Yes, cars are common and highly recommended on Norfolk Island, as there's no public transport, and a rental car offers essential flexibility to explore its hilly, spread-out attractions like beaches, lookouts, and the World Heritage area at your own pace. You'll find several car rental agencies on the island, offering various vehicles from compact cars to SUVs, with options often bundled with accommodation.
Norfolk Island is small in size, but rich in experiences. While it's possible to walk or cycle around some areas, having a car gives you complete flexibility, especially if you're planning to visit multiple spots in one day. There is no public transport, and there is only a one car taxi service on island.
Buying a car already on island is usually cheaper than importing one. There are often second-hand cars for sale privately, sometimes ex-rental cars are for sale, plus there is even a local car yard where you can purchase a late model vehicle. New and used vehicles may be imported from anywhere in the world.
The island is not part of the Australian mobile network, so you will need to purchase a local SIM card to use your mobile phone.
Yes – it's strongly recommended to hire a car on Norfolk Island given there's more than 120km of roads stretching across the island and no buses or rideshares.
Medical treatment on Norfolk Island is covered by Australian Medicare, emergency medical treatment will be covered by Medicare. Please bring your Medicare, Pensioner, and/or Healthcare cards with you to the island.
Norfolk Island is pretty small but it's worth hiring a car to drive around the island. As it's only 8km by 6km, nowhere will take you more than 15 minutes to drive around this little slice of paradise. This is a great option if you're not interested in doing any tours around the island.
TVNI (TV Norfolk Island) is a television channel on Norfolk Island broadcasting advertisements for local businesses and tourist information. It is the only terrestrial television channel native on Norfolk Island; the island is also served by satellite television from the Australian mainland.
No, Australian citizens don't need a passport for Norfolk Island, but they must show valid photo ID (like a driver's license); however, a passport is highly recommended, as flights use international terminals and could divert to another country, requiring a passport for entry, say infrastructure.gov.au, Qantas, Encounter Travel, and Spacifica Travel. Non-Australian citizens, including NZ citizens, need a valid passport and may need an Australian visa, according to Whitewood Norfolk Island and www.infrastructure.gov.au.
The flight between Brisbane (BNE) and Norfolk Island (NLK) typically takes about 2 hour and 10 minute.
Norfolk's Largest Supermarket, Right in Town
Located in Norfolk Mall in the heart of Burnt Pine near the roundabout on Taylors Road, Foodland is the island's largest supermarket – stocking everything from groceries and deli items to fresh produce and household goods.
This article posits that there is a 20/4/7 rule, which is that you should plan to put 20% down, have your payments go no longer than four years, and the payment should not be more than 7% of your gross monthly income, or 15% of take-home pay.
Air conditioning is not permitted on Norfolk Island due to the size and nature of the central diesel power station. Only businesses can apply to install air-conditioning if they have special circumstances E.g. Pharmacy, chocolate shop etc.
Today, the population of Norfolk Island is around 1,800, and the most common surname in the Norfolk Island phonebook is Christian!
At Norfolk Island Holiday Homes (NIHH), rental vehicles start from $85 per day for a small to medium hatchback or station wagon. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, 4WDs, and vans are available from $105 per day.
If you are retired, then then you have no worries! Living on a remote island can be a very rewarding and unique experience, especially if you are a nature lover and you enjoy a slower pace of life.
Yes, Australian Medicare covers medical treatment on Norfolk Island for eligible residents and visitors from July 1, 2016, just as it does on mainland Australia, including Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines; however, it's still strongly recommended that all travellers get private travel insurance for comprehensive coverage, especially for potential medical evacuations or non-Medicare-covered costs.
Australian phones won't roam automatically on Norfolk Island. You can purchase a $35 Tourist Mobile SIM from Customer Care (Bicentennial Complex) or the Visitor Information Centre.
Qantas flies direct to Norfolk Island from Brisbane and Sydney International Airports three times a week. In preparation for your flight Qantas have advised additional important information which you will need to know for your flight to Norfolk Island: 1. Let Qantas know if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Top things to do on Norfolk Island
Wander around the beautiful stone buildings of Kingston built during the convict settlement, visit the convict cemetery, or explore the four incredible museums with a knowledgeable and passionate guide.
See the Norfolk Island Tourism website for a full list. There is also a taxi service and a place to hire bicycles – ask at the Visitor Information Centre for details. Cows and other livestock roam freely and have right of way on all roads.
The currency used is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank is located in the main township with an ATM available.
There are no animal pests or diseases on Norfolk Island that are not also present in mainland Australia. Two species of mosquitoes were found on Norfolk that do not occur on the Australian mainland (see Appendix 2).
Yes, $1000 can be enough for a road trip, but it heavily depends on the trip's duration, distance, and travel style (budget vs. comfort), with it covering a short trip (a few days/a week) or a longer, very frugal journey, while potentially running out fast for extensive travel due to fuel, food, and accommodation costs, especially if you're not camping or cooking most meals.
The Norfolk Island hospital is small with just eight hospital beds and thirteen aged care beds, but I absolutely love it. Working in a close-knit community means I'm able to build strong connections with my patients, and I really enjoy the slower, more personal approach to healthcare.