Norfolk Island Fact Sheet
Airlines Air New Zealand
Airport
Located in Burnt Pine.
Banking
Westpac Bank and Commonwealth Bank, Burnt Pine, open Mon-Thurs 9.30am-4pm, Fri 9.30am-5pm. A 24hr ATM is available. Major credit cards are accepted at most places throughout Norfolk Island and Eftpos is available at many establishments.
Business Hours
Most shops are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12pm but many close on Wednesday afternoon.
Climate
Subtropical. Summer (October to March) has an average day temperature of 24ºC and winter (April to September) has an average day temperature of 17ºC.
Communication
- An internet café is located in Burnt Pine for all internet and email requirements.
- For telephone and fax services, Norfolk Telecom is open Mon-Fri 9am-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-12noon and 3pm-6pm.
- Postal and fax services, phonecards and a Philatelic Bureau are available at Norfolk Post in Burnt Pine. Open Mon-Fri. Norfolk Island has its own stamp and postal service.
- The international phone code for Norfolk Island is 6723.
- The local weekly paper is a good source of information for local events.
- There is a TV relay of Australian channels ABC, SBS and ATN7, plus the local TV station NITV.
- The local radio station VL2NI broadcasts daily Mon-Sat from 7am and Sunday from 8am at 1566khn AM and 89.9FM.
- The public library is on New Cascade Road. Visitors may borrow books for a small fee.
Culture
'European' South Pacific, reflecting Australian and New Zealand cultures but with a unique Norfolk Island identity linked to the early settlers from Pitcairn Island.
Currency
The Australian dollar.
Customs
Duty-free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 250gm tobacco or 50 cigars plus 1 litre of liquor. Fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, pork and poultry products are strictly prohibited.
Departure Tax
A$25 for passengers departing Norfolk Island, payable only on Norfolk Island. Visitors 15 years and under are exempt.
Dress
Generally casual. Lightweight clothes can be worn for most of the year, but bring warmer clothes during the cooler months of June to September.
Driving/Roads
There is 170km of road on Norfolk Island. Speed limits are 40km/hr in town, 25km/hr in the National Park and along the waterfront at Kingston and 50km/hr everywhere else. Wandering cattle have right of way on the island's roads.
Electricity
240 volts AC - 50 cycles, 3-pin plug.
Entry Requirements
Non-Australian and non-New Zealand citizens must have a multiple entry visa which will enable re-entry to Australia. The visa needs to be valid for 30 days in excess of the intended stay in Norfolk Island. Australian and New Zealand citizens in possession of a current passport, or an Australian Document of Identity, return ticket and confirmed accommodation, are granted a 30-day entry visa on arrival. Visitors wishing to extend their stay should apply to the Immigration Department in Kingston.
Food
Norfolk Island has a large number of restaurants and cafés offering a variety of menus. Local fruit in season includes avocado, guava, banana, pawpaw and passionfruit. Tour companies hold progressive dinners at local homes which are well worth trying.
Health Regulations
No special health requirements.
History
Norfolk Island was discovered by Captain Cook in 1774 and named after a 'noble' English family. The first inhabitants arrived 14 years later to start a penal settlement which was to last until 1814. The island was left abandoned for the next 11 years until a second penal settlement was established. This group constructed most of the historic buildings that can be seen on the island today. In 1856, descendants of the famous Mutineers of the Bounty left overcrowded Pitcairn Island to make their homes on Norfolk. Today, a third of the island's population can trace their ancestry back to the Pitcairn Islanders and still have those family names. From 1914 to 1979, Norfolk Island was under the authority of Australia but has since been governed by the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly.
Language
English. The Norfolk dialect is spoken by those of Pitcairn descent.
Medical Services
A public hospital is located in Burnt Pine with a pharmacy.
Politics
Norfolk is a self-governing territory of Australia and a dependency of NSW. There is a locally elected legislative assembly, although local government is overseen by the Lord Howe Island Board.
Population
1822 - made up of a third Norfolk Islanders, a third Australians and a third New Zealanders.
Shopping
Norfolk Island is famous for shopping with tax-free prices and a wide range of products from around the world. A small customs duty is imposed on goods but no sales tax, making the costs much less than you would pay at home. Shops are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12 noon, although many close on Wednesday afternoons.
Special Holidays:
- Foundation Day, 6 March.
- Country Music Festival, 22-29 May.
- Bounty Day, 10 June.
- Agricultural & Horticultural Show Day, October.
- Thanksgiving Day, November
Sport and Recreation
There are many sport and recreation options including golf, tennis, bowls, clay bird shooting, horse trekking, horse and carriage rides, four-wheel drive adventure tours, historical tours, diving, snorkelling, swimming and fishing.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged.
Transport
There is no public transport on Norfolk Island but taxis are available. Rental cars are inexpensive to hire. The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 years and a current drivers licence is essential. The speed limit is 40km/h in town, 25km/h in the National Park and at Kingston waterfront. Everywhere else is 50km/h. Wandering cattle have the right of way.
Visitor Information
Norfolk Island Visitors Information Centre