How do I get there?
Norfolk Island is serviced by two airlines - Norfolk Air and Air New Zealand. Only Norfolk Air runs services from Australia directly to Norfolk Island. Norfolk Air who fly Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday out of both Sydney and Brisbane and return plus on a Friday during the busy season. Connections are available from other Australian ports.
A current passport or document of identity will be required to clear customs and immigration on departure and arrival.
| From |
Hours |
| Sydney |
2:30 |
| Melbourne (via Sydney) |
4:15 |
| Brisbane |
2:10 |
| Auckland |
1:45 |
When to go, Weather
Norfolk Island can be visited any time of year as it has a mild subtropical climate with little seasonal variation in temperature and fairly evenly distributed rainfall.
| Average Min/Max Temperature |
|
| Spring/Summer (September to February) |
18 - 25°C |
| Autumn/Winter (March to August) |
13 – 18°C |
 Where to stay
Accommodation in Norfolk Island consists of self-contained houses and apartments, resort hotel/motel rooms and bed and breakfast or guesthouse properties. You MUST have pre-booked accommodation or be staying with friends or relatives to be able to pass through immigration at Norfolk Island Airport.
Here are a few suggestions for family accommodation on Norfolk Island:
Whispering Pines Luxury Cottages
Whispering Pines Luxury Cottages are set in the tranquil and secluded National Park. The family-sized self-contained apartments are modern and spacious with pine clad walls, cathedral ceilings and large picture windows. All the cottages have a fully equipped kitchen, television and video, washing machine and fan and gas heating, with barbecue facilities on site.
Central Garden Apartments
Central Garden Apartments are a good budget choice for families. Ideally situated in a quiet area with pleasant garden surrounds, the apartments are a short walk to shops, tour companies, cafes and car hire operators. There are two two-bedroom self-contained units and two one-bedroom units. All the units have full kitchen facilities, TV and heating.
Colonial of Norfolk
The Colonial of Norfolk is a charming, child-friendly resort hotel close to the beach and shops. The landscaped grounds house a restaurant and bar, pool and barbecue area. The resort has a variety of rooms including self-contained triple rooms and rooms with interconnecting doors especially for families. Cots are available and child-minding can be arranged.
Hibiscus Aloha
Hibiscus Aloha is a motel resort with a choice of deluxe and superior units, swimming pool, barbecue area, breakfast bar, guest laundry and departure lounge. The units are set in modern, landscaped grounds and each one is equipped with a full kitchen, heating, TV and parking space. All guests have access to the neighbouring Hibiscus Crown Resort's floodlit tennis court and rackets and balls can be hired for a small fee.
Governor's Lodge
Governor's Lodge is conveniently located just outside the Burnt Pine township and shopping district. It boasts 55 luxury one-bedroom cottages on 12 acres of sub-tropical gardens. Each of the self-contained units has a kitchenette, heaters, sofa beds and satellite TV.
 Language and Culture
English is the main language spoken on Norfolk Island, although about a third of the population are Pitcairn islander descendants some of whom still speak the "Norfolk" or "Pitcairn" language.
Food and Drink
Norfolk Island offers a diverse range of dining experiences with more than 35 restaurants and eateries packed into the tiny island. Many of the 20 fine restaurants on the island provide spectacular views of the surrounding coast and countryside while providing you with the opportunity to try unique Norfolk Island dishes like Pilhai, Mudda and Hihi Pai. Progressive dinners in Island homes are a great way to experience the culture and hospitality of the local people. You can also watch the sun set behind a stately Norfolk Island Pine whilst enjoying a fish fry or barbecue in a spectacular natural setting.
The whole family can also enjoy a theme dinner where you'll be treated to great food while being entertained and learning all about the Island's history.
There are numerous cafes on the Island which offer extensive dine-in or take away menus. Great for inexpensive tasty lunches or morning and afternoon teas. Numerous cafes and motels offer hearty breakfast menus. Norfolk Island's clubs provide generous, wholesome meals at inexpensive prices.
Shopping
Shopping is also an attraction not to be missed, with many duty-free bargains and brand names with price tags far lower than the mainland. Kids will love surf gear and the prices in Crackers and Peaking Pines Boutiques. Look out for the great buys on Lego and Barbie.
Norfolk Island is a special gem for shopaholics thanks to it's tax-free status. There's no income, company, GST or sales tax just great sale prices, all the time!
There are more than 70 tax-free shops, many of them specialising in a diverse range or quality merchandise which is not readily available in Australia or New Zealand. The shopping precinct is centrally located, so that you can stroll from one shop to another at your leisure.
 Burnt Pine, the cosmopolitan heart of the island, is full of duty free shops and boutiques crammed with a glittering array of electronic goods, cameras, ornamental china, crystal, jewellery, silverwear, cosmetics and perfumes. You'll find all your favourite designer brands in fashion and homewares and many top line products available at less than half the Australian price. Usual shopping hours are 9-5. Some shops are closed all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Supermarkets are open 7 days a week.
Transfers from Airport
You can arrange a transfer with your hotel or guesthouse before you arrive. Most resorts include airport transfer in their tariffs. You can also hire a car from one of several car hire and tour operators located opposite the airport.
Getting around for families
Most visitors will find that a hire car is the most practical way to get around the island. Norfolk Island is one of the cheapest places in the world to hire a vehicle, with typical rates of around $20-25 per day. A current license is required. There is no public transport system on the island but you can get around via taxis and organised tours.
What to wear
Comfortable and casual clothing is suitable for day and night. It's wise to pack a sweater and light nylon jacket, strong shoes for walking and a torch for night outings. Don't forget hats and sunscreen. | 
Is there still a place in this world where McDonalds doesn't exist, where you can go our for the day, leaving your front door wide open, and even leave the car unlocked with the keys in the ignition?
This stunning Pacific Island is perfect for families with children of all ages so discover it for yourself. It is easily accessible, and offers some excellent family packages that include a vehicle for the length of your stay. With its temperate climate, glorious beaches and rolling green hills, , Norfolk Island offers families the chance to enjoy a beach holidays and a rural escape in one.