Presiding over the island, Mount Gower’s 875-metre summit is best reached on two feet. The eight-hour return hike is considered one of Australia’s toughest – including rope-assisted climbs and a fair bit of scrambling – but it’s also one of the best, with hikers encountering rare endemic species of flora and fauna along the way. At the top, marvel at the misty mountain air, lush rainforest, stunning 360-degree views of the island and the sparkling surrounding water. Guided treks are the only way to climb it.

^{Image credit: Tom Archer/Destination NSW}