Travel Destination: Norfolk Island
About Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a small speck in the South Pacific Ocean, in the middle of Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. It is one of Australia’s external territories. It is basically a vacation place for well-off tourists because reaching the island can be more expensive than usual overseas trips. It uses Australian dollar for transactions but doesn’t pay federal taxes to Australia so it can afford to sell low-tax merchandise.
The island is a shopper’s paradise its highlight being duty-free shopping. More than 70 low-tax shops are up for grabs. Specialty shopping for local arts and crafts makes it a great shopping destination especially for New Zealanders and Australians. Pottery, woven products, woodwork and paintings are bestselling merchandise. The Liquor Bond Store is a favourite hub for its extra low-priced products. Head to Taylors Road and the Village and stroll on its rows upon rows of fashion finds, local produce and imported items.
One airport, the Norfolk Island Airport, serves the island. Regular flights from Australia and New Zealand, particularly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and Newcastle are available. Flight duration ranges from an hour and 45 minutes (from Auckland) to a little more than three hours (from Melbourne). You can book with either Norfolk Air or Air New Zealand. There are no trams, railways, ports and harbours in Norfolk Island. You can go around in hired cars or as part of the tour package. Bicycles are available and this is a convenient way to go around the island. Arrangements can be done in the visitor centre. Take note that cows have the right of way in this island and hitting one will cost you about $300. No public transport is available in the island.
Kingston is the capital of the territory. It is the administrative and historical centre but is less populated than the de facto capital, Burnt Pipe. The Chambers of the Legislative Assembly and Administration of Norfolk Island are located here. Kingston has a handful of tourist spots including ruins of military houses along Quality Row, the Government House, All Saints Church and cemeteries. Accommodation ranges from apartments to guest lodges to hotels. Typical island activities such as swimming, snorkelling, boating, jogging fishing, bird watching, clay bird shooting and city tour in carriages are perfect for a relaxing vacation.
Burnt Pipe on the other hand is the commercial centre of the island and the main settlement area. This is the residential and business hub. Several restaurants serving the island’s locally grown products can be savoured during your stay here although you need to check on the operating hours of these establishments because some are not open on nights.
Norfolk Island is also a popular wedding venue for its scenic landscape and quaint chapels or churches. Explore its natural beauty and biodiversity in Norfolk Island National Park. The area is great for bushwalks and enjoyable barbecues. There are also wildlife viewing, picnic and toilet facilities. Trails are available where you can go through its lushness and get acquainted with the tallest tree ferns on earth. You may also hike through Mt. Pitt and Mt. Bates for the most breathtaking views of the island. Stroll through the Norfolk Botanic Gardens to enjoy its aviary that houses species native to the island. It is also home to the endangered green parrot.
It may take a little effort to get to Norfolk Island but if you’re up for a “back to nature” and a “real island” experience, this is the place for you.