Norfolk Island

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See below for all journeys to Norfolk Island

Located about halfway between Australia and New Zealand, the external Australian territory of Norfolk Island is a land of unique culture, breathtaking scenery and an intriguing past. Measuring only 8 kilometres long by 5 kilometres wide the island is covered with lush rolling hills and surrounded by rugged picturesque shorelines.

Norfolk Island was first settled by Polynesians between the 13th and 15th centuries, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774 and then later a convict settlement. This was a dark period in Norfolk’s history with the island becoming infamous for the harsh treatment prisoners received. Convict transportation to New South Wales stopped, the settlement was wound down and by 1855 only 11 people remained. The following year in 1856 Norfolk Island was handed over to the Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the infamous Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives, with 196 of these descendants making Norfolk Island their new home. Today about half of the island’s population are descendants of the original Pitcairn Islanders with some still using the original language. Known as Norf’k (also Norfuk) it is a mix of Tahitian and 18th century English.

Things to see and do

Famous for its colourful history Norfolk has many interesting cultural places to visit, with four wonderful museums located in the picturesque World Heritage-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA). This is also the area of one of the best preserved convict settlements in the Southern Hemisphere. This 250 hectare site includes buildings, archaeological sites and ruins from the penal convict settlements as well as remains from the pre-European Polynesian settlement.

Anson Bay is one of the island’s most spectacular secluded beaches. It’s not recommended for swimming however there is a winding walking track that takes you all the way down to the beach, take a picnic or use the BBQ facilities located on the clifftop and watch the sun set. If you want to take a dip in the ocean or do a bit of snorkeling the two best beaches are Emily Bay Lagoon and Slaughter Bay, both located in Kingston with crystal clear water and home to a number of fish species and coral.

Norfolk Island is small but much of it is covered in national park. Explore the northern edge of the island with its eight kilometres of walking tracks and visit panoramic lookouts with iconic towering Norfolk Island pine trees. Or how about a walk around the golf course with a game of golf. Norfolk has the only golf course located in a World Heritage site. With stunning views from its 18-hole course, it offers stunning views from every hole.

If you’re wanting to discover this pristine island of spectacular beauty, dramatic coastlines, clear blue waters and unique history it’s easy to get there. Air New Zealand has direct flights from either Brisbane or Sydney, taking approximately 2.5 hours. And if you’re arriving to the island not with an escorted group tour then it is a must to hire a car. Apart from one taxi, there are no public transport options. However it is easy to drive around, there are no traffic lights and only one roundabout. But just remember, cows have the right of way!