- Only a couple of hours flight from Australian mainland & New Zealand
- Super easy to travel to, and no need for foreign currency because we are part of Australia
- Unspoilt, safe, beautiful destinations are increasingly harder to come across... this is one of the remaining few
- Pure air, unspoilt land, crystal clear water, abundant marine life, low levels of pollution
- No snakes, no crocodiles, no scary creepy-crawleys, no traffic jams (just the free range cows roaming about!)
- Local folk rarely lock their cars or houses - extremely low crime rate
- No record of natural disasters causing devastation
- Majority of fruit and vegetables grown on the island - local, fresh, seasonal, organic
- Unbelievable stargazing thanks to the lack of light pollution (classified as a Dark Sky Region)
Watawieh? How are you?
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Imagine walking through a magical subtropical forest without bumping into a single soul. Or strolling along a pristine beach that’s not crowded with tourists or tiresome beach vendors. No snakes, no crocodiles, no scary creepy crawleys, no traffic jams. Where the stars in the velvet night sky twinkle brighter than gold dust because of the lack of light pollution.
A true retreat from the world. And just a couple of hours' flight from Australia & New Zealand!! |
Yorlyi Kam Luk Orn! Come and have a look!
There's something magical about this place...
I’ll never forget my first bush walk on Norfolk Island. One balmy September afternoon, not long after mum had moved to the island, we wandered from Highlands up through the National Park to the northernmost tip of the island. I’ve never seen this naturally occurring exquisite mix of majestic pine trees nestled together with tropical palms and lush ferns. All I could hear were the sweet little forest birds singing to us along the trail, and the crunch of leaves under my bare feet. Rays of golden sunlight glistened softly through the leaves and the pure fresh air started to taste slightly saltier as we got closer to the edge of the forest. I could smell the ocean before I could see it.
And then there it was... the expansive blue South Pacific sparkling peacefully below rosy cotton clouds that sailed lazily across a lavender sky. The sun had begun its tranquil descent into a dreamy slumber and I noticed the faint pearly crescent of the rising moon.
I felt so far away from my normal world, so replenished, so connected to nature.
And then there it was... the expansive blue South Pacific sparkling peacefully below rosy cotton clouds that sailed lazily across a lavender sky. The sun had begun its tranquil descent into a dreamy slumber and I noticed the faint pearly crescent of the rising moon.
I felt so far away from my normal world, so replenished, so connected to nature.
Getting Here...
Where is Norfolk Island?
An Australian island located in the middle of the South Pacific, between New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Australian mainland. Norfolk Island is a relatively unknown hidden gem, brimming with stories and adventures. It is only a 2.5 hr flight from the Australian mainland or 1.5 hr from New Zealand. Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney, and Air Chathams offers some direct flights from Auckland.
When should I visit?
Norfolk Island has a subtropical climate with Summer temperatures ranging between 19-28°C and Winter temperatures between 12-21°C. The water temperature ranges from 19-22° depending on the season. Warmer clothes are recommended for winter evenings.
Visa Requirements
Norfolk Island is part of Australia (NSW), so standard Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply. If travelling to/from the mainland, Australian citizens can travel without a passport but must carry photographic identification such as driver's licence. Non-Australian citizens must carry their passport and must satisfy Australian visa requirements. Flights from Australian mainland depart from international terminals (for biosecurity reasons).
An Australian island located in the middle of the South Pacific, between New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Australian mainland. Norfolk Island is a relatively unknown hidden gem, brimming with stories and adventures. It is only a 2.5 hr flight from the Australian mainland or 1.5 hr from New Zealand. Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney, and Air Chathams offers some direct flights from Auckland.
When should I visit?
Norfolk Island has a subtropical climate with Summer temperatures ranging between 19-28°C and Winter temperatures between 12-21°C. The water temperature ranges from 19-22° depending on the season. Warmer clothes are recommended for winter evenings.
Visa Requirements
Norfolk Island is part of Australia (NSW), so standard Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply. If travelling to/from the mainland, Australian citizens can travel without a passport but must carry photographic identification such as driver's licence. Non-Australian citizens must carry their passport and must satisfy Australian visa requirements. Flights from Australian mainland depart from international terminals (for biosecurity reasons).
Attractions...
National Parks and Reserves - Highlands is located at the foot of the National Park and we even have our own nature trail down the wooded valley behind the lodge. There is a series of spectacular walks through the parks and reserves too that will keep you enthralled. A nature lover's dream, take yourself for a brisk hike or a leisurely stroll. Relax to the sound of native bird songs and marvel at the ocean cliff views looking out onto coral reefs framed by turquoise waters.
A Fascinating History - One of the first places you'll want to visit will be Norfolk Island's World Heritage Site (Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historical Area - KAVHA). Go on a lantern-lit ghost tour or take your time wandering through the curious museums that tell the incredible stories of the various island settlements. There are some beautiful art stores where you can pick up a keep-sake. Cyclorama is a must see 360º painting created by local artists detailing Norfolk Island's infamous history.
Active Adventures - From exciting excursions for the adrenaline junkies and nature lovers to fascinating history & culture tours, Norfolk Island has something for everyone. Get your fix with some Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scuba Diving, Rock Jumping, Boat/Rock/Pier Fishing, Underwater Spear Fishing, Snorkelling, Golf or Tree Climbing!
Health & Wellness - Liase with local salons to arrange treatments in the lodge's in-house treatment room. The island also offers yoga classes which can be held in the Highlands function room/ studio space.
Supermarket Opening Hours -
A Fascinating History - One of the first places you'll want to visit will be Norfolk Island's World Heritage Site (Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historical Area - KAVHA). Go on a lantern-lit ghost tour or take your time wandering through the curious museums that tell the incredible stories of the various island settlements. There are some beautiful art stores where you can pick up a keep-sake. Cyclorama is a must see 360º painting created by local artists detailing Norfolk Island's infamous history.
Active Adventures - From exciting excursions for the adrenaline junkies and nature lovers to fascinating history & culture tours, Norfolk Island has something for everyone. Get your fix with some Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scuba Diving, Rock Jumping, Boat/Rock/Pier Fishing, Underwater Spear Fishing, Snorkelling, Golf or Tree Climbing!
Health & Wellness - Liase with local salons to arrange treatments in the lodge's in-house treatment room. The island also offers yoga classes which can be held in the Highlands function room/ studio space.
Supermarket Opening Hours -
- The main supermarket (Foodlands) is open 7 days a week from 8.30am to 6pm
- Another small supermarket (P&R Groceries) is open 7 days a week from 6.30 to 9pm
- PawPaws Pump Shed and Mini Mart is open 7 days a week from 6.30 to 9pm
Rugged, unspoilt, beautiful...
The enchantment continued when I discovered all the beautiful secluded beaches that looked untouched by humans, the dramatic cliff backdrops painted by Mother Nature in every earthy tone you could envisage, the hidden rock pools lined with dazzling coral and filled with the clearest turquoise water.
Everywhere I looked I wanted to take a thousand photos. It felt like a fairytale.
Everywhere I looked I wanted to take a thousand photos. It felt like a fairytale.
Phillip Island...
Fancy a trip to Mars? Or Jurassic Park? No need! The breathtaking Phillip Island is just a 15 minute boat ride away from Norfolk Island!
We’ve seen some beautiful places on this globe but this one seriously takes the cake. Part of the National Park, you can only get there by jumping off a little fishing boat onto the slippery rocks and we can put you in touch with a local guide. This trek comes HIGHLY recommended for you more adventurous travellers!
We’ve seen some beautiful places on this globe but this one seriously takes the cake. Part of the National Park, you can only get there by jumping off a little fishing boat onto the slippery rocks and we can put you in touch with a local guide. This trek comes HIGHLY recommended for you more adventurous travellers!
Birds and Nature...
Nestled at the foot of the National Park, Highlands is an ideal base for bird watching. We are lucky enough to have a lot of Norfolk Island Green Parakeets (Green Parrots) around us... one of the rarest birds in the world, which the island is working hard to protect and conserve. Photo by Ashley King. Norfolk Island is actually home to 58 endemic species of Flora and Fauna.
Care-free cows roaming free over lush green valleys. No snakes, no crocodiles, no scary creepy-crawleys. Pure fresh air and pristine ocean waters. No history of natural disasters like fires or hurricanes causing devastation. No traffic jams (unless you get stuck behind the cows... who have right of way). Islanders waving affectionately at each other on the road, most of them not worrying to lock their cars or houses.
Norfolk Island is a true retreat from the world, just a couple of hours' flight from mainland Australia and New Zealand.
Care-free cows roaming free over lush green valleys. No snakes, no crocodiles, no scary creepy-crawleys. Pure fresh air and pristine ocean waters. No history of natural disasters like fires or hurricanes causing devastation. No traffic jams (unless you get stuck behind the cows... who have right of way). Islanders waving affectionately at each other on the road, most of them not worrying to lock their cars or houses.
Norfolk Island is a true retreat from the world, just a couple of hours' flight from mainland Australia and New Zealand.
Stargazing under a Dark Sky
Norfolk Island is recognised as a Dark Sky Town, to preserve the environment and the night sky. End your day by gazing up at one of the most spectacular starry night skies you've perhaps ever seen. Norfolk Island is about 1000km away from any other land... and we only have one street lamp, so we have incredibly low levels of light pollution. This means that the stars twinkle brighter than a blanket of gold dust.
With all the pollution, crime and disasters in the world, Norfolk Island certainly offers something pretty unique and quite surreal.
With all the pollution, crime and disasters in the world, Norfolk Island certainly offers something pretty unique and quite surreal.
Fresh, local, seasonal food...
Don't fancy cooking? No problem! Scrumptious local catering is available, or grab picnic hampers to take out on your adventures!
Celebrating something special? Book a mouth-watering grazing platter of fresh local dishes at one of the spectacular picnic spots.
Dining Out? If you feel like getting dressed up, there are some lovely restaurants dotted around the island and even an artisan cocktail bar to sample some of the island's finest fresh produce.
Celebrating something special? Book a mouth-watering grazing platter of fresh local dishes at one of the spectacular picnic spots.
Dining Out? If you feel like getting dressed up, there are some lovely restaurants dotted around the island and even an artisan cocktail bar to sample some of the island's finest fresh produce.