Norfolk Island

Picturesque scenery complimented by sapphire seas, this small subtropical island offers everything. From coral reefs filled with colourful fish to bushwalking among the planet’s tallest tree ferns. Indulge in fresh island food and wine and experience a vibrant culture and history. Take advantage of low-tax shopping bargains and soak yourself in the island’s numerous annual events and festivals.

Understanding The Geography

Norfolk Island is a small inhabited island in the Pacific Ocean located between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, and along with two neighbouring islands forms one of Australia's external territories.

Norfolk Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. Norfolk Island is the main island of the island group the territory encompasses. It has an area of 34.6 km² (13.3 mi²), with no large-scale internal bodies of water but 32 km of coastline.

The island's highest point is Mt. Bates (319 m above sea level), located in the northwest quadrant of the island.

The coastline of Norfolk Island consists, to varying degrees, of cliff faces. A downward slope exists towards Sydney Bay and Emily Bay, the site of the original colonial settlement of Kingston.

Emily Bay, protected from the Pacific Ocean by a small coral reef, is the only safe area for recreational swimming, although surfing waves can sometimes be found in Ball Bay.

The area surrounding Mt. Bates is preserved as the Norfolk Island National Park. The park, covering around 10% of the land of the island, contains remnants of the forests which originally covered the island, including stands of subtropical rainforest.

The park also includes the two smaller islands to the south of Norfolk Island, Nepean Island and Philip Island.

Climate Conditions

The climate is subtropical and mild, with little seasonal differentiation. The island is a volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains.