A little planning goes a long way – especially when you’re heading somewhere beautifully disconnected. Norfolk Island is closer than you think, yet feels a world apart. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Norfolk Island sits in the South Pacific, roughly level with Byron Bay but 1,600 kilometres to the east. It’s a small, volcanic outcrop surrounded by pristine ocean – just 8 km by 5 km, yet rich in nature, culture and community.
Located about two hours’ flight from Brisbane and 2.5 hours from Sydney, Norfolk feels wonderfully remote without being hard to reach. Two smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, lie just off its southern coast – part of a protected marine and ecological region.
Qantas operates direct flights from the international terminals in Sydney and Brisbane, with services currently running three times weekly from each city. While flights depart from international terminals, travelling from Australia is considered domestic travel.
Flight time from Brisbane: ~2 hours
Flight time from Sydney: ~2.5 hours
Tip: Allow at least two hours to transit between terminals if connecting from another Australian city.
Australian citizens
No passport required, but official photo ID (e.g. driver licence) is essential. A passport is preferred.
Children without photo ID can travel on a valid medicare card.
New Zealand citizens
A valid passport is required.
Other international visitors
The visa requirement for Norfolk Island are the same as for Australia. If you are arriving directly to Norfolk Island and you are not an Australian Citizen you will require a visa. This also applies to cruise ship passengers.
It’s strongly recommended that all travellers to Norfolk Island from Australia or New Zealand take out comprehensive travel insurance. This should cover amendment or cancellation costs, additional expenses, luggage loss, rental car excess, travel delays, special events, loss of income, disability, accidental death, and personal liability. While Australian Medicare does apply on Norfolk Island, medical facilities are limited, and serious illness or injury may require Medivac evacuation.
All contents of your checked baggage need to be packed securely and appropriately. Do not pack valuables, essential medication, or important documents in your checked baggage. Occasionally, checked luggage can be misplaced in the baggage handling process and therefore may not arrive on the same flight as the passenger. We highly recommend that essential items are packed in carry-on luggage, making sure you abide by the airline regulations.
Staying connected is easy. Visitors can purchase a $35 Tourist Mobile Plan from the Visitor Information Centre.
Many accommodations offer WiFi or Starlink access, and free public WiFi is available at the Visitor Information Centre, the Library, local clubs, and selected cafés. You can also use WiFi to make calls via apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger.
For a slower pace, it’s also the perfect place to switch off and enjoy the quiet.
Currency used is the Australian dollar. There is a Commonwealth Bank in town which has the only ATM. Major credit cards are accepted.
Norfolk has a local 3G/4G network, but no roaming with Australian providers. Visitors can purchase a $30 Tourist Mobile Plan from the Council or Visitor Information Centre. Many accommodations offer WiFi or Starlink. Free WiFi is also available at the Library, Clubs, and some cafés. WiFi can be used to making calls.
Qantas operates direct flights from the international terminals in Sydney and Brisbane, with services currently running three times weekly from each city. While flights depart from international terminals, travelling from Australia is considered domestic travel.
Flight time from Brisbane: ~2 hours
Flight time from Sydney: ~2.5 hours
Tip: Allow at least two hours to transit between terminals if connecting from another Australian city.
It is highly recommended that all passengers travelling to Norfolk Island obtain adequate travel insurance for protection against amendment or cancellation costs/additional expenses, luggage loss, rental car insurance excess, travel delay, special events, loss of income, disability, accidental death and personal liability. Australian Medicare applies to Norfolk Island. Limited medical facilities are available on the island, with any serious illnesses or injuries requiring Medivac evacuation.
All contents of your checked baggage need to be packed securely and appropriately. Do not pack valuables, essential medication, or important documents in your checked baggage. Occasionally, checked luggage can be misplaced in the baggage handling process and therefore may not arrive on the same flight as the passenger. We highly recommend that essential items are packed in carry-on luggage, making sure you abide by the airline regulations.
Norfolk has a local 3G/4G network, but no roaming with Australian providers. Visitors can purchase a $30 Tourist Mobile Plan from the Council or Visitor Information Centre. Many accommodations offer WiFi or Starlink. Free WiFi is also available at the Library, Clubs, and some cafés. WiFi can be used to making calls.
