General Information

If you would like to ask any futher questions please contact Norfolk Island Tourism by email or phone for fast and friendly support.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone from Australia 1800 214 603 or New Zealand 0800 359 437

Accommodation
There are over 60 properties on the island ranging from hotels and luxury cottages to self contained units and budget apartments. All visitors arriving on the Island must have prebooked accommodation or be staying with friends or relatives to be able to enter Norfolk Island through immigration. Click here to Search Norfolk Island Accommodation.

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
Subtropical. Average rainfall 1328mm per year. Lovely summer days from 24 degrees but not exceeding 28.4 degrees, nights 19-21 degrees. Idylic days mid-winter, with temperatures ranging from 12 at night to 19-21 degrees during the day.

Clothing
Comfortable and casual day and night. It's wise to pack a sweater and light nylon jacket, strong shoes for walking and a torch for night outings. Remember a hat and sunscreen.

Communications
International Direct Dialing telephones, and facsimile services are available. Public IDD coin operated booths open 24 hours. Local calls free. Only Norfolk Island phone cards are accepted. Mobile phone service is available on Norfolk Island by purchasing a local sim card (this will not work if your mobile phone is 'locked' into a plan)Global roaming is due at the end of 2008. There are 2 internet cafes in Taylors Road. Radio Norfolk broadcasts daily FM89.9 and AM1566. There are 2 weekly local newspapers.

Currency
The unit of exchange is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank and Westpac have branches at Burnt Pine. The Commonwealth Bank has an ATM. Travellers cheques and most credit cards are widely accepted.

Customs
Imports of fruit, vegetables, flowers and seeds are prohibited. Pork and poultry from New Zealand are also prohibited. As of 1 August 2008 the duty-free allowance for passengers over 18 years of age is 2.25 litres of alcohol and 250 grams of tobacco products. As from 31 March 2007 all flights to Norfolk Island are affected by the new global airport security rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels onto international flights. The changes affect everything you can take on board, the quantity and how it must be packaged. For further information visit www.dotars.gov.au

Departure Fee
Effective on and from 1 July 2009, the passenger departure fee increased to $40 per passenger and will be incorporated into the air ticket as soon as practical.
These changes will not reflect in tickets until those sold after 1 August 2009, and will apply to travel occurring after 1 October 2009. Full NI Administration press release.

Driving
The general speed limit is 50km/hour, reduced to 40km/hour in the shopping centre. All livestock roaming the roads have the right of way. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and locals wave to all passing vehicles. This is called the "Norfolk wave" Visitors are encouraged to do the same.

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50 cycles, three pin plug. As electricity is made locally by diesel generators, a power surge protection device is advised for electronic equipment, particularly computers.

Entry/Passport Requirements
All visitors require a passport or Australian document of Identity that is valid for a period longer than their period of intended stay on NI, on onward/return airline ticket and proof of suitable accommodation on the island. Australian citizens can obtain a document of Identity from Australia Post, free of charge. Passports not issued by Australia or New Zealand must be valid for a period of at least 1 month beyond the intended stay in NI. All visitors require an Australian visa except for persons travelling on a current Australian or New Zealand passport or a persons holding a passport endorsed with a Permanent Resident of NI visa label. The required Australian visa must be valid for a period of 30 days beyond the period of intended stay on NI. If arrival to NI is via Australia, that visa must be a multiple entry visa.

Geographical Location
Norfolk Island is 1610kms ENE of Sydney, 1456kms ESE of Brisbane, 1063kms NNW of Auckland and 772kms SE of Noumea. Norfolk Island is a volcanic outcrop 8km long and 5km wide. Two smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, lie to the south at a distance of 1km and 6km respectively. Norfolk Island is 3855ha.

Language
The language spoken on Norfolk Island is English, but you'll hear the Islanders speaking Norfolk, a unique language derived from the speech of the Bounty Mutineers and their Tahitian wives and companions who settled Pitcairn Island in 1790.

Here's a taste of the local language: 

Liquor
Generally cheaper than mainland prices. Spirits are 20-50% cheaper. The Government operated Liquor Mart supplies all liquor. A special concession for visitors entitles airline ticket holders to a once-only 30% discount off marked prices for a maximum of three litres of spirits. Liquor Mart hours are Mon -Fri 9.30am-5.30pm,Sat 9.30am-1.30pm and closed Sundays. Norfolk Island boasts its own distillery, manufacturing world class liqueurs and spirits. The distillery forms part of the local Soft Drink factory located on Cascade Road.

Medical
The Norfolk Island hospital provides a dental clinic, pharmacy and 24 hour emergency service. Private travel insurance is highly recommended, as Australian Medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island.

National Park
Norfolk Island National Park welcomes visitors to explore its stunning scenery and rich diversity of bird life. From bushwalks to barbecues, there is something for everyone. Experience natural Norfolk Island on the walking tracks in the national park. Tracks wind through lush palm forests, stands of Norfolk Island pine and along the coastal fringe. You can even walk beneath the tallest tree ferns on earth. Take in the incredible island views from Mt Pitt and Mt Bates, the two highest points on the island. Visit the Captain Cook monument and lookout platform for spectacular coastline views and make use of the picnic facilities and barbecues provided.

For more information check out www.environment.gov.au/parks/norfolk

Norfolk Island Botanic Gardens

The botanic garden is a great place to explore and learn about Norfolk Island's plants and animals. Wander through the cultivated gardens to see a display of Norfolk Island's unique plants, and then take a stroll along some of the beautiful walking trails to see the plants in their natural environment and maybe even see some of Norfolk's amazing birdlife.

A large aviary houses some of Norfolk Island's endangered green parrots - a species found no where else in the world. There is also an interpretive centre where visitors can find out more about the unique and fascinating plants and animals of Norfolk Island.

Predominant among its trees is the stately Norfolk Island Pine which can reach a height of 57m.

Population
Norfolk has approximately 2,000 citizens with roughly equal numbers of Pitcairn descendants, Australians and New Zealanders.

Services
The Visitors Information Centre can provide a list of baby sitters and child care centres. Most accommodation places offer full laundry services and there is also a laundry service in town on Taylors Road. A faxing service is available at the Post Office. The local gym and fitness centre offers special rates to visitors. Petrol service stations are open daily until 6pm.

Shopping and Island Markets
Usual shopping hours are 9 am - 5 pm. Some shops are closed all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Supermarkets opens 7 days: Foodland Supermarket closes at 6pm, Marks Bakery closes at 8pm and Paw Paws mini mart closes at 9pm. The island markets are held every Sunday morning and offers local souvenirs, art and craft and home made cooking. The Farmers markets are held every Saturday morning and offer seasonal fruit and vegetables. Both markets are held in the Bicentennial Complex near the Visitors Information Centre. The Post Office and Philatelic Bureau opens Monday to Friday; NI has its own postage stamps and phone cards.  Click here to Search Norfolk Island Shopping & Local Businesses

Time Difference
One and a half hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time, in summertime half an hour ahead of Sydney and one and a half hours behind New Zealand. Norfolk Island does not have daylight saving.

Transport
There is no public transport but a taxi service is available. A rental car is the most practical way to get around the island. Car hire is from approx. $30 per day, with a daily insurance cost payable direct to the car company. Some accommodation properties include a hire car (insurance and petrol extra cost) Mountain bikes can also be hired. To view a list of car hire busineses on Norfolk Island Click Here.

Travel Insurance
Australian Medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island. It is therefore highly recommended that ALL passengers travelling to Norfolk Island from both Australia and New Zealand obtain adequate travel insurance.

Weddings
You can hold your wedding or renew your vows on Norfolk Island and enjoy your honeymoon all in one! Choose from stunning outdoor scenic locations or from one of the many Churches including the beautiful historic chapel. The usual wedding services such as florist, hair and make up, cars etc are available on the island. Some accommodation properties offer wedding packages. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for further information.