Banking and money Norfolk Island has both a Westpac and a Commonwealth branch located in the Burnt Pine area (town). These branches are open 5 days a week and accept a wide range of credit cards and travelers cheques. An ATM is also available 24 hours of the day, located at the Commonwealth branch. The currency for the Island is in Australian dollars $AUD.
Electricity Norfolk power is generated by diesel generators, located next to the Norfolk Island Airport. Household normally have a 3 pin plug of 240 volts, same as the close countries of Australia and New Zealand.
Climate A marvelous sub tropical climate encloses Norfolk Island, creating a lush green environment surrounded by crystal clear oceans. Average temperatures range between 23C and 25C in the summer to 18C and 19C in the winter, with an average rainfall of 1300mm per annum. MAX Temp 28C MIN Temp 12C
Transportation There is no public transport on Norfolk Island, though local tours, rental cars and taxis are available. A current driver’s license is required for visitors who wish to rent a car, and are reminded to watch out for cattle, ducks and geese who have the right of the road. The general road speed for Norfolk Island is 50km/h, though this varies though town, National Parks and Kingston’s foreshore.
Time Difference Norfolk Island is lucky enough to have its own time zone of 11.30 ahead of GMT. New Zealand is therefore 1 ½ hours ahead of Norfolk Island and Australia’s states of Queensland, New South Whales and Victoria 1 ½ hours behind Norfolk. A reminder though that due to Norfolk not having a daylight system, these time differences change when NSW and New Zealand’s day light savings come into place.
Shopping Norfolk Island has a wide variety of imported goods from all aspects of the world, along with locally made products, unique to the island. Normal shop hours are from 9am to around 4.30 pm, where visitors may purchase Clothing, Footwear, Toys, Cosmetics, Electronic Goods, Hardware and Sportswear for bargain prices. Island markets are held every Sunday where fresh produce from local farms and great Norfolk souvenirs are available to all. SHOP TILL YOU DROP!
Language English is the language dominantly used on the island, yet the Norfolk Language is widely used by locals and descendants of the Bounty
WATAWIEH YORLYE !
Dining, Liquor and Water There are more than 30 restaurants and 15 cafes located around the island. Some offering traditional island foods, buffets, and fine dining. There is also a range of sporting clubs prefect for families who wish to have a causal meal for great prices. Liquor is generally cheaper than the mainland, and get even cheaper if visitors show there boarding pass and passport at the counter (this applies for spirits up to 3 litres only. A 30% discount). Norfolk‘s drinking water is clean and very safe to drink. Most households drink rain water which gets stored in tanks, while others use bore water that has great minerals and good for the body.
Population Norfolk has a population of approx 1 828.
Getting to Norfolk Island From October 2008, flights will be operating to Norfolk Island everyday from Australia and New Zealand. Airports at Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane, and Auckland fly direct to this paradise island in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean.
Location Norfolk Island is located in the South Pacific Ocean, 1456kms East of Brisbane and 1050km north east of Auckland. The island is 8 km long and 5 km wide, with high cliffs protecting the island from seas. Just off of Norfolk Island there are 2 uninhabited, National Park Islands called Phillip and Nepean. Day trips to these Islands are available.
Health and Insurance Norfolk Island does not cover for any Medicare system from other countries. That is why we recommend that you have travel insurance before coming to the island. Norfolk has its own hospital, but due to its isolation some facilities are not available. It is important to take your own medication that exceeds you holiday by a week, in case of delays.
GST Norfolk Island has it’s own GST of 12% which is included in the advertised and sale price of the goods. Passports and Visas Australian and New Zealand passports will generally have no issues with travelling to Norfolk Island. If there are any concerns or if you are holding a passport from another country, please contact the staff at Burnt Pine Travel for advice on what is required.
