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Norfolk Island Travel Tips
When to Visit
You really can't go wrong when planning a travel date for your Norfolk Island holiday. There's great weather and events year-round. The water temperature is a consistent 19-22°C all year long - perfect for swimming!
If you're set on travelling during the warmer months there's one thing I'd recommend – book early! Accommodation during this period fills up fast and easy. Don't discredit a holiday to Norfolk Island in winter though, we see some unbelievable specials for travel during winter, trust me!
Language
Tiny island, rich voices! English is widely spoken, but listen closely and you might hear Norf’k—a unique blend of 18th-century English and Tahitian. It comes from the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, and it's still proudly spoken by locals today. Wataweih! (Hello)
Time Zone
Tucked between Australia and New Zealand, Norfolk Island ticks along at UTC+11, just 1 hour ahead of Sydney year round, changing slightly during daylight savings time to 2 hours ahead of Brisbane. It’s a tiny time jump into lush pine forests, rugged cliffs, and old-world charm—where time truly slows down in the best way.
Currency
The currency used on Norfolk Island is the Australian Dollar (AUD). While credit cards are accepted at most accommodations, restaurants, and shops, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and transactions, such as the local markets. ATMs are available on the island, but they may have limited withdrawal amounts and higher fees due to the remote location.
As for general costs, Norfolk Island is similar to mainland Australia despite its dependency on shipping routes. Dining options range from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, with meal prices averaging around $20-50 per person.
Travel Insurance
While Norfolk Island is covered by Medicare and does have some medical facilities available, travel insurance is still recommended to cover unexpected emergencies, medical expenses, and trip cancellations. Additionally, consider purchasing a policy that provides coverage for medical evacuations, as specialised medical care may require transport to mainland Australia.
Electricity
Good news, Aussie travellers—no adapters needed here! Norfolk Island uses the same Type I plugs and 230V voltage as Australia. Just pack your charger and you're all set.
How to get there
Norfolk Island is accessible via regular direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane, generally ranging from around 2 to 2.5 hours in duration. It's advisable to book flights well in advance, as these flights don’t depart daily and seat availability may be limited due to the remote location or during busy periods such as Christmas. Qantas flies 3 times a week out of both Sydney and Brisbane airports. Flights to Norfolk Island depart from the international terminals (although you don't need a passport) so be sure to follow signed directions.
Entry Requirements
As Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia, Australian citizens do not require a passport or visa to visit. However, a government-issued form of identification, such as a driver's license or birth certificate, is necessary for travel. It's also essential to check any travel restrictions or entry requirements that may be in place due to environmental conservation efforts or special regulations for the island. Hotel and flight bookings operate the same as domestic flights elsewhere in Australia, and so middle names are not required.