Explore Norfolk Island: A Unique Destination for Nature, History, and Adventure
You’ll find plenty of Things to do around Norfolk Island – a 8×5 km tiny Norfolk Island discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774 and now inhabited by descendants of HMS Bounty mutineers. It’s packed with history and culture within stunning landscapes. It’s a unique getaway no doubt, to unplug, learn something new and relax, and it offers nature lovers a paradise of jagged cliffs, pine trees, beaches, and historic landmarks of an 18th-century penal colony.
Norfolk Island is very rich in Polynesian, convict, and Pitcairn Islander heritage, and it even has its own UNESCO-recognized language, Norf’k.
A Diverse Island Experience
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Norfolk Island offers something for everyone. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, snorkelling, or water sports. For foodies, the island is a culinary haven with fresh produce, seafood, locally churned cheese, and delicious steaks cooked on an Argentinian wood grill.
Connect with the Local Community
Engage with the island’s warm and friendly locals at community events like the famous Progressive Dinners. Convict Nights and Bounty Nights. Or experience the beauty of Norfolk Island by night on the under-the-stars in Norfolk Forest, listening to stories of Norfolk Island under fairy lights and clear night skies. With minimal light pollution, Norfolk Island has earned the status of a Gold Level Dark Sky Town—ideal for stargazing too.
Explore & Discover
- Kingston & Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA): Learn about the island’s convict past at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- St. Barnabas Chapel: Visit a 19th-century church built as part of the Melanesian mission in the late 19th century. School children have free entry to the museums and guided tours are available, or grab a self-guided map.
- Honesty Boxes: Pick up local produce —ask for a map at the Visitor Information Centre.
- Visit Emily Bay Beach, the pristine Slaughter Bay, Bumbora Beach, Ball Bay Reserve, Two Chimneys Reserve, Norfolk Island Memorial Park, Cascade Reserve, Lions Park, Bounty Square, Pop’s Corner, Norfolk Island Botanic Gardens, Point Ross Reserve.
- Emily Bay Lagoon: Leap off the pontoon and snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover vibrant coral reefs.
- Walk to Cockpit Reserve and view the stunning waterfall from the Boardwalk, and discover beautiful rock pools at Bumboras
- Stroll through the island’s main commercial area, Burnt Pine, where you can find quaint shops, cafes, and local handicrafts at Burnt Pines
- Watch a family movie under blankets (in winter) at the Ferny Lane Theatre
- Enjoy spectacular sunrise at Mount Pitt or Mount Bates.
- Swim in the Crystal Pools. Bring reef shoes and goggles if you don’t want to worry about getting in and out – there are plenty of sea urchins, so would advise steering clear.
- Lose the kids (for a while, anyway) at the Hedge Maze, Strawberry Fields
- Spot the island’s green parrot, one of the earth’s rarest birds
- Experience the islands mixologists and sip a Norfolk cocktail
Adventure Awaits: Get Active and Explore
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Experience Norfolk’s vibrant coral gardens and marine life, with cheerful Norfolk humour by the Bounty descendant guides. Call tour guides, Donald: 54016 or George: 52794 Email: [email protected] or book at Pinetree Tours Office
- Norfolk Island Golf: Play on a heritage-listed course with stunning ocean views.
- Hiking and Scenic Lookouts: Immerse yourself in Norfolk Island’s lush forests and national parks, with breathtaking views from scenic lookout points.
- Fish for dinner on Kingston Pier – (the kids love it here)
- Birdwatching: Norfolk is home to 116 bird species, including the rare green parrot, found nowhere else on Earth. Join the Green Eyes Bird Watching Tour with Margaret Christian for an unforgettable experience. Phone + 6723 50901
- Search for the 200-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees and near the figs is 100 Acres Reserve. Not to be missed for a walk through the pine forest, coastal views and seq birds – terns, noddies, petrels, red tailed tropic birds
Local History and Culture: Uncover the Past
- Colleen McCullough’s Home – Visit the home of famous author of ‘Thorn Birds’, ‘Prodigal Son’, ‘Morgan’s Run’ and many more.
- Convict Cemeteries and Sites: Visit Norfolk Island’s old cemetery with penal colony graves as well as mutiny on the bounty descendants and more recent graves like Colleen McCullough.
- The Trial of the 15: Watch a local play which re-enacts a pivotal moment in Norfolk’s history.
- Bounty Mutiny Museum: Discover the island’s connection to the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm, 7 days/week, or phone: +6723 53961
- Convict Era Homesteads
- Lantern Lit Ghost Tour – hair-raising walks through Kingston Cemetery, Olde Town and Australia’s most haunted house
- Sample the cellar-door wines at the award winning, Two Chimneys Wines
Good Eats
Unique Norfolk Island Dining Experiences
- Progressive Dinner: Book a spot for the island’s legendary Progressive Dinner, where you’ll dine at different local homes and meet the friendly community.
- Homestead Restaurant: Enjoy an Argentinian-style wood-fuelled grill for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
- The Garden Restaurant: Indulge in local dishes while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
- Norfolk Brewing: Enjoy locally brewed beer at the Castaway Hotel, with seasonal cheese platters and lunch options
- Baunti Escape: Fry fish fry on a cliff top overlooking out to sea.
- Castaway Hotel for locally brewed beer (check days for the order of cheese platters or lunch
- Prinke Eco store for healthy snacks
- Cafe Tempo – try a slice of dessert pie @cafetempo2899
- Black Anchor Bar – Cocktail hour every night from 5pm-6pm.curated wines, boutique beers and cocktails & American food
- Bailey’s Restaurant – Open 7 nights a week from 5pm
- Bounty Bar & Grill – housed in an early 1900’s building and offers a menu full of local meats & produce @bountybargrill
- Golden Orb Cafe – in a private garden setting, serves breakfast, lunch, cakes, coffee & speciality teas @thegoldenorbcafe
- Hill Restaurant & Cafe – Fresh food, Devonshire tea, lunch & dinner in a beautiful setting both indoors & outdoors
- Juddway – fresh locally sourced produce
- Café Governor’s Lounge Bar
- The Olive Cafe offers an eclectic breakfast and lunch menus that changes daily @theolivenorfolk
- Salty Beer Garden @saltybeergarden. Open 7 days a week, child friendly pub where the kids can almost run riot, live music, functions
- Sublime Lounge Café/bar: at 165 Stockyard Road has a cool, laid back surfy vibe to it and is open from 10am to 3pm.
Foodies
- Norfolk Island Pine Honey – Sample the unique and delicious honey made from Norfolk Island pine trees, which is a specialty of the island or the potatoes, sweet and succulent pineapples, bananas and even the sweet potatoes!
- Saturday Morning Farmers Market – go early, as the growers sell out fast!
- Experience paddock-to-plate dining at Bounty Bar & Grill, Burnt Pine
- Fitzy’s Farm is a lavender farm and they now offer meals, drinks and live music
- Indulge in locally caught seafood, including fish, prawns, and lobster, at the island’s various restaurants and eateries.
- Try ordering @plattersbypaige2899
- Slick and Sons butchery receive daily deliveries
- Wetls offers ice cream, cold drinks, hamburgers, and other takeaway food.
Retail Escapes
- Seriously Chocolate – all things chocolate. There is a daily lunch menu & specials, cakes & cheesecakes, chocolates gifts & creations, hot chocolate drinks, coffee & more! Located at 100 Taylors Rd, Burnt Pine
- Meet skilled artisans as they showcase their unique crafts and specialties. From handcrafted pottery to locally made soft drinks.
- Benjamin’s – jewellery, watches, homeware & giftware
- Big Surf – Ripcurl, Quiksilver, Roxy, DC, Vans, Creatures of Leisure, Sex Wax, Icon & more
- Bounty Centre – stocks Lego, souvenirs, V-Tech, Games, puzzles, toys and more
- BJ Jewellers – uniquely designed jewellery traditional classics to some of the world’s most exquisite individual pieces
- Craig’s Knitwear – most stock imported from Europe, the UK & North America at about half the Australian or New Zealand price
- Sunday morning craft market near the Visitor Info Centre.
- Frank’s Shoes
- Reflections on Norfolk: haberdashery, fabrics, quilting fabrics, Oxfam Fair-trade Gifts and Aromatherapy products.
- Norfolk Bath & Body – with locally made soap bars, cupcake soaps & cake slice soaps
- Land & Sea – fishing gear, water sports, swimwear, beach gear, camping
- ‘Wetls Daun-a-Taun’ caravan: Hire laser yachts, paddleboards, canoes, Pedalos and snorkelling gear at Emily Bay beach.
- Norfolk Liqueurs – distilled by the Forrester family since 1992
- Niow – homegrown Norfolk Island products
- Sweeties – locally made chocolates, imported European chocolates & sweets
- Wunna – original locally designed and screen-printed T-shirts, polo’s, hoodies, aprons, tote bags & more
- Max’s Duty Free
Check out our Roadtrip around Norfolk Island.
