9 Things To Do In Norfolk Island For First-Timers + How To Plan Your Visit
Norfolk Island might be tiny, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to do!
This place is STEEPED in history, with hikes to epic lookouts, crystal-clear waters with excellent snorkel, and full of quirky surprises (like cows on the road!).
We spent a full week there and seriously considered extending our stay, there are sooo many things we left on the table (like visiting Phillip Island, the weather was not on our side).
BUT here are 9 things first-timers must definitely do on their Norfolk Island holiday! From visiting the world-heritage convict site to the best hikes and snorkelling spots.
We also included tips on how to get around, when to visit, where to stay, where to eat, and more. Let’s get into it!
But first… travel essentials for Norfolk Island
🎉 Activities: These are some of the best tours in Norfolk Island
❤️🩹Insurance: Protect yourself and your loved ones with the travel insurance that we always use
🛏️Accomodation: Book your stay in Norfolk Island here
✈️ Flights: Great deals on flight tickets here
9 Awesome things to do in Norfolk Island
1) Visit the UNESCO-listed Kingston Convict Site
The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) is a world heritage site, which used to be a massive convict site.
It has lots of fascinating Norfolk Island history and some seriously haunting buildings!
You can wander through the old gaol, peek into government buildings, and check out the historic cemetery.
The Norfolk Island Museum is split between four buildings in Kingston, so you can spend a good few hours checking it out to understand the island’s past.
The best way to check it out is with a tour. The guides really know their stuff and bring all those wild convict tales to life!
Here’s an excellent guided tour of Kingston that includes pick-up and drop-off if you’re keen.
2) Try these hikes for EPIC views
Norfolk Island’s got some sweet walking tracks that wind through thick forests and along dramatic coastal cliffs. These are some of the best ones:
Mt Pitt & Mt Bates track, a 30-min return hike that gives you the best views on the island – you can see a full 360° from the top at 319m! It’s an easy 1km walk.
The Captain Cook Lookout track, a 2.8km hike along the massive coastal cliffs. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to check out the seabird nesting spots! There are picnic tables too.
Palm Glen Circuit, a chilled 1.5km loop through the rainforest. Takes around 45 mins and you might spot the rare Norfolk Island Green Parrot!
Hundred Acres Reserve Walk, which stretches 2.3km to Rocky Point. The sunset views are INCREDIBLE and you’ll see heaps of seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
🤩 Choose from an easy or moderate hiking trail and explore Norfolk Island’s unique flora with a guide. After the walk, regroup with the others for a cooked breakfast served in a relaxed bush setting: Breakfast Bushwalk in Norfolk Island
3) Swim and snorkel in these gorgeous spots
Norfolk Island has some seriously stunning swimming and snorkelling spots! The crystal-clear waters are perfect for cooling off and spotting colourful fish. Here are some places you should check out:
Emily Bay Lagoon, your best bet for a relaxed swim. This protected south coast spot has super calm waters and a floating pontoon that’s perfect for sunbathing. Great for families!
Slaughter Bay, right next to Emily Bay but with much more marine life. Don’t forget to bring some reef shoes.
Anson Bay Beach, right on the north coast. It’s more hidden away and takes a bit of effort to reach (steep walk down), but the views are worth it. Watch out for stronger waves here.
Not keen on getting wet? No worries, hop on a glass-bottom boat from Emily Bay for a 60-minute cruise over the reef!
4) Don’t miss the immersive Cyclorama
You won’t believe your eyes when you walk into this massive 360° painting.
Standing 3.5m high and stretching 35m around, it’s a truly immersive experience that tells the history of the island.
It includes the story of the Bounty mutiny, life on Pitcairn Island, and how the settlers made their way to Norfolk Island!
You’ll find it right in the middle of Burnt Pine town. No photos are allowed though, so leave your camera in your bag for this one.
5) Visit St Barnabas Chapel
You’ve got to check out this stunning stone chapel while you’re in Kingston!
Built in 1880, St Barnabas Chapel has beautiful stained glass windows and detailed wood carvings. Even if you’re not into churches, it’s worth checking out – the craftsmanship is AMAZING.
The locals still use it for services, so just be mindful if there’s something going on. The best time to visit is early morning when the spectacular sunrise spots stream through those colourful windows.
Oh, and it’s totally free to visit (donations are welcome)!
6) Walk the Historic Cemetery at Cemetery Bay
The cemetery at Cemetery Bay goes ALL the way back to 1788. You’ll spot gravestones from First Fleet members and even descendants of the famous Bounty mutineers!
Each headstone tells its own wild story – from brutal convict punishments to heartbreaking tales of shipwrecks.
If you’re up for extra spookiness, book a lantern-lit ghost tour like this one! The guides share bone-chilling stories about the people buried here as you walk through the dark with your lantern.
7) Find the Sirius Shipwreck
The HMS Sirius, which hit the reef in 1790, sits just off the coast in Slaughter Bay. At low tide, you can see bits of the wreck from the shore – pretty wild considering it’s been there for over 230 years!
It’s about 8-11 metres deep, so if you’re a confident freediver, you could check it out by renting a kayak.
You can also do a scuba diving tour if you’re keen, or a glass bottom boat tour if you don’t want to get wet!
8) Take a trip to Phillip Island (weather permitting)
Just 6km off Norfolk’s coast sits Phillip Island, also known as the “Uluru of the South Pacific” because of its bright red cliffs!
If you’re into wild, off-the-beaten-oath places, you’ll LOVE this spot.
It’s packed with plants and animals you won’t find anywhere else, including five different types of reptiles that call this island home.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. You’ll need to hop on a boat and tackle a pretty steep climb (there are ropes to help). The weather also has to be good, tours only run when conditions are right.
Contact the Norfolk Island Visitors Information Centre to book this experience!
9) Do some birdwatching
We are amateur birdwatchers and let me tell you – Norfolk Island is a PARADISE for bird lovers!
18 different types of seabirds call Norfolk Island home, and some you won’t spot anywhere else in the world!
Keep your eyes peeled for the super rare Norfolk Island Green Parrot – these little beauties are critically endangered and love hanging out along the Palm Glen Circuit.
There are also white terns that nest in trees… without actually building nests!
And if you’re after something BIG, check out Duncombe Bay where Great Frigatebirds soar overhead with their massive 2-metre wingspans.
When is the best time to visit Norfolk Island?
Summer and autumn (November to April) bring perfect beach weather to Norfolk Island. The warmer temps make swimming at Emily Bay Lagoon and snorkelling at Slaughter Bay super enjoyable.
If you’re more into hiking, winter and spring (May to October) are brilliant. The cooler weather is perfect for tackling Mt Pitt or the Captain Cook track.
Bonus – you can spot humpback whales from June to October!
How to get to Norfolk Island?
The easiest way to get to Norfolk Island is by flying directly from Brisbane (2 hours) or Sydney (2.5 hours). These are the only two cities with direct flights to the island.
We always check here for the best deals on tickets if you’re interested!
Once you land at Norfolk Island Airport, we recommend renting a car since there’s no public transport, and most attractions are spread across the island. Here’s a list of some local car rentals.
Driving in Norfolk Island
One of the quirkiest most important road rules is that cows have the right of way!
You’ll often see them wandering freely on the roads along with chickens, so be EXTRA cautious when driving, especially at dusk or dawn.
Last time we went, there were no traffic lights on the island and parking was free everywhere. The speed limit is low, usually around 50 km/h on main roads and 40 km/h in town areas.
As for road conditions, they are generally good, but some roads are unsealed and can become rough after rain. A standard vehicle is fine for most areas, but a 4WD can be helpful if you plan to explore more remote spots.
Also, there’s the “Norfolk Wave”, a friendly wave between drivers, even if you don’t know the person. It’s a small but charming island tradition!
If you prefer not to drive, there are a few taxis available, but they need to be booked in advance, and there is no rideshare service like Uber.
Walking and cycling are possible in some areas, but the island’s hilly terrain makes having a car the most practical option.
How many days to stay in Norfolk Island?
You’ll want at least a full week on Norfolk Island to really soak up all the good stuff! We spent 7 days here and we honestly considered extending our stay.
But a week is enough to check out all the places and hikes on this list, plus give you some backup days if the weather turns bad or boat trips get cancelled (which happens!).
Top accommodations in Norfolk Island
We stayed at Selwyn Cottage and it was SO. GOOD.
This standalone cottage in a quiet suburb close to the National Park and the township was the perfect retreat after a hard day on the sightseeing trail.
It has a private garden so fine we could have spent the whole week there! It was truly a home away from home.
The place books out WELL in advance so honestly consider planning your holiday around it, it’s THAT good!
If you’re looking for something else (or if Selwyn is not available), here are some excellent alternatives:
Best budget-friendly stay: Daydreamer Apartments has self-contained units with kitchens, private verandahs, and a garden setting that’s handy for longer stays or anyone wanting to do their own thing. It’s 1000 metres from Norfolk Island Airport and sleeps up to 4.
Best for families and groups: Coast Norfolk Island offers a mix of cottages and apartments with kitchen facilities, ocean views, and access to a shared pool and spa. It’s a 15-minute drive from Norfolk Island Airport and sleeps up to 5.
- Best hotel: Paradise Hotel & Resort has hotel-style rooms, a pool, and an on-site restaurant set among tropical gardens. It’s 3 km from Norfolk Island Airport and sleeps up to 5.
- Best luxury: Cumberland Resort & Spa offers self-contained villas with full kitchens, private spas, and access to a sauna and heated pool. It’s 2 km from Norfolk Island Airport and sleeps up to 10.
If none of these fill your needs, go here to look for more accommodation options in Norfolk Island!
Now, if you want to camp, we heard there are some designated camping spots in Norfolk Island but not sure where. Definitely call the visitor centre for more info on this!
Where to eat in Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island has some great spots to eat, from cozy cafés to top-notch seafood. Here are some places to check out, whether you’re after a quick bite or a fancy dinner:
The Olive ($$), a relaxed café in the town centre, known for its hearty breakfasts, great coffee, and freshly baked cakes. A top pick for brunch lovers!
Hilli Restaurant & Café ($$$), one of the island’s best fine dining spots, with locally inspired dishes in a beautiful garden setting. It’s near the Cyclorama, perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Golden Orb Café ($$), a quirky café in the heart of town, serving English-style breakfasts, homemade treats, and light lunches.
Two Chimneys Winery ($$$), the island’s only winery, serves local wines alongside gourmet platters featuring Norfolk Island cheeses, meats, and fresh produce.
Black Anchor Bar ($$), a nautical-themed bar offering craft cocktails, boutique beers, and American-style bar food. Perfect for a laid-back evening!
Top Tips
Your Australian SIM card won’t work here, as there are no roaming agreements in place. But you can purchase a SIM card from Norfolk Telecom, starting at $10. Here are all their mobile plans.
Internet is very slow and spotty, too. It’s not the best place to work remotely, to be honest! So better leave the laptop at home.
Also, shops close earlier than you might be used to, and some don’t open on Sundays. Stock up on essentials ahead of time!
Did you know?
Norfolk Island has its own local language called Norfuk, a mix of 18th-century English and Tahitian, brought over by the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers and their Polynesian companions.
It’s still spoken today, and while you might not hear it everywhere, locals love to use phrases like “Watawieh?” (How are you?). It’s even recognized as a regional language by UNESCO!
And unlike mainland Australia, Norfolk Island doesn’t have an Aboriginal history. The island was uninhabited when the British first arrived in 1788.
Polynesians had settled here hundreds of years earlier but mysteriously vanished. This makes Norfolk’s population one of the most uniquely formed in the world, with Pitcairn Islanders (Bounty Mutineer descendants) becoming the main settlers in 1856.
FAQs
Do you need a car on Norfolk Island?
Yes! You definitely need a car to move around Norfolk Island since there’s no public transport, and the island is too spread out to walk everywhere.
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