every turn! And the first of the providence petrels returning on their migration from Siberia! And I have to say I have NEVER experienced the beauty and diversity of natural vegetation as I did on the top of Mt Gower.
Thanks Dean. A remarkable experience, so well-delivered.
That said, everything you’ll see or hear in the Pre-walk video or briefing is true. This is not a theme park ride and the rewards come with a reasonable degree of managed risk and a lot of sweat!
And we were blessed with a beautifully clear day - the views stunned us at every turn! And the first of the providence petrels returning on their migration from Siberia! And I have to say I have NEVER experienced the beauty and diversity of natural vegetation as I did on the top of Mt Gower.
Thanks Dean. A remarkable experience, so well-delivered.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter H
Dixons Creek, Australia8 contributions
Apr 2022
The Mt Gower trek was excellent. The climb was steep (400 metres gain in altitude over the last 900 metres of the trek). Ropes were placed on the upper sections for walkers to pull themselves up/let themselves down. This required good upper body and grip strength. I would recommend wearing bicycle gloves or something similar as some of the ropes were slippery and muddy. April was a great time to go as the summit was surrounded by Providence petrels that can be called down by making loud noises. Dean was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and walked at a reasonable pace. No food or water were provided. You need to be self sufficient. Many of the members of my group wore running shoes, which seemed to be okay if you don't mind them getting muddy, but I did it in hiking boots. The walk was about 8 hours in total. I highly recommend it. The highlight of my stay on the island.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us an amazing review. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your whole experience with us on our Mt Gower trek.
Written September 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
frankyo
Broome, Australia88 contributions
Sep 2022
Mt Gower is a big day out! We were fortunate to have a good day for our walk, weather-wise. We had been warned beforehand that Kayla sets “quite the pace”, and seems to have a reputation for doing the walk/climb there and back in a shorter time than other guides. While she was lovely, passionate about the island and had lots of good information about the plants, the pace was indeed fast - no time for photos or looking around much, and sure enough, our group was back at the bus a little after 3.00pm (compared to 4.00 or 4.30pm for another group that we talked to of similar size). I decided at a spot called the saddle that I wasn’t going to be able to keep up on the big rope section and do the climb and descent safely. It wasn’t so much difficulty as the pace, and I was apprehensive about the rope sections ahead. Kayla encouraged me to go to the first rope section and see how I found it, but I felt I knew my own limits at that pace. I do wonder if the extra hour would have made a difference to my decision or what I could have achieved….
My husband stopped with me while the rest of the group went on, and we were allowed to walk back to the creek to wait there. For us, this was a highlight and really wonderful part of the day as we thoroughly enjoyed the plant life, mosses and fungi and we could take more time to do so on that part of the descent. It was good talking to Kayla and other group members afterwards to know that we really hadn’t missed out in terms of the view that we had from the saddle (and that the ropes had been a challenge for all the others!), just that sense of achievement of completing the summit - but we absolutely loved our version of Mt Gower.
My husband stopped with me while the rest of the group went on, and we were allowed to walk back to the creek to wait there. For us, this was a highlight and really wonderful part of the day as we thoroughly enjoyed the plant life, mosses and fungi and we could take more time to do so on that part of the descent. It was good talking to Kayla and other group members afterwards to know that we really hadn’t missed out in terms of the view that we had from the saddle (and that the ropes had been a challenge for all the others!), just that sense of achievement of completing the summit - but we absolutely loved our version of Mt Gower.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed Mt Gower with Kayla, especially the decent. The pace, however, does maintain the same every trek and depending on how fast the group is, the decent is where your group was quicker than others, which resulted in your group getting back so early.
Written October 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erna M
Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia68 contributions
Jan 2020
The climb up Mt Gower is a highlight of staying on the magical Lorde Howe island BUT be cautious parting with money for an online booking. Firstly, a video is shown when you sign the wavers the day before your climb discouraging all but the fittest from going, a far more discouraging overview than that shown on line. Secondly, if you feel you are not s superhero and decide not to go there is no refund despite being told at the desk that the tour was overbooked and they would happily accept our cancellation to allow others to go. One of our party went and there were 17 in the group, 19 if we had gone. I offered to book a different tour if they could not refund cash, but after two attempts in person I received no call back. Shame because our only climber said we could have made it, it was not as tragic as the video!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Erna M,
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback on your experience.
We would like to address some of the concerns you have voiced to give some context.
The video that is shown during the pre-trek briefing is our safety video, this is not designed to dissuade you from participating in the trek but to make you aware of all safety aspects of the trek as this is an 8 hour hike to a remote location and your safety, and the safety of the group is paramount.
With regard to your cancellation, our cancellation policy, requires that you provide 24 hours notice for this activity, due to high demand. If your cancellation was within 24 hours no refund is possible. If your cancellation was outside of the 24hr time frame please contact us on info@lordhoweislandtours.com with your details and we will review this immediately.
When booking the Mt Gower trek online, our information pack suggests that you make your way to our boatshed as soon as possible after arrival to participate in the pre-trek briefing including the safety briefing, this allows you as much time as possible to decide whether the experience will suit your fitness level and is something you wish to do, at which point if applicable a full refund can be processed.
We hope that the member of your party that participated in the Mt Gower trek enjoyed their day, and that you enjoyed your time on Lord Howe Island.
Written February 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colleen Donnellan
Gerringong, Australia25 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Environmental tours LHI are a highly professional, friendly and very knowledgeable local tour company on Lord Howe Island.
My partner and I recently returned from an amazing holiday on LHI. We went on a snorkel trip and my partner completed the Mount Gower trek both with Environmental Tours. The snorkel tour was absolutely amazing and my partner has also told me Dean was very professional leading the Mount Gower trek.
Unfortunately, I was unable to go on the Mount Gower trek due to pre-existing ankle injury. Please do not try to attempt Mount Gower unless you are physically fit and have no pre-existing injuries or health conditions.
I would highly recommend Environmental Tours LHI🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My partner and I recently returned from an amazing holiday on LHI. We went on a snorkel trip and my partner completed the Mount Gower trek both with Environmental Tours. The snorkel tour was absolutely amazing and my partner has also told me Dean was very professional leading the Mount Gower trek.
Unfortunately, I was unable to go on the Mount Gower trek due to pre-existing ankle injury. Please do not try to attempt Mount Gower unless you are physically fit and have no pre-existing injuries or health conditions.
I would highly recommend Environmental Tours LHI🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such an amazing review. We are so happy to hear you both enjoyed your experience with us on both the tour and Mt Gower trek. Glad you both had a great time on the island.
Written September 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie B
Nelson Bay, Australia14 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
I’m sorry but I can’t recommend this company as far as the Mt Gower walk is concerned. Kayla our guide was very knowledgeable and personable, but when the group is being led by a ?25 yr old who walks/runs it 2-3 times a week and who keeps saying that we have to be down by 3pm, you know it’s going to be at a cracking pace. But Who says we have to be down by 3pm? Would it be so bad if I got in at 4pm??. Yes it would obviously.
I had to pull out just past the saddle as I just couldn’t keep up the pace that was being set. I felt like Kayla was trying to outdo her group PB each time. In the end we were down and getting in the bus at 2.05 pm and that was with drenching rain and very slippery conditions to contend with. Admittedly I could have been a bit fitter but I felt cheated of the experience of completing the climb simply because I was not given sufficient time.
So beware if you are in the 40+ age group. I was not cut any slack. Possibly if there are more slower walkers the group might have to slow down but it did not work out that way for me.
This was quite an expensive activity but I did not feel like I was given any help to complete the climb. I enjoyed the mountain itself but would have loved and expected to complete the climb.
I had to pull out just past the saddle as I just couldn’t keep up the pace that was being set. I felt like Kayla was trying to outdo her group PB each time. In the end we were down and getting in the bus at 2.05 pm and that was with drenching rain and very slippery conditions to contend with. Admittedly I could have been a bit fitter but I felt cheated of the experience of completing the climb simply because I was not given sufficient time.
So beware if you are in the 40+ age group. I was not cut any slack. Possibly if there are more slower walkers the group might have to slow down but it did not work out that way for me.
This was quite an expensive activity but I did not feel like I was given any help to complete the climb. I enjoyed the mountain itself but would have loved and expected to complete the climb.
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Debbie,
We're sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your day on the mountain with us. Our briefing process explains that our pace is set by the guide each week based on the overall ability of the group and that we do not move outside of this pace. 4:30pm is the absolute latest we aim to be back, which allows for enough daylight to get everyone down safely should something go wrong. On the day of your climb we reached the summit just after 10:45 with a group of 7, which is actually slower than standard pace for a group of that size. Meaning that most of the time was made up on the way down, which is impossible to predict. It’s worth noting that you were not asked to stop trekking or singled out as being too slow to continue, when asked if everyone was okay to keep going you volunteered to stop climbing. Kayla then encouraged you to try the next section, which you did, and then you made the decision to turn back to the saddle. As was also mentioned in your briefing process, the trek requires an extremely high level of fitness, which you took responsibility for upon agreeing to participate in the day. Kayla is one of the best Mt Gower guides on the island who always prioritises group safety and overall enjoyment of the day over pace. If you would like to discuss this matter further feel free to give us a call on 02 6563 2260.
Written February 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravelGnomes
Sydney, Australia73 contributions
Jan 2021
We booked The Ultimate Snorkelling Tour and the Mount Gower Trek through them. Both tours were very professional and led by Dean and Kayla who are experienced and highly knowledgeable. The snorkelling equipment were high quality and we saw amazing sealife during our snorkel tour. Kayla expertly led us through the main spots and gave good guidance. I have reviewed the Mount Gower Trek separately,
I highly recommend booking tours through them!
I highly recommend booking tours through them!
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A
Adelaide, Australia77 contributions
Nov 2022
Kayla took us on a snorkelling trip in the Lagoon and up Mount Goer a few days later. Both were fantastic especially Mount Gower. For the snorkelling, Kayla explained everything very clearly... where we were going, how long we would stay, what we might see and how to stay safe. For Mount Gower, we were told many times beforehand and during the trek that it would be challenging but it was definitely worth it. Kayla is super-fit and set a good pace but also gave us plenty of rest stops. The pace was just right as the weather closed in just as we finished. We also hired some snorkelling gear from LHET on a separate day at a really good price. I would absolutely recommend LHET to anyone wanting to experience the best of Lord Howe Island.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such an excellent review, Paul. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed both experiences with Kayla, both up the mountain and out in the lagoon. Such a pleasure to have you.
Written November 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter
Brisbane, Australia15 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
This is a challenging activity and very enjoyable. The guides are very concerned to make sure that you are aware of the degree of difficulty and there is a compulsory pre-walk video to prepare you for the challenge. I met our guide in the shop before the walk and she was very good at explaining the skills required.
This is more than a walk as there about 400m of very steep ascent aided by ropes. You have to be able to pull yourself up hand over hand while putting your feet on the rock and keeping your body leaning back to ensure good grip for your feet. On the way down, it is the same technique but gravity works for you. Your hands will get tired of gripping the rope.
Most of the walk involves following a trail through the forest, often quite steep and littered with rocks and tree routes. If you are expecting a well made path you will be disappointed!
There are two sections where a head for heights is needed. First a flat walk next to a big drop. There is a rope to provide security and the path is wide and not right on the edge. Higher up the mountain there is a very short section where the climb moves on to a ledge for about 3 metres. Our guide helped us across that section and it was really not a problem, partly because I was holding the rope and thinking where to put my feet.
So, after all the technical stuff, why do this trek? Apart from the physical challenge, the views are magnificent and the guides very knowledgeable about the vegetation, birds and geology. Our guide was able to call the Providence Petrels from the sky to the ground at our feet.
Should you take children? Only if they are both fit and resilient as it is a long tough day.
This is more than a walk as there about 400m of very steep ascent aided by ropes. You have to be able to pull yourself up hand over hand while putting your feet on the rock and keeping your body leaning back to ensure good grip for your feet. On the way down, it is the same technique but gravity works for you. Your hands will get tired of gripping the rope.
Most of the walk involves following a trail through the forest, often quite steep and littered with rocks and tree routes. If you are expecting a well made path you will be disappointed!
There are two sections where a head for heights is needed. First a flat walk next to a big drop. There is a rope to provide security and the path is wide and not right on the edge. Higher up the mountain there is a very short section where the climb moves on to a ledge for about 3 metres. Our guide helped us across that section and it was really not a problem, partly because I was holding the rope and thinking where to put my feet.
So, after all the technical stuff, why do this trek? Apart from the physical challenge, the views are magnificent and the guides very knowledgeable about the vegetation, birds and geology. Our guide was able to call the Providence Petrels from the sky to the ground at our feet.
Should you take children? Only if they are both fit and resilient as it is a long tough day.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a great review and explanation of our Mt Gower trek! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience with us on trek.
Written September 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg C
South Australia75 contributions
Jan 2022
We booked a Mount Gower walk with Lord Howe Environmental Tours during our stay on LH Island. Patchy weather and a bit of rain made things interesting but did not deter from the experience. This is a serious walk and not for the unfit, that said it was worth the sweat lost as we had some spectacular views along the way. Our guide was the daughter of the owners and did a fantastic job, enough breaks along the way and a wealth of knowledge. Unfortunately the top 100 metres or so was in a misty wet cloud but we still enjoyed views across the island up until that point. I like the fact that the climb has not been altered apart from some ropes in the trickier sections, its natural and unspoilt. A good 8 odd hours experience and worth a beer at the end.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us an amazing review. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your experience with us on Mt Gower.
Written September 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Browsing after the SBS documentary last night. Have you been to Eilat, Israel? The Red Sea there in 1963 revealed the most astonishing moment of my life but I don't know if it has all been souvenired by now After seeing the Shearwater chicks' bellies full of plastic I thought of volunteering on Lord Howe to help with a clean-up but I also see to my astonishment the glorious marine life - right on my doorstep.
Written December 15, 2019
No, I haven't been to Eilat, Israel. Don't believe everything you see on TV.
Written January 8, 2020
Hi, I am an active senior and I can snorkel, but get a bit frightened in deep water when snorkelling on my own. Unfortunately my hubby hates the water and won't go in. Is there anyone on the island who would be willing to buddy me if I have to snorkel in deep water on my own? (I will pay). My goal is to see a turtle swimming nearby and use my underwater camera to film it, or my buddy to film it for me.
Please help! ( I have been to Lady Elliot island and was so disappointed not to see a turtle. Also the crew on the glass bottom boat couldnt care less about me and did not offer to come in the water with me or help me up the steep steps) .We are at LHI for 6 full days so am hoping for the best.
thanks in anticipation
Written October 6, 2016
thanks so much Dean. We will be at LHI from Nov 19 - 25 so will be in touch nearer the dates. How long in advance do you think I need to book?
Written October 8, 2016
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