Norfolk Island Travel Insurance

An external territory of Australia, Norfolk Island is actually much closer to New Caledonia and New Zealand than it is to Sydney or Brisbane. Nestled in the South Pacific, it is a unique destination that is best recognised for images of pine trees and cliffs surrounding amazing white sand beaches. Formed by a volcano, the small island is about 8km (5 miles) long and 5km (3 miles) wide and is surrounded by stunning reefs.

Settled by Great Britain in 1788 as part of its settlement of Australia, Norfolk Island was used until 1855 to home a convict colony of criminals who had been banished into exile. However, it was repurposed for civilian residence in 1856 and has been a peaceful paradise and a popular holiday destination since.

Why holiday to Norfolk Island?

While it might be relatively small, Norfolk Island has plenty to eat, see and do. Even for those who don’t consider themselves history buffs, Norfolk Island’s history is intriguing and well recognised across the island. The local cemetery is not usually considered a tourist attraction – but it is here. Visitors flock to the Norfolk Island Cemetery, which is filled with tombstones full of fascinating stories of convicts, first fleeters and even armed guards.
Tourists are able to take guided tours or simply walk through the grave sites themselves.

There are a host of museums on the island showcasing more interesting history, including the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If history is not your thing, Norfolk Island has plenty of great adventure activities including hiking, fishing, snorkelling, diving and surfing. The picturesque Emily Bay offers great swimming and snorkelling on the reef, while Anson Bay is also a popular spot.

Norfolk Island even has a number of festivals on its yearly calendar. Foodies will enjoy the TASTE Norfolk Island Food Festival that celebrates local chefs and food producers, while there are also music festivals and golf tournaments on the schedule.

Norfolk Island flights

Getting to Norfolk Island is not too difficult, with direct flights operating from Sydney and Brisbane as well as Auckland, New Zealand. Despite Norfolk Island being a domestic destination, Qantas operates its flights from Sydney and Brisbane from the airport’s international terminals. The flight time from Brisbane is around two hours and it is about a two-and-a-half hour journey from Sydney. Air Chathams operates direct flights between Auckland and Norfolk Island, with a flight time of just under three hours.

Norfolk Island travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for visitors to Norfolk Island. As an Australian external territory, Australian Medicare does apply to Norfolk Island. However, the island has very limited medical facilities available and serious illness or injuries commonly require evacuation. Travel insurance can protect you with cover for medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, as well as cancellation fees, lost deposits and damage to luggage and personal effects.

Make sure your trip to Norfolk Island is properly covered.

Norfolk Island resorts and accommodation

Don’t expect to find any large chain hotels or large-scale resorts on Norfolk Island, but there are plenty of accommodation options to suit any preference and budget. The island offers self-contained apartments, boutique hotels, cottages and villas and entire holiday houses to stay in. Prices are generally quite affordable, with island accommodation starting at around $150 per night for a basic one-bedroom cabin or apartment.

One of the island’s newest luxury accommodation options is The Tin Sheds, which offers three spacious villas complete with outdoor dining areas and private gardens. The Cumberland Resort and Spa is also popular, offering 10 modern ground-floor spa apartments and villas.

Do you need a passport to visit Norfolk Island?

If your flight to Norfolk Island is departing from Australia, it is considered to be a domestic flight and therefore no passport is required. However, you will need a form of photo identification, like a drivers licence. Passengers on flights to Norfolk Island that are departing from New Zealand do require a valid passport and those without an Australian or New Zealand passport may require an Australian visitor visor for entry into Australia.

Norfolk Island Weather

Norfolk Island enjoys a relatively warm climate year-round, making almost any time of year a good time to visit.  The island’s warmest months are between December and April, when average daily highs range from 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest months are June to September, where daily highs average between 18 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit) and 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). The wettest months are between May and August, which see an average of 12 to 15 days of rainfall each month. The driest months are November to February, which see rainfall on less than eight days per month on average.

Norfolk Island food and wine

Food and cheese lovers will enjoy taking a tour of The Hilli Goat, a clifftop family-run farm on Norfolk Island.  You can meet the goats, visit the milking sheds and taste the end product with a delicious goat cheese platter after the tour is complete. Wine lovers should be sure to check out Two Chimney’s Winery, which is Norfolk Island’s only winery. Along with tasting the local drops, you might also enjoy a cheese platter on the large veranda overlooking the vineyard.

What currency does Norfolk Island use?

As a territory of Australia, Norfolk Island uses the Australian dollar as its currency.

That means there is no need for currency exchange for visitors from Australia.

Norfolk Island time zone

Norfolk Island Standard Time operates at UTC +11, putting it one hour ahead of Australia’s eastern states.  The island also observes Daylight Saving Time at UTC +12 between the first Sunday in October and the first Sunday in April, which keeps it one hour ahead of Australia’s eastern states except for Queensland, which it is then two hours ahead of.

Norfolk Island population

According to the 2016 Census, Norfolk Island has a population of 1,748 permanent residents. During peak season the total temporary population can reach around 3500 people, with tourists on the island occasionally outnumbering the locals.

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