Norfolk Island Travel Guide

Norfolk Island is but a speck on the surrounding two million empty square miles of seascape. In the South Pacific Ocean, this three by five mile volcanic outcrop is a subtropical paradise.

Discovered by Captain James Cook, it was claimed by him for Great Britain and named in honour of the Duchess of Norfolk. Cook's crew were struck by the island's rugged beauty and the abundance of flax and pine.

Norfolk Island has a unique geography with a small population that is slowly declining. The primary industry on Norfolk is tourism and the government is independent of Australia in most respects except for policing, defence and education. Norfolk Island is a tax free haven of Australia.

Norfolk's sub-tropical climate is tempered by the surrounding sea so it is never blazingly hot and rarely cold enough to demand more than a pullover or cardigan. The average annual rainfall is 1328mm and there are occasional storms but most rain conveniently falls during the night. The temperatures are mild ranging from 24 to 28°C in the height of Summer and 19 to 21°C in Winter.

There is not much to do on Norfolk Island as you can guess it is very low key.

Almost every day from October to May offers pleasant beach weather, but the very best months for the beach are from December to April. With the exception of Emily and Slaughter Bay, Norfolk Island's 32kms of coastline consists of a few secluded sandy beaches tucked away at the base of high cliffs. Though you will not feel you are becoming sunburned, you should protect against it - the total lack of pollution gives the sun an extra kick.

Emily Bay
Emily is the safest swimming spot on the Island, in fact its probably one of the safest swimming spots in the world. The sparkling crystal clear waters of Emily are protected from the breakers and the southern ocean by a reef just off the Lone Pine headland.

Slaughter Bay
On a calm day, Slaughter Bay is a great spot for snorkelling and if the swell is right the waves pick up nicely for a surf on the reef. The marine life on the reef is abundant with colourful tropical fish quite common among the coral.

Anson Bay
Anson Bay is Norfolk's most spectacular beach. Being nestled in to the bottom of one of Norfolk's many steep cliff faces makes Anson less accessable and more secluded than other beaches on the Island.

Golf
Superbly situated on the ocean-side Point Hunter Reserve and alongside the sweeping gardens of Government House, the nine hole course has an 18 hole par of 72.

Mini Golf
About half a kilometre up Grassy Road, the one leading from the western end of Burnt Pine up towards Mt. Pitt, is a well laid out and maintained mini golf course. While you're there, check out the amazing array of toys at the adjoining shop.

Athletics
Home to several Pan Pacific Games medal winners, Norfolk is very active in all aspects of athletics.

Windsurfing
There's no formal club but when it's low tide and the wind is gusting from the south-east or south-west, just head down to Slaughter Bay and, if you're lucky, someone will let you borrow their gear.

Scuba Diving
Over 30 first-class dive sites make Norfolk a scuba destination that divers return to often.

Your Name	:
Your Email Address	:
Suggested Changes	:
Security Code	: