After four months of strict isolation, Norfolk Island launched a major tourism campaign in July, encouraging visitors to take a trip ‘over-seas’.
The tiny Australian island in the Pacific Ocean, with sandy beaches, pine forests and harsh cliff faces, enjoys a subtropical climate with water temperatures ranging from 19–22°C seasonally, and air temperatures hovering between 19–28°C in summer and 12–21°C in winter.
For such a small island, it is packed with activities, sites and accommodation options. There are hotels, cottages, holiday homes and units in town or with beach or valley views for every budget.
The island uses the Australian dollar, and there a Commonwealth Bank in town that contains the islands only ATM. The farmers market is held every Saturday between 7.30–10am and the Island Arts and Craft market every Sunday between 8.30–11am.
While the main language on the island is English, some of the islanders will often speak the local language, which is a combination of Old English and Tahitian.
Some simple sayings from Norfolk Island include:
Said yu gwen? – Where are you going?
Gwen naawi – Going for a swim
Watawieh? – How are you?
Ai guud – I’m fine
Thaenks f ucklun – Thanks for us
Si yorlyi morla – See you tomorrow
Fut nort – Why not?
Morla el du – Tomorrow will do
Wettles – Food
What to do
Visit Anson Bay
This secluded beach is nestled at the feet of steep cliffs and is only accessible by a walking track that leads down to the shore. A picnic area with BBQ facilities is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. However, the beach is not recommended for swimming.
Ball Bay Reserve
With an area of 28.72 hectares, this is Norfolk island’s second largest reserve. It is located at the south-eastern side of the island.
Ferny Lane Theatre
The theatre shows current films every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which you can watch from the comfort of armchair, a blanket over your knees and a glass of wine or beer.
The theatre is also home to the Norfolk Amateur Theatrical Society, which performs the Trial of the Fifteen, a historic play, every Wednesday.
Other attractions include snorkelling at Slaughter Bay, the historic World Heritage Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, galleries, lookouts, the Hundred Acres Reserve, mini golf, a hedge maze, beaches and more.
Getting there
Air New Zealand flights operate from the international terminals in Brisbane and Sydney. There are usually two scheduled flights out to the island each week, which take approximately two-and-a-half hours.
While the trip is considered domestic travel, you’ll need to go to the international airport if you’re connecting from another flight. While passports aren’t required for domestic travellers, they are the preferred means of documentation.
For people travelling from Auckland International Airport, Air Chathams operates flights every Friday, which take approximately two hours.
Getting around
With over 160km of road stretched over the island, hiring a car is the easiest way to explore all it has to offer. Some accommodation options will come with a hire car, and other hire options are available on the island. Be mindful that livestock freely roam the island and have right of way.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, entry to Norfolk Island is temporarily restricted
A Norfolk Island Entry Pass is required for all travel to Norfolk Island and an application is required for each traveller, including children.
Before completing an application please refer to the current travel requirements and restrictions.
It is a requirement that you submit your application 24 to 72 hours prior to flight departure to Norfolk Island, to allow your application to be considered, and for more information to be provided if requested.
If you require any assistance please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +6723 22222
Had you been to Norfolk Island? Would you consider a trip there once restrictions lift?
If you enjoy our content, don’t keep it to yourself. Share our free eNews with your friends and encourage them to sign up.
Related articles:
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/travel/destinations/the-best-of-brisbane-and-beyond
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/travel/destinations/roadblocks-if-you-hit-the-road-today
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/travel/destinations/david-attenborough-locations
