About Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a subtropical island located in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 1,600km north-east of Sydney, 890km north-east of Lord Howe Island, and 1,100km north-west of Auckland. The Island is approximately 8km long and 5km wide totalling an area of 3,455ha. At the time of the 2016 Census, the resident population was roughly 1750 people. Norfolk Island is an External Territory under the Authority of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Government
The Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) is the responsible Local Government entity.
Currency
The currency used is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank is located in the main township with an ATM available. Major credit cards are accepted by most retailers on the island.
Climate
The climate is subtropical with temperatures ranging from 19-28° in Summer and 12-21° in Winter. The water temperature ranges from 19-22° seasonally.
Telecommunications
Norfolk Island operates with a 3G/4G mobile network and has public WiFi access areas available around the island. There are currently no global roaming agreements in place with Australian providers, therefore visitors will not be able to roam using their provider. Visitors can purchase a $30 Tourist Mobile plan from Customer Care at NI Telecom, P & R Groceries, the Trading Post, and Paw Paws Pump Shed. Internet Hotspot vouchers are available for purchase for a minimum of 1 hour for $5, vouchers can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre, Customer Care at NI Telecom, and some supermarkets.
News and Media
Local newspaper, The Norfolk Islander, is published every Saturday. Online media outlet Norfolk Online News also regularly publishes news stories.
Customs and Quarantine
The Australian Biosecurity Act 2015 applies to movements onto Norfolk Island. Biosecurity import conditions also apply to all goods arriving on Norfolk Island. You must declare certain food, plant material (including wooden articles), and animal products on your incoming passenger card. Ask a Biosecurity officer upon arrival if unsure.
Entry/Passport Requirements
Visitors traveling from Australia - require photo identification with a passport being the preferred means of documentation. Visitors travelling from New Zealand - require a passport as identification. If you are not an Australian or Zealand passport holder you may require an Australian Visitor Visa. Please contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Getting here
Qantas operates flights from Sydney and from Brisbane. For current flight information visit the Qantas website. Air Chathams operate flights from Auckland. For current flight information visit the Air Chathams website.
Some cruise ship companies do include visits to Norfolk Island as part of their itinerary.
Getting Around
A hire car is the most practical way to get around and a current driver’s license is required. General speed limit is 50 km/hr, reduced to 40 km/hr in Burnt Pine and 30 km/hr in the school zone. Livestock roam freely on the roads and have the right of way. Drivers wave to passing vehicles, this is called the ‘Norfolk wave’.
Language
The main language spoken is English, but often you will hear the islanders speaking the local language (Norf'k) which is a mix of Tahitian and Old English inherited from the Bounty descendants.
Watawieh? - How are you?
Thaenks fe ucklun - Thanks for us
Si yorlyi morla - See you tomorrow
Medical
Medical treatment, including emergency medical treatment on Norfolk Island is covered by Australian Medicare and in some instance your private health insurer (always check with your provider prior to travelling). Visitors who do not have a Medicare card are strongly encouraged to obtain private travel insurance.
Postage
Australia Post provides postal services on Norfolk Island and is located within P&R Groceries, on the corner of Taylors road and Ferny Lane.
Shopping
Traditionally, most shops close on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. Supermarkets and a selection of retailers and Cafe's are open 7 days a week. On the weekends there are two markets. The Saturday Farmer’s Market operates from 7:00am - 9:30am and the Sunday Arts and Craft Market from 8:30am - 11:00am. Both are located in the Bicentennial Complex in Burnt Pine.
Visitors Information Centre
Located in the Bicentennial Complex, Taylors Road, the centre is open 7 days a week from 8:30am. More information on Norfolk Island can be obtained by visiting the Norfolk Island Tourism website or by contacting one of the friendly staff for more assistance.
Phone: +6723 22147,
AUST: 1800 214 603,
NZ: 0800 667 365
Email: nitourism@nirc.gov.nf
Website: http://www.norfolkisland.com.au
Norfolk Island Flag
The Norfolk Island flag was adopted by statute, the Norfolk Island Flag and Public Seal Act 1979 (NI). The Act provides that the flag shall be divided vertically into three panels. The two outside panels of green with a slightly larger middle panel of white and green with the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) centered in this panel.