Norfolk Island is the perfect place for busy families to unplug from screens, slow down, and reconnect – with each other and the world around them.
“Dem letl salan se pili ornaa biich” – The kids don’t want to leave the beach.
Morning
Start your day early with a splash into Emily Bay Lagoon – leap off the iconic pontoon and snorkel through the coral gardens below. Prefer to stay dry? Jump aboard a Glass Bottom Boat tour and let the underwater world reveal itself below.
Afternoon
After a relaxed picnic by the bay, walk off lunch with a wander through the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a fun and interactive way to introduce the family to Norfolk’s layered past. School-aged kids enter museums free, and guided or self-guided options make history feel like an adventure.
Evening
Head into town for a relaxed dinner at Salty Beer Garden, a family favourite with a kids’ menu, laid-back atmosphere, and a grassy area where little ones can run free while you unwind. If you’re lucky, you might catch some live local music under the stars – it’s the perfect end to your first island day.
Morning
Head down to Cockpit Reserve for a short walk to the waterfall lookout, then venture to Bumboras Beach to explore rockpools and maybe even spot a turtle.
Afternoon
Cool off beneath the canopy in Norfolk Island National Park. The boardwalks and shaded trails are perfect for curious kids, and if you’re lucky, you might spy the endangered green parrot. Pop into the Discovery Centre to learn more about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Evening
Book in for a magical and enchanting experience under the stars with ‘Wonderland by Night’! As you walk through a wooded Norfolk Forest, thousands of fairy lights arch overhead, illuminating towering Norfolk Pines and creating a truly fairy-tale-like atmosphere. But the surprise at the end is what really makes this tour unforgettable!
Morning
Wake early and head to Mount Pitt or Mount Bates for a sunrise that’s well worth the early start. The views stretch from cliffs to coast, and the air is pure magic.
Afternoon
Get wonderfully lost in the hedge maze. Afterward, reward your explorers with a visit to Sweeties – because every family holiday needs a little indulgence.
Evening
If your kids are old enough and love a thrill, book them on the Lantern Lit Ghost Tour. This spine-tingling walk through Kingston’s Olde Town and cemetery offers storytelling with a spooky twist.
Norfolk Island is made for slow discovery. Stay a little longer and you’ll be rewarded with even more family magic:
No rush. No crowds. Just space, stories and shared moments that matter.
Wondering what else to see and do on Norfolk Island? Explore our other suggested itineraries – you’ll soon realise one week just isn’t enough to take in all the beauty, stories and slow moments this island has to offer.
