08 Jan What to do on Norfolk Island
There is no shortage of things to do during your stay on Norfolk Island. With captivating settler history, elegant World Heritage listed architecture, abundant birdlife, amazing marine life, as well as sensational fresh food and wine, there is something for everyone.
A good place to start is by going on a half day Introductory Tour to the island. This will help you get your bearings and get an idea of some of the things you want to do during your stay. All bookings with Broad Leaf Villas include a complimentary Introductory Tour.
Below are our top recommendations on how to spend your time this holiday, segmented into four categories:
History
Culture
Adventure
Nature
History
FLETCHER’S MUTINY CYCLORAMA
Experience the history of Fletcher Christian and the Bounty adventures with this magnificent 360 degree panoramic painting. Broad Leaf Villas is situated in a great location, within walking distance from Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama.
MUSEUM PASS
Norfolk Island has many layers of history, first being inhabited by the Polynesians, then becoming a Penal Settlement in 1788 and, in 1856, the homeland to the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers. A museum pass gives you access to all 4 museums located in the World Heritage Kingston site, allowing you to explore the island’s past and understand its local culture that is alive today.
CONVICT KINGSTON TOUR
Learn about the World Heritage site Kingston on the Convict Kingston Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through the first and second settlements of Norfolk Island and the legends and tales associated with each. It also includes a guided walk through the historic cemetery, with grave stones from both settlements and breathtaking views.
MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY SHOW
Watch descendants bring to life their story of the Mutiny on the Bounty in an outdoor amphitheater.
GHOST TOUR
It’s no secret that Norfolk Island once was a hell in paradise, a convict settlement for the worst of the worst criminals. Join a lantern lit walk and dinner through the island’s ruins and cemetery after dark and learn of the island’s troubled past through real ghost stories and haunted sites.
MURDER MYSTERY TOUR
It’s 1825 and you are invited to the Commandant’s home to solve the mystery of a recent murder. Meet the true Commandant, clergyman and convict characters from the second settlement over a 3-course meal and let the mystery unfold.
Culture
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Get a sneak peek into life as a local with Baunti Escape’s Progressive Dinner. This tour takes you into three lovely family homes in three completely different parts of the island. Hear stories of the island’s families and cultural heritage while enjoying a three course meal.
ISLAND FISH FRY
Immerse yourself into the island’s cultural heritage on Pinetree Tour’s Island Fish Fry. Enjoy many unique local dishes, salads and fresh local fish against the backdrop of the sunset clifftop of Puppy’s Point. And it doesn’t stop there! Watch the local island dancers perform their traditional Tahitian dancing and if you’re feeling up to it, you can learn a few moves yourself.
VIEWING OF THE SHIP UNLOADING
With no deep water port for large ships to unload their cargo and a reef protecting the island, the locals have a very unique way of unloading the cargo that is definitely worth seeing if the ships arrival is during your stay. Everything from groceries to cars and buses are brought ashore on little wooden lighter boats. Depending on weather conditions the ship will either unload from Kingston Pier or Cascade Pier.
POTTERY
The Norfolk Island Cottage Pottery and Art Gallery have some great unique souvenirs to remember your holiday on Norfolk Island. A world of colour and creativity in the form of clay, glass, paintings and photography inspired by the island’s flora, fauna and culture.
Adventure
SNORKELLING
The island is great for snorkelling. If you are wanting to do some leisure snorkelling, the best location is Slaughter Bay at low tide. You can snorkel from one end to the other along the reef. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous Crystal Pool and The Chord are great snorkelling locations but the conditions need to be right and it is a bit of a hike to get down to both spots.
With your Broad Leaf Villas booking you can add our Private Snorkelling and Reef Walk tour from the Deluxe Add on Options. Alternatively, you can hire snorkelling gear from Land & Sea in town.
BUSH WALKING
Norfolk Island has an abundance of bush walking trails for all levels of fitness. The tracks showcase some of the most breathtaking coastal views whilst being amongst indigenous flora and fauna. For more info and maps, head into the Tourist Bureau in town. Below are some of our favourites:
- Bird Rock Track 760m
- Red Stone Link Track 700m
- Old Mountain Track 540m
- Mclachlans Lane 650m
- Red Road Track 1.7km
- Bridle Track 1.7km
- Palm Glen Circuit Track 910m
- Palm Glen Track 290m
- Summit Track 500m
- Mount Bates Track 620m
SURFING
Norfolk Island has some of the most untouched surfing spots with perfect reef breaks. Depending on the conditions you can find locals heading out at the regular surf spots who would be happy to give you some tips. You can hire all your gear from Land & Sea in town.
GOLF
The Norfolk Island Golf Club has some of the most remarkable coastal views in the world. Situated within a World Heritage Site, this 9 or 18 hole golf course is a truly unique experience. After your round of golf you can relax up at the Club House, enjoying a beverage out on the verandah.
FISHING
Norfolk Island has some of the best fishing in the world. Join Advance Fishing on their half day fishing charter to experience outstanding fishing upon deep sea reefs surrounding the Norfolk Islands group. Not just a fun experience, you will also learn about the different types of fish in Norfolk Island’s marine surrounds.
COASTAL KAYAKING
Experience Norfolk Island’s coastline by kayak, with Advance Fishing’s guided sea kayak tour. Glide through the different islets off the coast of the main island, while being surrounded by native birds and marine wildlife. If the conditions are right, the tour ends with a snorkelling experience in the majestic rock pool, The Chord.
GUIDED TOUR TO PHILLIP ISLAND
Phillip Island, located off the south coast of Norfolk Island, is an uninhabited island with picturesque raw, red sand. It is a haven for nesting seabirds and endemic flora and fauna and is sure to provide an experience like no other.
Nature
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Explore and learn about Norfolk Island’s unique bird life and plants at the Botanical Garden. With a viewing platform, discovery centre and boardwalk through the gardens you can spend hours here.
HILLI GOAT CHEESE TOUR
Get a true paddock to plate experience with The Norfolk Whey – Farm & Cheese Tour. Head out to the Hilli Goat residence, a beautiful clifftop property at Anson Bay and learn about the milking and cheese making process. The tour includes a meet & greet with the cheeky goats themselves and a delicious Hilli Goat style platter of fresh goats cheese and other goodies.
GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TOUR
The Glass Bottom Boat tours on the island are the perfect way to experience the beautiful marine life without getting wet. Starting from the Emily Bay lagoon, the boat heads out along Slaughter Bay giving you access to the pristine ecosystem that lays beneath the surface.
Nestled in the upper reaches of Watermill Valley, Broad Leaf Villas is the perfect base for your Norfolk Island getaway.
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