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You’ve heard of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island and Lord Howe, but far off Australia’s east coast lies another spectacular island that’s been flying under the radar for far too long: Norfolk Island. Hailed as the South Pacific’s best-kept secret, this external Australian territory is rich in culture, pristine beaches and unspoilt natural beauty. Stepping off the plane, I felt like I’d travelled back in time – to a quieter, more relaxed era.
Norfolk Island has an unusual history, having been settled just weeks after Sydney by descendants of Bounty mutineers who spoke a mix of Tahitian and 18th-century English. Around a quarter of the island’s 2,200-odd residents identify as having Pitcairn ancestry – a blend of British, Polynesian and Tahitian cultures – and their heritage lives on in the local Norf'k language and customs. My favourite is the ‘Norfolk Wave’, where you quite literally say hello to everyone you pass, whether you know them or not.
Given that its tourism scene isn’t as flashy as other Australian islands, Norfolk has earned a reputation as a retiree hotspot. Sure, many of the visitors I met were in the 60-plus age group – but you don’t need to wait for your golden years to experience this pristine slice of paradise.
Before my trip, a friend told me they’d always wanted to visit Norfolk Island to learn about its history. From ancient ruins to character-filled museums, there are plenty of ways to explore its convict past. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area is a must for its beautifully preserved historic buildings and ruins, but what truly captivated me was the Fletcher's Mutiny Cyclorama – a 3D panoramic artwork that brings Norfolk Island’s history to life.
Personally, I was most excited to visit Emily Bay Lagoon – crowned Australia’s third-best beach for 2025 by Tourism Australia. Framed by the island’s namesake Norfolk pines, this calm, horseshoe-shaped lagoon is every bit as stunning as the postcards suggest. On my first swim, I couldn’t believe I had the entire beach to myself – a stark contrast from the crowded sands back home in Sydney. Even better, parking was just metres from the sand, and I didn’t have to fight (or pay) for a spot.
I couldn’t resist returning to the lagoon every day of my trip, whether snorkelling in its reef-sheltered waters, spotting turtles on a glass-bottom boat tour, paddling to Slaughter Bay in a clear-bottom kayak or just relaxing on the sand. While Emily Bay steals the spotlight, I also loved hiking down to the more secluded Anson Bay and exploring the rock pools at Bumbora Beach.
For fellow hikers, Norfolk Island is the ultimate outdoor wonderland, with a walk to suit every pace. The island offers 15 dedicated tracks, ranging from the wheelchair- and stroller-friendly Botanic Garden Boardwalk to the challenging Bird Rock Track along the cliffs. You don’t have to break a sweat for stunning views, though – the Summit Track is an easy 500-metre stroll from Mount Bates to Mount Pitt, the island’s highest peaks, offering 360-degree coastal panoramas. My top hike, however, was the 1.7-kilometre Bridle Walk, starting at Captain Cook Lookout. The Pacific Ocean views were absolutely unreal, and it might sound silly, but I couldn’t believe water could be so blue.
Beyond Norfolk Island’s natural beauty and adventurous activities, my favourite part of this remote paradise is its unhurried pace of life. Here, cows have right of way, cafés open and close as they please, and locals always have time for a chat. I opted not to buy a local SIM, embracing the chance to go semi-off-grid (don’t worry, most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi). I found myself appreciating the little things – the vibrant hibiscus blooms, the cheerful bird songs, the strength of the fig tree roots and the smell of the fresh ocean air – and hope this newfound gratitude stays with me long after I leave.
Whether you’re after an adventure-packed getaway or just some peace and quiet, Norfolk Island has the holiday to match. Explore it on your own time, but remember – they call it ‘island time’ for a reason.