Welcome to Norfolk Island

Unique Facts

• Norfolk Island is a former penal colony, twice over, first in March 1788 and again in 1824. The second time it was considered the harshest penal colony in existence. In 1847, the last prisoners were sent to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).
• Norfolk Islanders have their own language, Norfo’k Laengwij, a blend of English and Tahitian.
• There are more chickens than people on Norfolk Island. The animals were first introduced with the First Settlement in 1788.
• There are no fruit flies on Norfolk Island, so you can feel safe picking fruit from the trees and taking a big, juicy bite, be it a cherry guava, bush lemon or Lady Finger banana.
• Norfolk Island is just 5 miles long by 3.1 miles wide.

Language

Norfolk Island’s official languages are English and Norfuk.

When To Go

The best time to go to Norfolk Island is from October to March, when the rainfall is lighter and the temperatures pleasant. The warmest months, when swimming in the sea is comfortable, are January, February and March.

Airports

Norfolk Island International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Norfolk Island: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type I. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Australian Dollar

Getting Around

There is no public transportation on Norfolk Island. Renting a car is recommended. Some hotels provide pickup and delivery times at set times of the day.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is available.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Consulate General Sydney
MLC Centre
Level 10
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone: +(61) (2) 9373-9200
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 4422-2201
Fax: +(61) (2) 9373-9184
SydneyACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visitors Information Centre
Taylors Rd.
Burnt Pine 2899
Norfolk Island
Tel: +22147

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 22222 or 000

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low on Norfolk Island. Take basic safety precautions. Swimming is illegal in most parts of the island as it is protected by coral reefs. Swimming is allowed at Emily Bay.