Norfolk Island family-friendly travel guide

With a pleasant subtropical climate, lots to see and do and a great Calendar of Events, Norfolk Island is a year-round destination. The warmer months are from October through to April.

Spring is between the months of September and November and experiences average daytime temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 80 millimetres.

Summer is between the months of December and February and experiences average daytime temperatures range from 19 – 28  degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 85 millimetres.

Autumn is between the months of March and May and experiences average daytime temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius and average rainfall of 115 millimetres.

Winter is between the months of June and August and experiences average daytime temperatures range from 12 – 19 degrees Celsius and an average rainfall of 135 millimetres.

For Australians

Norfolk Island is considered domestic travel from Australia. However, flights operate from the international terminals of Brisbane and Sydney airports. Keep this in mind if you are making a flight connection from another Australian city. Australian residents travelling from Australia do not need a visa or passport; however, you will need photographic identification.

For New Zealanders

Visitors travelling from New Zealand will need a passport.

Rest of the world

Visitors without an Australian or New Zealand passport may require an Australian Visitor Visa to enter Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Island is approximately 1,600 km north-east of Sydney and 1,100 km north-west of Auckland. It only takes a short flight from Australia (Brisbane – 2hours, Sydney – 2.5hours) or New Zealand (Auckland 2.75hours) to feel totally off-grid.

With over 120 kilometres of road, most visitors opt to hire a car to make the most of their holiday. The unspoiled island has no public transport system, but Ubers are available.

All passengers arriving to the island via commercial flights will be greeted by a Norfolk Island Tourism representative who will show you to your bus transfer, hire car operator or accommodation host.

Norfolk Island has become a food-lovers destination: think fresh fish, succulent beef and pork and add in boutique products including coffee, honey and local cheese. Produce is grown organically in season, picked and delivered to restaurants and cafes on the same day.

Norfolk Island offers a diverse range of dining experiences with more than 35 restaurants and eateries packed into the tiny island.

The Bowling Club, Leagues Club and RSL Club really know how to cater for kids. With plenty of options to choose from, their menus never disappoint. Or for a casual lunch or morning tea, head to the Olive Cafe for fantastic coffee and a delicious range of sweet and savoury treats.

Norfolk Island is a duty-free and GST-free shopping haven where you’ll find over 50 stores selling everything from sporting goods and imported shoes to cosmetics, jewellery and art.

Forget boring chain stores and cookie-cutter franchises, Norfolk’s shops are locally owned and operated. Browse a variety of general stores, colourful galleries, lively markets and delightful honesty boxes.

As a rule, tourists are not expected to tip on Norfolk Island. However,  if you are happy with someone who has gone the extra mile, then a tip is always appreciated. 

Clothing is comfortable and casual year round. Warmer clothing may be necessary in winter and a hat and sunblock in summer. Make sure you add these items to your packing list:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun cream and hats
• Swimwear
• Snorkelling gear
• Insect repellent
• Lightweight cotton dresses, shirts and shorts
• Thongs
• Towels

Customs and etiquette can be tricky to understand when travelling to a new place. It can be easy to misread a cue by being unaware of traditions and sensitivities. The Norfolk Navigator is an online collection of resources, information and guides to support your understanding about the island and its people.

Mains voltage on Norfolk Island is Australian.
Three-pin adaptor 230V AC, 50Hz (different to British three-pin adaptors).

It is highly recommended that all passengers travelling to Norfolk Island from both Australia and New Zealand obtain adequate travel insurance. Australian Medicare applies to Norfolk Island. Limited medical facilities are available on the island, with any serious illnesses or injuries requiring medivac evacuation.

Norfolk Island is considered a safe destination, however, visitors must exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

While English is the main language spoken on Norfolk Island, about one third of the population are of Pitcairn Island descent and many still speak the ‘Norf’k’ or ‘Pitcairn’ language. Try some of these basic words and phrases:

Hello – Watawieh
Goodbye and see you tomorrow – Sii yorlye morla.
Thank you – Thaenk yu
Hello. How are you all? – Watawieh yorlye?
I’m well thank you – Ai guud thaenks.
What’s your name? – Wats yus niem?
My name is… – Mais niem es…
I don’t understand – Ai kaawaa
What did you say? – Wathing yu tal?

Hundred Acres Reserve offers peaceful walks amid nature. Experience the serenity as you trek in the sun-dappled shade of skyward-reaching pines and white oaks. In summer, bird encounters are a dime a dozen in the reserve.

Along the road’s edge, giant Moreton Bay Fig trees cast an impressive shadow, and sprawling root systems spread out like giant tentacles. The roots can be human height or taller while the trees are believed to be up to 200 years old.

An icon of Norfolk Island, this longstanding pine has survived centuries of turbulent history. Now a local landmark, it cuts a lonely figure standing solo at the tip of Point Hunter within the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’re keen on photography, bring your camera. This solitary tree, standing tall on the headland with the white-frothed waves of the South Pacific crashing around it, is extremely photogenic.

You’ll never forget the first time you look up into Norfolk Island’s inky night skies. Void of all light pollution and hundreds of kilometres from the closest landmass, the star-splashed skies are simply jaw-dropping. It’s no wonder Norfolk Island was awarded the rare and coveted status of Gold Level Dark Sky Town by the Australian Dark Sky Register. Whether you’re an astronomy expert or complete novice, you’ll be blown away by some of the darkest and most star-filled skies on the planet.

West of Burnt Pine, the stunning St Barnabas Chapel was built by the (Anglican) Melanesian Mission, which was based on the island from 1866 to 1920. The church doesn’t really ever close, so just be sure to shut the door when you leave.