Location & Transportation
Your ship will anchor at either Kingston or Cascade, depending on the weather, and you will need to tender to shore. Note that during the Southern Hemisphere winter, the seas are often too rough for tender operations, so always check local conditions before planning your shore excursion.
There is no public transportation on the island, so many visitors opt to hire a car or join an organized tour to explore all that Norfolk Island has to offer.
Nearby Lodging
There are a few charming guesthouses and small hotels in Burnt Pine, the island’s main town. They offer a cozy stay and a chance to experience the local hospitality.
Nearest Airport
The Norfolk Island Airport is the primary gateway to the island. It’s a short drive from Burnt Pine and receives regular flights from Sydney (just under three hours) and Brisbane (a little over two hours). This makes it fairly easy to arrange a transfer to or from the airport.
Sightseeing
Norfolk Island is a real haven for nature and history lovers. There’s so much to see and do:
- Enjoy bushwalking and cycling around almost one third of the island, which is a protected national park featuring an untouched and world-recognized area of rainforest.
- Relax with a picnic at one of the island’s spectacular beaches.
- Visit historic Kingston to see colonial buildings, the remains of the infamous prison, and soak up centuries of history.
- Drop by the Maritime Museum to view fascinating exhibits related to both HMS Bounty and HMS Sirius – the latter being the first fleet vessel sunk off Norfolk Island.
Tours & Excursions
Since public transport is limited here, your best bet to see the island is by hiring a car or booking a guided tour. Several local companies offer half-day familiarization tours that cover the island’s highlights. These tours typically include:
- A scenic drive through national park areas
- Visits to historical sites in Kingston
- Stops at popular beaches for relaxation or a short walk
If you prefer exploring on your own, renting a bicycle is also a great way to experience the relaxed pace of island life.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
Burnt Pine’s main street is lined with shops selling local arts and crafts, as well as clothes, toys, and books. There are plenty of bargains to be found—especially on shoes—and you can easily catch one of the free shuttles (running every half hour from your port) that take you into Burnt Pine village.
Dining
Dining on Norfolk Island is a delightful experience. The local cafés and restaurants offer fresh seafood, local specialties, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for a light snack or a hearty meal, you’ll find a range of options in Burnt Pine and around the island. I especially enjoyed sampling a local seafood dish paired with a view of the ocean.
Culture & Local Events
Norfolk Island is unique not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage and relaxed island lifestyle.
Local Events
- The island celebrates a number of festivals that highlight its maritime history and local traditions. Seasonal events, including cultural festivals and local markets, give visitors a taste of island life.
- Look out for events that celebrate its colonial past and the legends of the HMS Bounty – these festive gatherings often include live music and local food.
Safety & Awareness
- Norfolk Island has its own government and laws. Even though it is an external territory of Australia, the Australian Medicare system does not operate here. Please ensure you carry your passport or an appropriate form of ID, and consider having travel and health insurance.
- Emergency services can be reached by dialing 000 or 112 from your mobile.
- Due to the remote location and ever-changing weather conditions, always check local forecasts and heed advice regarding tender operations and outdoor activities.
• Local currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Shops and services generally operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, with shorter hours on Saturdays. In more populated areas like Burnt Pine, some outlets might stay open later on certain evenings.