10 Extraordinary Natural Wonders You Can See on Norfolk Island
Pristine beaches all to yourself. Ancient volcano peaks that offer panoramic views of the entire island. And a landscape that makes this tropical destination feel completely unique. Welcome to Norfolk Island, a tranquil Pacific Ocean escape just 2.5 hours east of Sydney. Leave your passport behind and discover the isles’ otherworldly beauty with our pick of the most beautiful natural wonders to explore during your next getaway.
Image credit: Donovan Callaghan
Elephant Rock
1/11So named due to the way this formation appears to bend with its ‘trunk’ unfurling into the aquamarine water, Elephant Rock is a curiously shaped chunk of ancient volcanic stone off the island's north coast. For the best vantage point, take the 1.7-kilometre Bridle Track from the Captain Cook Monument, following the coastline past iconic Norfolk Island pines that frame spectacular views of the sea.
Image credit: Getty Images
Mount Pitt Lookout
2/11At 320 metres above sea level, Mount Pitt is the second-highest point on the island. While the neighbouring Mount Bates, is the isles’ tallest (by a metre), Pitt offers the best vistas over the Pacific Ocean. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from the lookout point, just a five-minute drive north of Burnt Pine Road. From here, you’ll be able to spot a veritable sea of Norfolk Island Tree Ferns (possibly the largest fern in the world) and pines, as well as the island’s airport runway.
Image credit: Getty Images
Crystal Pool
3/11A 10-minute drive west of Kingston, the capital of Norfolk, lies a hidden ocean-fed rock pool with water so clear you can spot fish from the cliff above. The walk down can be slippery and steep but there’s a handy rope to assist you (and it helps if you’re wearing shoes with good grip). On a sunny day, it’s the ideal spot to snorkel, as the sunlight streams through the water, highlighting the technicolour coral and fish.
Dive into turquoise waters, curious culture and endless relaxation in Norfolk Island. Plan your trip now.
Phillip Island
4/11Though just six kilometres from Norfolk Island itself, Phillip Island couldn’t look more different from the mainland. The Mars-like terrain, full of deep oranges, reds, browns and purples, has earned the island the moniker of “Uluru of the Pacific”. Phillip Island is only accessible on a tour and the journey there involves catching a boat and climbing up the rugged rock face with ropes, so it’s suited to more experienced trekkers. But the postcard-perfect vision the island provides, along with the flocks of native birdlife, including black-winged petrels and masked boobies, is worth the effort.
Emily Bay
5/11Emily Bay, a pristine beach that forms part of the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the southernmost tip of Norfolk Island. Blissfully free of crowds, the bay remains almost completely untouched aside from an offshore pontoon that little and big kids alike will enjoy jumping off into the water below. At low tide, snorkellers will have a front-row view as neon-bright fish and anemones dart through the coral.
Image credit: Donovan Callaghan
Cockpit Waterfall
6/11Located inland, almost 100 metres from the sea, Cockpit Waterfall plunges off a rocky cliff and runs into nearby Cascade Bay on the north-eastern side of the island. After periods of heavy rainfall, the waterfall becomes two tiered, first dropping into Cascade Creek before flowing on into Cascade Bay. View it from the lookout above, or, better yet, see it from a boat on the water.
Seek out some of nature’s most beautiful hidden gems in Norfolk Island. Plan your trip today.
Little Organ
7/11Little Organ, defined by its underwater cavernous archway, is the reason Norfolk Island has a reputation as one of the best diving spots in Australia. Join Norfolk Island Diving on an exploration of the dive site, about 10 minutes from Kingston Pier, to marvel at coral bombies (rock formations that rise up from the bottom of the ocean floor to hover just under or above the surface of the water), dramatic sea caves and all manner of marine life.
Bumboras
8/11Wander down a wooden boardwalk just west of Kingston and you’ll find yourself in a secluded paradise. Bumboras – or Bumby as it’s known to locals – is a small beach perfect for surfing, paddleboarding or snorkelling, depending on conditions.
Stargazing
9/11Nighttime is special on the island. Norfolk is a Gold Level Dark Sky Zone – a designated region where the lack of light pollution means the stars shine brighter than ever. On a clear night, head to Captain Cook Monument and Lookout or Anson Bay, ideally with some binoculars or a top-tier camera, to take in the Milky Way in all its glory. Or join a tour with astronomer Peter Davies to observe the crevices of the moon, the red dot of Jupiter, The Jewel Box star cluster and Saturn's rings from a telescope.
Embrace Norfolk Island’s curious charm. Get great deals on flights at qantas.com.
Image credit: Nick Bradsworth
Norfolk Island morepork owl
10/11With over a hundred different species of birds on the island, it’s worth drawing on the knowledge of a local guide so you don’t miss a wing. Local expert (and member of the Norfolk Island Flora & Fauna Society) Margaret Christian runs half-day bird-finding tours that include an exploration of the rainforest, clifftops and forest glades. Search for the shy and reclusive Norfolk Island morepork owl – once one of the rarest birds in the world – and more of the island's rare and endemic bird species.
Start planning your trip. Find flights.
