When it comes to swimming beaches on Norfolk Island, Emily Bay Lagoon is at the top of a pretty impressive list. Here your family can splash in the crystal-clear shallows or grab a snorkel and explore our life-filled South Pacific coral reef in calm and protected waters.
Emily Bay. Emily is the safest swimming spot on the Island, in fact its probably one of the safest swimming spots in the world. The sparkling crystal clear waters of Emily are protected from the breakers and the southern ocean by a reef just off the Lone Pine headland.
Snorkelling and diving are possible year round on Norfolk Island, with mid-winter water temperatures rarely dropping below a pleasant 18°.
Swimmers should stay within the area marked by yellow buoys to avoid boat traffic. RNLI Lifeguards and Coastwatch volunteers watch the beach from July to September 10am to 6pm daily. First aid is available from the Lifeguards when operating.
Norfolk Island is a surfer's dream, where crystal-clear waves curl over our offshore reef creating some of the best, and most uncrowded, breaks in all the South Pacific. Our waters are balmy, the scenery simply staggering and the waves raw and impressive.
The island is not part of the Australian mobile network, so you will need to purchsae a local SIM card to use your mobile phone.
All passengers seeking to enter Norfolk Island are required to complete an Entry Pass Application 24 to 72 hours prior to flight departure. Each person requires their own pass, including children. A parent or guardian may complete the Entry Pass Application on behalf of a child or a person with impaired capacity.
Explore North Norfolk's Beaches
With 45 miles of unspoiled coastline, north Norfolk has some of the country's finest beaches. There are six Blue Flag beaches; East and West Runton, Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham, meaning they are clean and safe.
To reduce your risk, don't swim too far from shore, stay in groups, avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight, don't go in the water if you are bleeding from a wound, leave shiny jewelry at home, and avoid brightly colored swimwear.
Holidaymakers should shower after swimming in the sea to reduce their chances of picking up the superbug, MRSA, according to scientists.
While a decent pair of shoes will be all you require for a day of exploring the town, to make the most of our island from hilltop to waterfront, we highly recommend a hire car as the top choice of transport on Norfolk Island. Get exploring over pine-covered hills with the windows down to catch the fresh ocean air.
In the waters around this beautiful remote island, we can find one of the largest aggregations of adult tiger sharks in the world. Indeed, large tiger sharks - many larger than 4m - regularly frequent the island's waters, particularly around Headstone Reserve (locally referred to as Headstone Bay).
Walking is the best way to experience everything that Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden has to offer. Put on your walking shoes to explore our dramatic landscapes and unique diversity of plant and animal life, including the rare green parrot. Walks range from easy to moderately difficult.
Norfolk Island is a lovely place to visit at any time of year. It has a pleasant subtropical climate moderated by the Pacific Ocean. Average temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C in summer and 14°C to 19°C in winter. The water temperature varies from 19°C to 22°C throughout the year.
To get a real taste of Norfolk Island, plan to spend at least 7 days there. At a minimum, I think this helps with the flight times to and from the Island. If you're not able to commit that much time, consider 2 nights as a way to get the highlights without breaking your schedule.
Can I bring wine and beer into Norfolk Island? Yes you can purchase wine and beer at the Duty Free International airport shops, and carry onto the plane with you. Norfolk Island has a Liquor Bond store, however occasionally stocks may run low but this is usually only until the next cargo ship arrives.
A green flag means water conditions are safe and other colors mean conditions are not safe. These flags are there to protect you. Please read and obey the posted beach signs and warning flags. Warning flags aren't used in all areas and their meaning can vary from area to area.
Do not swim in water that looks discoloured, murky, or smells unpleasant. Avoid swimming if you notice the water is murky, discoloured or smelly. This is a clear sign that the water may not be safe to swim in.
Sandringham Beach is a beautiful Bayside beach approximately 20 minutes south from Melbourne's CBD. It is very safe to swim in good weather, and is patrolled by volunteer lifesavers on weekends and holidays in summer. Visitors are encouraged to swim between the red and yellow flags for added safety.
Water Quality Reports
The Norfolk Department of Utilities is committed to providing safe, clean drinking water that meets or exceeds all state and federal regulations.
If you haven't considered Norfolk Island for a beach holiday before, then think again. Our island's 32 kilometres of coastline have a dazzling array of pristine sandy beaches and secret rocky coves steeped in history and folklore.
Controversy exists as to the exact status of Norfolk Island. Despite the island's status as a self-governing territory of Australia, some Islanders claim that it was actually granted independence at the time Queen Victoria granted permission to Pitcairn Islanders to re-settle on the island.
What identity documents do I need to travel to Norfolk Island? Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Norfolk Island from the Australian mainland.
You can invest in a business or property or simply live on the island. It's an ocean of possibilities now for new investors, families, retirees and workers. There is no need to apply for any residency as it is regarded as moving simply from one part of Australia to another.