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Only real Aussies know that Bondi Beach and Surfers Paradise aren't our nation's most beautiful beaches. Yes, they're both absolutely spectacular – but there are many other breathtaking coves that offer all the beauty without the crowds. Emily Bay Lagoon is one of those hidden gems.
A remote piece of paradise on Norfolk Island – an external Australian territory in the South Pacific – this clear, calm bay was crowned the third-best beach in the country for 2025 by Tourism Australia. That’s quite an impressive title for a spot most mainlanders have never even heard of! After travelling to Norfolk Island and admiring the bay above and below the waterline, I can confirm it’s absolutely worthy of that crown.
I first locked eyes with Emily from my plane window, goggling at its multi-coloured turquoise waters that sparkled against the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. A small strip of golden sand arched around the horseshoe-shaped lagoon, framed perfectly by a forest of Norfolk’s namesake pine trees. I couldn’t wait to jump in.
My first day on Norfolk Island was rather windy, but that didn’t stop me from hopping on a glass-bottom boat tour. Emily Bay is the second southernmost coral lagoon in the world and is home to more than 60 marine species. Down below, we spotted rainbow fish, brain coral and even a tiny turtle sleeping on the reef floor.
The next day, I couldn’t resist returning for a swim and was shocked to discover the beach completely empty. The water was a balmy 20 degrees, making it perfect for a few relaxed laps and some unintentional snorkelling while I was at it.
For my third visit to Emily Bay, I hired a Crystal Clear Kayak – and it's exactly what it sounds like, allowing me to see the reef right under my seat. I paddled around the corner to Slaughter Bay, which sits on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kingston convict site, and admired it from a unique perspective. This time, I had company: a fellow kayaker doing laps of the bay, kids jumping off the pontoon and a few locals enjoying bevvies on a floating picnic table, complete with a beach umbrella. I can only imagine how popular their boat is in summer!
Before leaving Norfolk Island, I snuck in one last morning swim, then walked up to Lone Pine lookout to soak it all in. Emily Bay is a hidden paradise, but it’s so much more than just a pretty sight. It’s home to a thriving coral reef, sits right beside a Heritage-listed site, offers plenty of peaceful picnic spots under shady pines, and somehow, never gets crowded. Absolute bliss!