Visitor Information
Below you’ll find a brief summary of visitor information for Norfolk Island travel. Norfolk Island has lots to offer visiting travelers. Whether you’re looking to explore our history, pristine environment, culture, lifestyle, shops, cafes & restaurants or any combination of these, you’ll find plenty to do. Or simply do nothing at all, sit back & relax in the laidback atmosphere, the choice is yours…
If you’d like further information, have a specific question or would like to make a booking, please email us…
Accommodation
There’s a great variety of holiday accommodation available with Norfolk Island travel. On offer are options to suit every budget. So you can choose from a range of hotels, self-contained apartments, luxury cottages or villas, studios and holiday homes. Most places include a hire car or a bus transfer to and from the airport, enquire for your options.
Biosecurity (Quarantine)
The Biosecurity Act 2015 now applies to movements onto Norfolk Island and biosecurity import conditions apply to all goods arriving onto Norfolk Island. Consequently, you must declare certain food, plant material (including wooden articles) and animal products on your incoming passenger card. Ask a Biosecurity officer on arrival if unsure. For further information EMAIL.
Burnt Pine Travel
Our office is located at 50 Ferny Lane, adjacent to the airport. Our office opening hours are 9am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday & 9am-12:30pm on Wednesday. Because we’re based on Island, we’re a great source of information on Norfolk Island travel. Call in & see our friendly staff who can arrange all your holiday requirements.
Churches
Churches on the Island include the Church of England, Uniting, Community Church, Jehovah’s Witness, Bahai, Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist. The Visitors Information Centre located in the Bi-Centennial Complex has details of service times.
Climate
Norfolk Island enjoys a subtropical climate, with an average annual rainfall of 1328mm. We’ve got lovely summer days from 24°C that don’t exceed 28.4°C, with overnight ranges from 19-21°C. Our mid-winter temperatures range from 12°C at night to 19-21°C during the day.
Clothing
Comfortable and casual day and night. We do recommend you pack a sweater and light nylon jacket even during the summer months as at times the temperature can dip during the evenings. Other handy items include strong shoes for walking, a torch for night outings, hat and sunscreen.
Communications
Norfolk Island offers a mobile phone service which is available by purchasing a local sim card. Some of the larger phone carriers have global roaming available on Norfolk. We do however recommend you check charges prior to your arrival as often the local service works out to be cheaper. Internet Wi-Fi cards can be purchased for use at hot spot areas around the Island and there are 2 small internet cafes located within the Burnt Pine town centre. The ”Norfolk Islander” newspaper is published every Saturday. The council owned radio station “Radio Norfolk” broadcasts daily on FM89.9 and AM1566. Some Australian digital TV channels are also available.
Currency
Currency used on the island is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank has a branch at Burnt Pine along with the only ATM on the Island. There is an Australia Post shop on the Island which also provides Bank@Post facilities. Check the Australia Post website for details on the Bank@Post services. Travellers cheques and most credit cards are widely accepted. EFTPOS facilities are also available at most of the Island’s retailers
Driving
The speed limit around most of the Island is 50km/h, this reduces to 40km/h in the shopping centre and then 30km/h in part of the Kingston Historic area and around the school during school days. Please be aware of all livestock that roam the roads, they have right of way. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and you’ll notice the locals wave passing vehicles. Called the “Norfolk wave”, we encourage all visitors to do the same.
Electricity
Mains voltage on Norfolk Island is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles with a three-pin plug, the same as mainland Australia. Diesel generators provide the Island’s electricity and as such a power surge protection device is recommended for electronic equipment, particularly computers.
Entry/Passport Requirements
Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Norfolk Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver’s Licence, Proof of Age card or current Norfolk Island Document of Identity, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance through Australian Border Force. A valid passport meets this identification requirement and is the preferred means of documentation to expedite passenger processing and provide passenger identification in the case of a flight diversion to another country. (courtesy Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities website).
Passengers travelling from New Zealand require a valid passport.
Flights
Qantas operates 6 flights into Norfolk Island from Australia each week. Flights depart from Sydney every Monday, Friday and Sunday and from Brisbane every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Air Chathams fly from Auckland on a Thursday of each week from August to April. Schedules are subject to change without notice.
Food - Paddock to Plate
Fruit and vegetables are grown on the island, in season they are picked daily for you to enjoy! We’ve got over 25 eating out places creating delicious dishes with the freshest ingredients for you to experience. Add to the mix fresh fish, local beef, & small boutique products such as coffee, honey & cheese.
Geographical Location
You’ll find us 1610kms ENE of Sydney, 1456kms ESE of Brisbane, 1063kms NNW of Auckland and 772kms SE of Noumea. Norfolk Island is a small volcanic outcrop measuring 8km long by 5km wide and comprising 3855ha. There are two smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, which lie to the south at a distance of 1km and 6km respectively.
KAVHA World Heritage site & Kingston Museums
The Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area comprises the sites of the Polynesian settlement, two convict settlements and the 1856 arrival area of the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. Georgian buildings and ruins make up the convict site and are part of the 11 convict sites of Australia. Of those 11 sites, Norfolk is the oldest and is now World Heritage listed. Kingston is also home to 4 museums that are open every day telling the stories of this island’s amazing history.
Language
English is the main language spoken and you’ll also hear Norfolk spoken among the Islanders and other residents. Norfolk is a unique language derived from the speech of the Bounty Mutineers and their Tahitian wives and companions who settled Pitcairn in 1790.
Here’s a taste of the local language:
Norfolk |
English |
| Watawieh Yorlye? | How are you? |
| Si Yorlye Morla | See you tomorrow |
| Kushu | Good |
| Hili | Lazy |
Medical
Australian Medicare now applies to the Island. Visitors who do not have a medicare card are highly advised to have private travel insurance. The Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service provides a GP clinic, dental clinic and 24 hour emergency service. A pharmacy is located in the Norfolk Mall. Although Medicare is available, we strongly recommend private travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances.
National Park
Explore the stunning scenery and rich diversity of bird life in the Norfolk Island National Park. Experience natural Norfolk Island on the variety of walking tracks that wind through stands of Norfolk Island pines, lush palm forests, along the coastal fringe & even beneath the tallest tree ferns on earth. Mt Pitt & Mt Bates, the two highest points on the island, offer incredible island views. Be sure to visit the Captain Cook monument and lookout platform for spectacular coastline views & make use of the picnic & BBQ facilities provided. From bushwalks to BBQ’s, the Norfolk Island National Park has something for everyone.
Norfolk Island Botanic Gardens
The botanic garden is a great place to explore and learn about Norfolk Island’s plants and animals. Wander through the cultivated gardens to see a display of Norfolk Island’s unique plants. Take a stroll along some of the beautiful walking trails to see the plants in their natural environment. Maybe even see some of Norfolk’s amazing birdlife, such as the endemic green parrot (a species found no where else in the world). Predominant among its trees is the stately Norfolk Island Pine which can reach a height of 57m.
Population
Norfolk has approximately 1,800 citizens with roughly equal numbers of Pitcairn descendants, Australians and New Zealanders.
Shopping and Island Markets
Burnt Pine is home to Norfolk’s shopping centre where usual shopping hours are 9am – 5pm. Some shops are closed all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Supermarkets are open 7 days: Foodland Supermarket closes at 6pm, P & R groceries and Paw Paws mini mart both close at 9pm. The island markets are held every Sunday morning from 8:30am – 11am. It offers local souvenirs, art and craft and home made cooking. The Farmers markets are held every Saturday morning from 7:30am – 10:30am and offer seasonal fruit and vegetables. Both markets are held in the Bicentennial Complex near the Visitors Information Centre.
Time Difference
Norfolk Island moved to the UTC + 11:00 timezone in October 2015. This generally puts us one hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time and one hour behind New Zealand Standard Time. Norfolk Island introduced daylight saving in 2019 commencing on the same day & time as Australia.
Transport
The most practical way to get around the Island is via rental car, there is no public transport. A taxi service is available and operates on casual hours or if you have a good fitness level, mountain bikes are available for hire. Car hire is from approx. $35 per day, with a daily recovery cost payable direct to the car company. Some accommodation properties include a hire car (insurance and petrol are an additional expense).
Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that ALL passengers travelling to Norfolk Island from both Australia and New Zealand obtain adequate travel insurance. Although Medicare is available on the Island, we strongly recommend private travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. Being an Island, diversions or delays can occur due to adverse weather conditions and you may incur additional expenses as a result. Travel insurance may help cover costs for additional accommodation & other expenses should your travel not go to schedule.
Visitors Information Centre
Located in the Bicentennial Complex, Taylors Road, the Centre is open 7 days a week from 8:30am.
Weddings
Norfolk Island is a great place to hold your wedding or renew your vows and then enjoy your honeymoon! On offer are stunning outdoor locations or choose one of the many Churches including the beautiful & historic St Barnabas chapel. The usual wedding services such as florist, hair and make up, cars etc are available on the island and some accommodation properties even offer wedding packages.
