19 Things to do on Norfolk Island that make it Worth Visiting for First-timers?

If you’re wondering whether Norfolk Island is worth visiting, especially as a first-timer, this guide to the best things to do will help you make that decision with confidence. I think Norfolk is one of Australia’s most underrated travel destinations, and I’m here to show you why.

But, planning a trip can feel overwhelming because Norfolk Island seems remote, mysterious, and often misunderstood. Many visitors worry about how much there is to do, how long you should stay, best time to visit and how to get around.

I get it, and before my first visit, I had the same questions. That’s why I’ve put this list together with other handy tips to planning. Find out why so many people fall in love with it from the moment they arrive and help you decide if it suits you!

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Is Norfolk Island worth visiting? 

I loved my Norfolk Island visit as a first-timer, and Yes, I think it’s absolutely worth visiting. It’s a true pacific paradise, with a fun culture, and a very long history stretching back to Britain’s first settlement in 1788 with Captain James Cook. 

But, if history isn’t your thing, don’t worry, I found the island brimming with activities such as beach days, snorkelling and hikes, guaranteeing there’s an activity well suited to you and your travelling companions. 

But, as a small island, its pace of life is much slower and quieter than many other precincts. Therefore, I think you just have to visit at least once to experience this type of island life!

⏱️ Short on Time?

If you don’t want to read the full article, or want to round down your options. Here is my short list of “Must-do” activities, that you just can’t miss as a first-timer to Norfolk Island!

• 1. Swimming at Emily Bay
• 2. Take in the View on top of Mount Pitt
• 3. See the remnants of the oldest convict settlement
• 4. Join Guided tours for History, Food, and Culture
• 5. Visit the Captain Cook Monument and Lookout
• 6. Walk down into Anson Bay
• 7. Try out some of the walking trails
• 8. Taste a drop at one of the wine cellars

If this has you intrigued, then please read on for more detailed information and plenty more attractions to see.

Best Things to do on Norfolk Island?

Norfolk Island is officially part of Australia and located just off the east coast, and between New Zealand, and New Caledonia. However, it’s technically an external territory of the Commonwealth, with its own state constitution and laws.

Still, the island ultimately comes under the jurisdiction of the Australian federal government and is considered Australian soil. But to continue with the post, here are the best things to do that make it worth visiting!

1. Emily Bay

Emily Bay is a beach lovers’ paradise with crystal-clear, blue waters, making swimming safe and enjoyable, and all contained within a small cove. All while the endless sandy beach allows you to relax and soak up the sun. 

Popular among families with young ones and if you’re looking for the ideal daily swim spot or snorkelling adventure. There is even a pontoon in the bay that makes for a nice breather while getting that daily swim in, or you can try sunbathing on the beach.

➡  Find Norfolk Island Tours HERE with Viator.

2. Captain Cook Lookout & Monument

Check out the Captain Cook Lookout & Monument for a dose of history and a scenic views. The monument was erected in 1953 to commemorate the arrival of James Cook, who spent five weeks surveying the area before exploring the South Pacific Islands. 

It’s an obelisk shaped structure made with small stone, and it’s an impressive sight on the cliff’s side! From the lookout point, you can enjoy magnificent views out on the Pacific Ocean. So, be sure to bring your camera and snap away for those holiday pictures!

3. Organised Tours

Purchasing organised tours around the island offer the perfect way to experience this sun-drenched tropical paradise without having to drive yourself. It’s also a great way to learn about the local history and get your questions answered by knowledgeable guides. 

➡  Compare prices for All the Norfolk Island Tours HERE with Viator.

These tours include:

• learning about the convict settlement
• trying the local delicacies
• progressive dinners
• and ghost tours.
• Along with tours around the island and visiting the highlight spots.

4. Play Golf

The Golf Club course is one of the few in the world located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers stunning views from its southern location on the island. You can purchase between 9 holes for $32, to 18 holes for $43, offering a well-maintained and challenging experience.

Social play is generally open seven days a week, and you’re surrounded by the magnificent Norfolk Pine Trees. You can even hire buggy’s or carts, with discounts for large groups.

5. Visit the oldest Convict Settlement.

In 1824, Norfolk Island was opened as a penal settlement in secondary punishment, and one of the toughest in the British empire. The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area is one of 11 historical sites representing the global forced convict migration phenomenon.

These sites were collectively inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010.

6. Watch a Sunset or sunrise over the Ocean.

Watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the ocean is a heart-stopping experience. Ideally here, with low pollution, the colours are enhanced, and those beautiful blues, pinks, and purples will stretch for miles.

Try looking out across the horizon and listen to the gentle waves crashing onto the shore so peacfully. 

7. See the Colleen McCullough House

Colleen McCullough (1937 to 2015), a world-renowned author of 24 books, resided on Norfolk Island for almost 36 years. She was an Aussie author primarily known for writing “The Thorn Birds“ and “The Ladies of Missalonghi.“

She and her husband, local Ric Robinson, created a luxurious hideaway while keeping to themselves most days so that Colleen could have the ideal environment for writing new novels. This is now an attraction, where you can now tour her residence, imagining her creativity at work.

➡  Check out this 8 day guided tour HERE you can book with Viator

8. St Barnabas Chapel 

This 19th-century St Barnabas Chapel took the missionaries five years to create with all its intricate features like mother-of-pearl inlays, stained glass windows, and a shipwreck Vaulted timber ceiling.

It has an open-door policy allowing all visitors to check it out when it’s convenient for them. However, standard services will take place at 9am every Sunday morning. 

9. Explore the Walking Trails.

Whether you’re looking for short and leisurely walks, or something a bit more intense, you can check out this Walking Track Maps here to find something that suits your fitness level.

Even on a short visit, I was recommended a couple to fill in my time with some phenomenal views. But, choices were endless between the Botanic Gardens, the National Park, climbing hills and walking through the surrounding bushland. You can even purchase guided walking tours to help explain everything you see.

But if you are by yourself, please watch out for animals along the way, and even in the parking bays. We stopped for a quick photo at one spot and about 50 baby chickens found there way to our feet – This was not easiest to drive out of.

10. Drive or walk up Mount Pitt.

Try making your way up up Mount Pitt, which offers a mountainous area and home to some of the best views on the island. This makes it an ideal spot for someone looking for an outdoor adventure, or to get an overall view of the island.  

Whether you choose to drive or walk up the mountain, you’re sure to appreciate the stunning scenery as you make your way around. The peaceful atmosphere found on this island makes it one of the best places to take in some impressive 360-degree views!

11. Admire the night sky

Norfolk Island is one of the best places to enjoy admire the night sky due to its “Gold-level Dark Sky” location, low light pollution, and stunning nightscape views.

With your trusty camera you can practice some astrophotography and appreciate the dark sky lit up with vibrant stars and especially seeing the Milky Way.

Even without a camera, you just have to step outside your hotel room and look up!

12. Fishing Charters

The waters encircling this beautiful South Pacific island are full of everything from dolphin fish, tuna to kingfish and wahoo. 

What’s more, there’s no commercial fishing here which means that anything that you take away, you get to keep! Fishing charters on offer range from private trips around islands perfect for land-based or deep-water options. 

13. Diving or Snorkelling

Surprisingly, you can grab or snorkel and mask and walk off the beach in your time schedule. Places like Emily Bay and Slaughter Beach will provide surprising coral reefs and year-round fun. Otherwise, book a dive trip and visit some of their favourite local places.

I was impressed with the clear waters, boasting an array of marine life, which is only limited to how deep your courage takes you. For me, listening to the sounds of fish munching on the coral is calming and one of my happy places.

14. Anson Bay

Anson Bay allows first-time visitors to experience an idyllic setting and it certainly surprised me. It’s located on the eastern cliffs, with its majestic zig-zagging pathway down the cliffs into the bay below.

This was pretty easy to get down and only took about 5 to 10 minutes, but be prepared for a heart-pumping venture on the way back up. 

It’s a refreshing and peaceful location, perfect for having a relaxing swim in crystal clear waters. But, know this beach is not lifeguarded, so watch out for the under-toe and never swim alone – It’s not the easiest to get out after an injury. 

15. Birdwatching

With exotic birds like the green parrot and morepork owl, Norfolk Island is unsurprisingly home to a wide variety of birds.

This means the island’s seclusion has many of these birds existing nowhere else in the world and a haven for the avid “twitcher” or bird enthusiast.

16. Find Sharks circling off the Kingston Pier.

Every year, large sharks circle off the Kingston Pier with rapt attention, eagerly awaiting a cheap meal from the local fishermen as they clean their daily catch.

The area is teeming with marine life and the ideal spot for these majestic creatures to come around and scavenge for food. With their silver sides shimmering in the sun, it’s a sight you’ll be telling stories of, long after you get back home. 

17. Shopping

Burnt Pine is the name of the town centre, where you will find a variety of shops and cafes. Plus locally made and produced items, and a quality selection of imported products.

General shopping hours are 9 am – 5 pm, although some shops close on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday. Although, the supermarkets are open 7 days a week.

18. Winery or Brewery

On the northeast coast, you will find the Island’s first winery. The Two Chimney Wines has a cellar door, but lunch is recommended and where they use and serve locally sourced produce. We tried a couple of the drops here, but just make sure you have a designated driver.

An alternative to this would be the local Brewery located at the Castaways hotel. They hand craft beers and cider and poured their first drops in 2020.

19. Crystal Pools

These crystal blue rock pools have an array of beautiful fish left behind by the tide and a superb swimming area (If you can get to it).

Unfortunately, it’s a steep climb down, and getting up is even more challenging. but there is a rope to help those who want to try.

In the end, it’s best to visit at low tide and never swim in the rough weather. There was a lot of wind on the day we visited, and not a good time for swimming.

However, I would have jumped in if it was calm. 

Where to Stay?

The Island offers ample choices when it comes to a place to stay on Norfolk, for a couple of day to a week long visit. Firstly, there are options for a little more luxury, with top-notch service, exclusive facilities, and comfortable rooms set within lush tropical gardens. 

For something a bit cosier, check out one of the smaller motels or holiday apartments scattered across the island. Here are some options I’ve picked out for you:

• Governors Lodge Resort Hotel (Pictured Below and also where I stayed)
• Anson Bay Lodge
• Islander Lodge Apartments
• Seaview
• Whispering Pines Cottages
• Ocean Breeze Cottages
• Bucks Point – Holiday Homes

How to get there?

To get there, all you need to do is book a flight with Air New Zealand or Qantas Airways from either Brisbane or Sydney and take roughly 2.5 hours (or use them as a transit city). 

• Flights from Sydney leave on Mondays and Fridays.
• From Brisbane they run Tuesdays and Saturday.
• From Auckland on Sundays.
• Melbourne or Adelaide typically takes about 4 hours (Transiting through Sydney).
• Perth, it’s somewhat longer, and some travellers like to take a stopover in Sydney.

Once you arrive to the island, you can book your Transfers to your hotel, or we actually hired a car to get us around.

How to get around?

Hiring a car will be an invaluable way to really experience what the region has to offer. It’s what we did and seems to be “The Norm” when flying in. Not only that, it does allow you to move around on your time schedule and come and go as you please. 

If you choose NOT to hire a car, then you can choose between organized Tours, taxis, push bikes, or walking. However, know that the Island is too big to walk everywhere (about 3 hours from one side to the other), so my first option would be to hire a car or use the tours.

Driving around, you will notice the “Norfolk Wave,” where the locals wave to every passing car. It’s incredibly infectious, and you will soon join in.

Tip: Please remember when that cows or other animals take priority on all roads, and YOU give way to them.

Best Time to Visit?

The best time of year to visit Norfolk Island is in Spring (September to November) and right after in the summer. During this period, the temperatures remain mild while embracing a beautiful variety of botanical wonders provided by nature. 

On the other hand, the weather is relatively steady all year round. The climate averages between 10 to 26 degrees, and rain will be its heaviest in the cooler winter season between April and August.

FAQ’s – Commons Questions?

Do you need a passport to get there?

No, passports are not mandatory from Australia to fly to Norfolk Island. However, you will be boarding in the International Terminal and they are still your best forms or preferred identification. 

I was really nervous to get to the international airport without mine, so I still took my passport and used it to fly. But, I’m unsure how much the situation would change without it.

Therefore, If you have one, I suggest taking it!

Where to Eat?

Food is often in short supply on the Island and gets items shipped in regularly from the mainland. Alternatively, they do try to locally grow organic food and produce everything they can.

Therefore, if you’re looking for somewhere to eat, some items can be harder to get, but try out some of these great choices below:

• The Olive Café – Burnt Pine
• The Garden Restaurant and Bar – Queen Elizabeth Ave
• The Homestead Restaurant – 264 New Farm Rd
• Hilli Restaurant and Café – Queen Elizabeth Ave
• Castaway Restaurant & Bar – Taylors Road, Burnt Pine
• Bounty Bar and Grill – 3a Taylors Rd, Burnt Pine
• Two Chimneys Winery – Two Chimneys Rd
• Bailey’s Restaurant – Queen Elizabeth Ave
• Bowling Club Bistro – Burnt Pine

How Many Days do you need?

To get a real taste of the Island, plan to spend at least 7 days there. At a minimum, I think this helps with the flight times to and from the Island. If you’re not able to commit that much time, consider 2 nights as a way to get the highlights without breaking your schedule. 

Know that I did the two nights and flew direct in and out of Brisbane. While this was a pleasant taste test for me, I believe that I needed more time to really get a feel for the place. 

Is there Phone Service?

Yes, there is phone service available, but if you’re thinking of going out into the bushland areas, be aware that your coverage might be a bit patchy. 

Know that using your phone or data is considered International roaming and will be charged at the applicable rates.

And, yes, this can get expensive.

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in certain stores in town. These can assist in the Data and phone use while your touring around, but a more reasonable price.

The good thing is, most of the hotels will provide Wi-Fi service in your hotel rooms for a daily charge. Obviously, this is going to be cheaper than Data roaming.

What are the Speed Limits

The speed limit is 40km/h through town, 25km/h in the National Parks, and down at Kingston and Emily Bay.

The school zone is 30km/h between the hours of 8.00am and 3.30pm during school days.

Outside of these areas, the speed limit is 50km/h.

Do you use Cash or Card?

The great news is that while Norfolk Island doesn’t have its own currency, the Australian Dollar is widely used and accepted in the area.

Credit card machines are also available should you need to use them, so there is no need to worry about taking too much cash with you on your trip! 

How Big is the Island?

Norfolk Island is just 8km long, 5km wide, 35 square kilometres in size, and one of Australia’s most isolated communities. There are 2 mountains, standing 300 metres tall, surrounded by rich farming land.

Overall, it has over 170km of road, and most are sealed and suitable for a small 2-wheel drive vehicle.

What’s the Island Population?

Norfolk Island has a population of over 2000 people, and the primary language is English. Still, some Norfolk Islanders speak the local language Norf’k, which is a mix of Tahitian and Old English. 

Visitors would be very amused by the local telephone directory, where nicknames are commonly used instead of less formal names.

What is the Norfolk Island Pine?

The evergreen Norfolk Island Pine Tree is a symbol of the island and is pictured on the island’s flag. It’s native to the island, and a crucial export, being a popular ornamental tree on mainland Australia (where two related species grow) and also worldwide. 

Fun Fact: I have also encountered Norfolk Island Pine Trees on my visit to Fraser Island. 

History of the Island

• Captain James Cook was the first European to set foot on Norfolk Island in October 1774. Cook reported that it contained giant pines and was rich with flax, which the British desperately needed for shipbuilding. He named it after Mary Howard, Duchess of Norfolk.
• Its one of Australia’s oldest territories, having been settled six weeks after Australia’s founding settlement at Sydney, New South Wales. 
• Served as a penal colony, with the First penal settlement from 1788 to 1814 and a Second penal settlement established 11 years later from 1824 to 1856.
• Was where the most dangerous convicts were sent, and convicts were sentenced to death for committing crimes.
• The remains of the penal colony have UNESCO World Heritage status and are revered for their historical significance. You can visit the settlement’s remains, an eerie yet beautiful collection that includes a jail, a cemetery, a governor’s house, and a salt house.
• In 1855 Queen Victoria gifted Norfolk to the Pitcairn Islanders as their new home. This was because they had outgrown Pitcairn and could no longer provide provisions to the inhabitants. This is now celebrated as the Anniversary (Bounty) Day.
• In 1856, the entire community of 194 people sailed to their new home on the 3rd of May. Over time, the new colonists made their new island into a home. They worked the soil and attempted to export the produce.
• For much of the 1900s, they earned most of their income through whaling.
• An airstrip was built during World War II, which led to it’s current status as a popular tourist destination.
• The Islanders celebrates Thanksgiving Day on the 29th of November, which is linked to American whaler visitors who would call in for supplies.

Wrap up!

Thanks for reading this blog post to find out the things to do that make Norfolk Island worth visiting. I hope you found what you were looking for, but if you’re still researching please check out my other Queensland Blogs for inspiration.

• Things to see on a Brisbane to Cairns Road trip
• Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Stops & Itinerary
• Exposing the Downsides to a Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Tour
• Tips to know BEFORE planning a Queensland Road Trip
• Carnival Encounter Cruise Review & Best Tips
• Is Australia Boring? Reasons why it’s Not with Photo’s