Dive Norfolk Island
With its majestic pines, convict ruins and vibrant culture, Norfolk Island has some stunning sights to se
e, but if you’d like a different view of this sub-tropical island, don your dive suit and head beneath the waves.
Norfolk’s waters are edged by coral reefs packed with colourful fish, and local operators Bounty Divers have a range of tours to tempt even the beginners. From discovery dives to advanced PADI courses, there’s something for everyone.
The island is made of volcanic rock, and that means there are walls, rock formations and pinnacles (bommies) scattered throughout the surrounding waters. Emily Bay 
and Slaughter Bay are ideal for learners - the sandy floor is littered with small coral bommies and the rocky outer reef makes spectacular viewing.
Experienced divers can enjoy some of the island’s more adventurous spots, featuring swimthroughs, rock walls and pinnacles coated with dramatic coral formations. The aptly named Policeman’s Helmet, just north-west of Steele's Point, is a favourite dive spot, with massive schools of fish and sheer rocky walls clad in corals. Duncombe Bay provides an adventurous challenge – the long wall is dotted with caves, swimthroughs and arches, and there are swirling schools of trevally to be seen. The beautiful, cavernous archway at Little Organ also has some great swimthroughs, with 
spectacular coral ridges and valleys and large schools of fish.
If you don’t fancy diving, then a fishing charter is a great option for combining adventure with sightseeing. Jacksons Fishing Charters have full and half-day charters offering game fishing, deep sea fishing and trolling, or take a sightseeing trip around Norfolk, Nepean and Phillip islands, and check out the amazing wildlife en route. Charter Marine offer fishing adventures, and a range of special interest charters including scuba diving, photography and birdwatching. The guided Phillip Island trek is a favourite with visitors, providing a chance to see the island's dramatic 
scenery and sheer cliffs. During summer, there are thousands of nesting seabirds as well.
If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, then take a wander through Norfolk Island Museum’s Pier Store and find out about the fateful wreck of the HMS Sirius. The flagship of the First Fleet was wrecked back in 1790 at Slaughter Bay, and several expeditions have since recovered artefacts, including a two-ton anchor, carrondaes, canon balls, brass sextant, coins and personal items belonging to the crew and convicts.
Coming up in December
If you’re in Norfolk in early December, don’t miss the swinging sounds of the island’s annual Jazz in the Pines Festival, from 3-7 December. Vince Jones and his band will headline the 2007 festival, along with acclaimed guitar virtuoso Bruce Mathiske, jazz legend George Golla, funk jazz specialists Scat Man Du, gospel and soul vocalist Virna Sanzone, Kiwi blues band The Vipers and rag time swingers, Zenith New Orleans. The festival includes nine concerts throughout the week, with lunch and dinner performances, as well as roving performances along Norfolk’s famous shopping strip – for programme details visit Norfolk Island Jazz in the Pines.
Useful Websites
Images courtesy of Rob Morley, Joseph Edwards and Bounty Divers - James Edward