About Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a subtropical island located in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 1,600km north-east of Sydney, 890km north-east of Lord Howe Island, and 1,100km north-west of Auckland. The Island is approximately 8km long and 5km wide totalling an area of 3,455ha. At the time of the 2016 Census, the resident population was roughly 1750 people. Norfolk Island is an External Territory under the Authority of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Government
The Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) is the responsible local government authority.
Currency
The currency used on Norfolk Island is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank is located in the main township, with an ATM available. Major credit cards are accepted by most retailers on the island.
Climate
The climate is subtropical, with temperatures ranging from 19-28°C in summer and 12-21°C in winter. Water temperatures range from 19-22°C seasonally.
Telecommunications
Norfolk Island operates a 3G/4G mobile network and has public Wi-Fi access areas available around the island. There are currently no global roaming agreements in place with Australian service providers; therefore, visitors will not be able to roam using their existing provider.
Visitors can purchase a $30 Tourist Mobile Plan from Customer Care at NI Telecom, P&R Groceries, the Trading Post, and Paw Paws Pump Shed. Internet hotspot vouchers are available for a minimum of one hour at $5. Vouchers can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre, Customer Care at NI Telecom, and selected supermarkets.
News and Media
The local newspaper, The Norfolk Islander, is published every Saturday. Online media outlet Norfolk Online News also regularly publishes news stories.
Customs and Quarantine
The Australian Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) applies to movements onto Norfolk Island. Biosecurity import conditions also apply to all goods arriving on the island. You must declare certain food, plant material (including wooden articles), and animal products on your incoming passenger card. If unsure, ask a biosecurity officer upon arrival.
Entry and Passport Requirements
Visitors travelling from Australia require photo identification, with a passport being the preferred form of documentation.
Visitors travelling from New Zealand require a passport as identification.
If you are not an Australian or New Zealand passport holder, you may require an Australian Visitor Visa. Please contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Getting Here
Qantas operates flights from Sydney and Brisbane. For current flight information, visit the Qantas website.
Some cruise ship companies also include Norfolk Island as part of their itineraries.
Getting Around
A hire car is the most practical way to get around the island. A current driver’s license is required. The general speed limit is 50 km/h, reduced to 40 km/h in Burnt Pine and 30 km/h in school zones.
Livestock roam freely on the roads and have the right of way.
Drivers traditionally wave to passing vehicles -this is called the "Norfolk wave".
Language
English is the main language spoken on Norfolk Island. You will also hear locals speaking the island's unique local language, Norf'k, which is a blend of Tahitian and Old English inherited from the descendants of the Bounty mutineers.
Common phrases include:
- Watawieh? — How are you?
- Thaenks fe ucklun — Thanks for us
- Si yorlyi morla — See you tomorrow
Medical
Medical treatment, including emergency medical treatment, on Norfolk Island is covered by Australian Medicare and, in some instances, private health insurance (check with your provider before travelling). Visitors who do not have a Medicare card are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
Postage
Australia Post provides postal services on Norfolk Island and is located within P&R Groceries, on the corner of Taylors Road and Ferny Lane.
Shopping
Traditionally, most shops close on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. Supermarkets and a selection of retailers and cafes are open seven days a week.
On weekends, two markets operate:
- Saturday Farmers' Market: 7:00am - 9:30am
- Sunday Arts and Craft Market: 8:30am - 11:00am
Both markets are located at the Bicentennial Complex in Burnt Pine.
Visitors Information Centre
Located in the Bicentennial Complex on Taylors Road, the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is open seven days a week from 8:30am.
More information about Norfolk Island is available via the Norfolk Island Tourism website or by contacting the friendly VIC staff.
Local phone: +6723 22147
Australia: 1800 214 603
New Zealand: 0800 667 365
Email: nitourism@nirc.gov.nf
Website: www.norfolkisland.com.au
Norfolk Island Flag
The Norfolk Island flag was adopted by statute under the Norfolk Island Flag and Public Seal Act 1979 (NI). The flag consists of three vertical bands — two outer bands of green with a slightly wider central white band, featuring the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla).