Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island is a South Pacific paradise like no other - sub-tropical and verdant. With its stately pine trees, haunting history and colourful local culture, Norfolk Island goes beyond the south sea island stereotype of waving palm trees to offer a destination that is unique.

Remote Norfolk Island, just 3455ha, was first settled in 1788 as a penal colony and later became home to descendants of the famous Mutineers of the Bounty. Today's inhabitants are a friendly mix of Norfolk Islanders, Australians and New Zealanders, Fijian, Europeans and other Pacific Islanders.


The geological make-up of Norfolk Island is stunning, with cliffs rising steeply out of the ocean, the coastline levelling out to small beaches and a lagoon bordered by protective reefs. The island has patches of sub-tropical rainforest and gently rolling pastureland dotted with Norfolk pines. The sub-tropical climate makes Norfolk Island a pleasant year-round destination with no extremes of temperature.

Climate (IS PERFECT!)
Sub-tropical - the temperature rarely falls below 12ºC

Summer - October to March with an average day temperature of 24ºC and cooler evenings.

Winter - April to September with an average day temperature of 17ºC.



The World of Norfolk Visitor Info 2010



Accommodation

Norfolk Island has more than 70 accommodation options including resort hotel/motel rooms, island-style houses and luxury cottages, self-contained apartments and cottages, and studio rooms. Many are set in spacious grounds offering panoramic sea or valley views. Accommodation ratings are carried to Australian Automobile Association International Ratings Standards. For more information about accommodation on Norfolk Island, visit
http://www.theworldofnorfolk.com.au/



Airport & Airlines
• The International Airport is just minutes from the centre of town on Douglas Drive.
You will need a passport or a FREE document of Identity (the same form as a passport application,available from Australia post, A Document of Identity is available only for travel between Norfolk Island and Australia.)

• Air New Zealand operates a weekly service, departing on Saturdays from Auckland (1hr 45min).
Air New Zealand website

• Norfolk Air operates regular services from Sydney (2hr 30min), Brisbane (2hr 10min), Newcastle (2hr 30min) and Melbourne (3hr 15min).
 See your Travel Agent for bookings or go to http://www.norfolkair.com/

Churches

These include Church of England, Uniting, Community Church, Jehovah's Witness, Bahai, Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist. Call into the Visitors Information Centre for service times.


Climate

• Norfolk Island enjoys a mild subtropical climate with an average humidity of 74-79%.

• The wettest months are May to August, and the driest are November to January.

• Summer (October to March): Average maximum temperatures of 23-25°C (evenings are about 6°cooler).

• Winter (April to September): Average maximum temperatures of 18-19°C.
Clothing

Casual lightweight clothes can be worn for most of the year, but bring warm clothes during the cooler months of June to September. A light jacket is recommended for summer evenings. Be sure to bring good walking shoes, a hat, sun glasses and sunscreen.

Communications

• Several internet cafés are located in the main shopping district of Burnt Pine.

• For telephone and fax services, Norfolk Telecom is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Phone booths are open 7 days a week.

• A mobile phone service is available when you purchase a local sim card. Global roaming is expected to be introduced in the near future.

• Postal and fax services, phonecards and a Philatelic Bureau are available at Norfolk Post in Burnt Pine. Open Monday to Friday. Norfolk Island has its own stamp and postal service.

• The international phone code for Norfolk Island is 6723.

• There are 2 local papers produced weekly and these are a good source of information for local events.


Dining

You'll be dipping into a foodie's paradise on Norfolk Island with more than 30 restaurants, cafes and clubs to choose from if you're dining out. On the menu, you'll find delicious locally grown produce that includes seasonal vegetables, herbs, salad greens and fruit, and delectable fresh seafood. From sophisticated restaurants and garden cafés to island-style fish fries and barbecues, there is something to tempt everyone – and you can round it all out with a locally brewed coffee, beer or liqueur.



Driving & Car Rental

• There is no public transport, so rental vehicles are the most practical way to see the sights. There is one taxi service, but you will need to book.

• A current driver's licence is required and the minimum age for renting a car is 21 years.

• Car hire starts from about $30 per day, and a daily insurance cost is also payable directly to the rental company.

• Driving is on the left hand side of the road.

•There is a general speed limit of 50km/hr; dropping to 40km/hr in the shopping centre, 25km/h in the National Park and 30km/h along the waterfront at Kingston Historic Area.

• Cows and Kingston geese have right of way on the roads.


Major Attractions

Colourful history, Natural wonderland, clean beaches, Photographers, fisherman & foodies paradise, snorkelling & glass-bottom boat tours, diving, Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Gardens, shopping, dining, horse & carriage tours, horse riding, walking, golf, 4WD tours.

Of course, once you have been here, you will understand that Norfolk Island is so much more than this.
What you will experience after a visit here is 'a feeling', a warmth of days of old, where the locals are a friendly lot, who are happy to share their piece of paradise with you, even if it is only a week.
Come and experience the cleanest pine scented air, unspoiled beaches and impressive views.

You won't be sorry you came, you will just be sorry to leave.