Be engulfed by the charm that is Norfolk Island
Rugged, intriguing, untouched, and confidently strutting its stuff, Norfolk Island’s charm is one that will stay in your memory forever.
As I sit at my desk on this cold, rainy morning (sorry Australia but it’s November - where’s summer??) I start to dream about where I’d rather be.
Norfolk Island holds a special place in my and my family's hearts. It’s where we count down to midnight most New Year eves, it's one of the first big trips we took our girls on - it’s one place where I feel truly in touch with myself and my surroundings. It feels like home.
Its beauty is seen from the moment you start your descent. As you approach, fifty shades of green crowd your aircraft window. Below, thousands of towering Norfolk Pines tickle low-cruising clouds. Between them, plantations of Kenita palms dotted with cattle and gardens can be seen.
Every so often I come across something so good that I selfishly want to keep it a secret for myself. Like my little nail salon that does such a good job I’m almost hesitant to tell my friends about it because I don’t want it to get too busy. Well, that’s how people describe Norfolk Island. However, keeping this place a secret would be severely unjust as it’s honestly one of the most incredible destinations you will visit.
I remember the first time I visited Norfolk. After passing through customs and collecting our bags, we found our rental car and went to the accommodation we always stay at. On arrival, there were always some welcome mocktails awaiting our arrival and we felt like we were coming home for a few weeks. I think those mocktails were always secretly my nephew's favourite part of coming here!
One thing I love to do when on Norfolk Island is to head down to Emily Bay in the late afternoon. In winter the water never gets below 18 degrees and the temperature never gets above 28 in summer. An eternal spring. Perfect for exploring the world’s second most southerly reef.
It’s usually deserted at that time so my girls have free range of the beach. My husband and I sit, admiring the amber glow of sunset and ponder how we could somehow make it our permanent residence. Wishful thinking.
This isolated rock some 1600km northeast of Sydney has a reputation for attracting silver-haired travellers eager to step back in time to a simpler existence now almost vanished from the mainland. Norfolk Island definitely delivers that. But it’s so much more.
Picture miniature pick-up trucks trundling along country roads, often with kids sitting in the tray. An island where cows have right of way and where a friendly wave to everyone you pass is mandatory. A place where people are better known for their nicknames and shoes are entirely optional.
Saturday mornings are spent at the farmers’ market where a handful of stalls sell everything from radish to kale. Locals reckon the only things they can’t grow here are apples and nectarines because it never gets cold enough.
With irregular barges bringing supplies to this remote Pacific outpost, everyone grows their own food. People say the fruit and veggies here taste like what they used to in the good old days before they were picked too early and fertilisers and pesticides became a non-option.
It's food metres, not food miles.
Once a penal colony for convicts, Norfolk Island is frequented often by history buffs and nature lovers, as it has so much to offer in both fields. However, if you’re anything like me you won’t be able to give up the temptation of taking the time to kick back, unwind, and enjoy island time (if it doesn’t get done today, it will get done tomorrow).
The Island only got 3G late last year, so people still talk to each other here. Even the children (I know - shock). Coming here is the only time I’m not searching through my handbag for my mobile phone or feeling guilty about my screen time. I am fully present. It feels extraordinary.
Some other things I find charming about this Island: Number plates are 4 digits. Phone numbers are five digits. Card nights and Sunday roasts are popular entertainments. There are no traffic lights, just three roundabouts – two of which are relatively new.
This place really is special.
And if you’re anything like my father and still fondly reminisce on all the sleepy beach towns that surrounded the 80s, and how they’ve now been ruined by crowds, then Norfolk Island is for you.
Or even if you’re not, and you’re just looking for a place to wind down and enjoy some sun, culture and small-town charm, you won’t regret coming to this great Island.
With everything you need and nothing that you don’t, spend your summer holiday on this Island paradise.
Get the true Norfolk Island Experience
If you’re wanting to get a true Norfolk Island experience, Pinetree Tours offers everything you need.
From pristine nature walks to a nighttime wonderland. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Norfolk Island with us. Whether you’re a history buff wanting to immerse yourself in our Convict History or whether you simply want to enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest seafood available anywhere in the world, we’ve got Norfolk covered.
Check out our range of tour options here.
