Whilst Norfolk Island is relatively small in size, it makes up for it with the incredible bounty of birdlife, its coastline and national park. When you visit Norfolk Island, you will find an atmosphere that is unhurried; you can take your time and soak up all that the island has to offer whether it is touring the country on land or by sea.
Almost 1,700 people live on Norfolk Island, but there is more than enough room to accommodate the many tourists that visit on a regular basis. The Australian Territory has been self-governed for years, and the locals run their own schools, health insurance, hospitals and even grow their own food.
After a while, work, children’s school commitments, afternoon activities and, of course, everyday family life can make a family tired and looking for a holiday destination where they can relax and reconnect. Norfolk Island is the perfect spot and, whilst it involves an international flight, it is an Australian Territory.
Top things to do on Norfolk Island with kids
Adventures abound on Norfolk Island for kids and adults alike. So what are the top highlights of Norfolk?
Outdoor activities on Norfolk Island
There are countless outdoor activities that run the gamut of sporting, to nature trails, entertainment and sightseeing offering something for everyone. You can wake up in the morning, hit the road (stick to under the 50Km/h speed limit!) and explore something completely different each day of the week.
You can choose to go mountain biking or see the island from atop a horse as you go horse riding. Spend a serene afternoon fishing at sea and drop a line off Cascade or Kingston wharves or at Bomboras.
For the sporting enthusiasts, try a game of golf on one of the lush green 18-hole professional courses that are here or learn a game of tennis at Cheryl Tennis Club. Kids will definitely love the atmosphere at the Lions Park playground.
Historic attractions on Norfolk Island
The island is often framed in the context of the Mutiny of the Bounty, and some residents are descendants of those who arrived on the island back in 1856. If you happen to stumble upon one of these descendants you would discover that they hold a treasure trove of stories, and can keep your attention for hours. Residents are proud of their history, language and World Heritage sites.
Get to know the history of Norfolk Island at the Bounty Folk Museum or you may visit the Pitcairn Settlers Village. It too was used as a penal colony and the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) is now one of the 11 UNESCO convict sites of Australia.
What adds to Norfolk Island’s uniqueness is that this part of the island also displays evidence of early Polynesian settlement, a short stroll from Emily Bay. Much of the site is accessible for free on foot, although a museum pass will give you unlimited access to the different museums across KAVHA on your stay. If you would love to see history come alive, the Pinetree Tours Sound and Light Show is also must-see experience.
Another fascinating attraction on Norfolk Island is the panoramic paintings at Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. Spanning over 3600 paintings in all, the unique 360 degree display not only features art from as far back as the 1800s, but the paintings are lifelike and give you the chance to immerse yourself in the story of Bounty. The angle in which the paintings are displayed gives one a 3D effect – and the music and sound effects help to further enhance this unique experience.
Enjoy Norfolk Island's beaches
For the beach lovers, swim to your hearts content in the cool and refreshing waters … or if you are adventurous enough, you can explore the underwater life when you go snorkelling or scuba diving.
Emily Bay Lagoon has the honour of being one of Australia’s most incredible beaches. With a protective double reef, the ocean gently laps the sandy beach making it the perfect swimming spot for families.
If you love to snorkel, Slaughter Bay will be the destination of choice. Not far from Emily Bay, this spot has spectacular corals right off the beach and an abundance of sea life to explore. You will mesmerised by the incredible visibility too which rivals all other sites we have snorkelled.
Worried about going underwater? You can still enjoy the best of both worlds – by sitting in a glass bottom boat, where you view the fish in their natural habitat and get a chance to feed them too.
Go bushwalking in Norfolk Island National Park
Whilst the reefs and wider ocean areas boast sea turtles and a bevy of sea life, Norfolk Island National Park itself is a buzzing hive of birdlife and with five different species seen nowhere else in Australia, it a paradise for twitchers and visitors alike. During nesting season, the kids will love spotting the baby chicks in the trees and in burrows at the bottom of tree trunks.
Pack your lunch and your water bottle and take a trek through the national park where you will spot further wonders and also incredible views over the island. There are many great bushwalks, including Rocky Point in the Hundred Acres Reserve with its enormous Moreton Bay figs, Norfolk pines and rugged coastal scenery.
Food and wine on Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island has a growing reputation as a foodie paradise. It’s relative isolation from the rest of the world has created an island which is almost totally self sufficient. Food served in the island’s cafes and restaurants are seasonal, dependant on what is growing at the time or what they have been able to preserve from the last harvest.
Top tips for visiting Norfolk Island
How to get there
At only 2.5 hours from Australia’s mainland, Norfolk Island has become quite accessible to families. Air New Zealand operates flights from Brisbane every Saturday and Tuesday and from Sydney every Monday and Friday.
How to get around
Many accomodation packages include hire car inclusive of all insurance. Check with your accomodation provider before booking. An Australian licence is needed to drive on Norfolk Island and road rules are quite similar, although there is a 50 km/h limit around the island, dropping to 40 km/h in the shopping area. You will also need to giveway to all animals
Best time to visit
Norfolk Island experiences a subtropical climate. September to March is usually a good time time visit as rainfall decreases and there are more sunny days. The best months for swimming are January through to March.
Where to stay
Norfolk Island has a range of accomodation options perfect for families. On our trip we booked a two bedroom, self contained unit at Broad Leaf Villas which included a car and mobile phone.
Leah and her family spent 7 days exploring Norfolk Island. Head over to the Kid Bucket List to read all about their adventures.
