- An Australian external territory, so British visitors need an Australian visa such as an eVisitor
- Kingston's convict settlement is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Descendants of the Bounty mutineers still shape island culture
- Flights come from Sydney and Brisbane in about two and a half hours
- Airports
- Norfolk Island Airport (NLK), about 10 minutes from Burnt Pine
- Flight time
- about 26-30h from London, via Sydney or Brisbane
- Best time to go
- October-April
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)
Norfolk Island is a small, green volcanic island in the Tasman Sea, roughly 1,400 km east of the Australian mainland. It is famous for its tall Norfolk Island pines, a dramatic convict past and its connection to the Bounty: in 1856 the entire population of Pitcairn Island, descendants of the mutineers and their Tahitian companions, was resettled here, and their Norf'k language and traditions live on.
Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia. It is 12 hours ahead of the UK in the British winter and ten hours ahead during British Summer Time, as the island runs its own daylight saving from October to April. It uses the Australian dollar and Australian plugs, and traffic drives on the left, where cows have right of way. For the wider picture, see our Oceania guide and our Australia guide, plus our Pitcairn Islands guide.
Things to do
- Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area: Georgian convict buildings, ruins and museums, part of the UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites.
- Emily Bay: a sheltered, reef-protected lagoon with calm, clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
- Norfolk Island National Park: walks to Mount Pitt and Mount Bates, with views over the whole island.
- Captain Cook Monument: clifftop views where Cook landed in 1774.
- Bounty Day: celebrations on 8 June marking the arrival of the Pitcairners.
- Glass-bottom boat tours: over the coral reef off Kingston.
- Food and farm gates: local produce, fish fries and the island's famous "progressive dinners" with island families.
- St Barnabas Chapel: a beautiful 19th-century chapel built by the Melanesian Mission.
Where to stay
- Burnt Pine: the small commercial centre, with motels, apartments and shops.
- Around Kingston: cottages and lodges close to the historic area and Emily Bay.
- Rural cottages: self-catering cottages in the hills and on the cliffs, many with ocean views.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Fly to Sydney or Brisbane, then take a flight of around two and a half hours to Norfolk Island; services run several times a week. Since 2016 Norfolk Island has been part of Australia's migration zone, so British passport holders need an Australian visa, usually the free eVisitor, even when flying in from Australia. Hire cars are inexpensive and the best way to explore.
Good to know
- Culture: Norf'k, a mix of 18th-century English and Tahitian, is spoken alongside English; phone books list residents by nickname.
- Money: the Australian dollar is used; cards are accepted in most places, and there are a couple of ATMs.
- Getting around: speed limits are low, roads are narrow and cattle wander freely, so take it slowly.
- Food: fish fries at sunset, fresh banana, guava and local beef; many cafés use island-grown produce.
- Connectivity: mobile coverage and internet are more limited than on the mainland, which many visitors enjoy.
Best time to visit
October to April is the warmest period, with temperatures in the mid-20s °C, and spring brings wildflowers and nesting seabirds. Winter (June to August) is mild, around 18°C, and quieter. Rainfall is spread through the year.
Book a hire car with your accommodation, as many packages include one and supply on the island is limited.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Norfolk Island?
Yes. Norfolk Island is part of Australia's migration zone, so British visitors need an Australian visa such as the eVisitor.
How do you get to Norfolk Island?
By air from Sydney or Brisbane, in about two and a half hours. There is no regular passenger ferry.
What is Norfolk Island famous for?
Its convict history, Norfolk pines, Bounty descendants and a relaxed, close-knit community.
How long should I spend on Norfolk Island?
A week is ideal to explore the heritage sites, walk the national park and enjoy the beaches at an island pace.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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