If you’ve been thinking about travelling to Norfolk Island, then here are great tips from the horse’s mouth (no offence Alan and Julie!).
The best way to find out about a place is to hear from people who have really been there, so we’re pleased to share this local info from Alan and Julie, who returned in August 2021 from their Australia & New Zealand Travel Company trip to Norfolk Island.
We can’t thank Laura enough for organising our trip to Norfolk Island.
She was always ready to help answer our questions and follow up with a phone call or email at any time of the day. We believe her service is exceptional and would highly recommend our friends to her and Australia & New Zealand Travel Company.
The Qantas flights to and from Norfolk Island were very good and snacks provided were most enjoyable.
The accommodation at Panorama Seaside Apartments is simple, but it’s generally clean and comfortable. No air conditioning, and electric blankets not provided but could be requested (according to brochure in room). A back veranda provided beautiful views of a surrounding valley dotted with grazing cattle.
It was situated not far from the township and close to the historic area at Kingston. Truly relaxing and we needed only to walk a few steps from the front door to see the convict ruins and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The caretaker/owner was very friendly and happy to see that we were comfortable.
We hired a car from Simons Water Enterprises. The car was modern and economical. It was able to undertake some steep hills and many potholed roads and was ideal.
Everyone on Norfolk Island were most friendly and obliging, although they do not appear to work flat out and be as stressed as the visitors from the mainland. A simple wave from passing drivers seemed a good way to make ourselves welcome. Generally life on Norfolk seems very laid-back and relaxed.
Scenery is spectacular and easily accessed by car. There is plenty for the history buff and also for the hiker. As second time visitors, we did not partake in any organised tours but found plenty to entertain ourselves or simply relax. There is both a busy Bowls Club and a Golf Club for the sportsperson.
We are not foodies but found the R.S.L., Bowls Club and Sports Club ideal for lunch or dinner. There are several cafes and more upmarket restaurants at various hotels. Eating out is probably more expensive than on the mainland, but you expect that on a holiday (particularly one where there is little local produce and most items need to be shipped in).
Tourist shopping is reasonably limited to shoes, souvenir T shirts and children’s toys. There is a bond store with a huge variety of alcohol at duty free prices.
Norfolk Island may not tick everyone’s boxes, but suits retirees and maybe honeymooners who will enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and quirky ways of the residents.
It is ideally situated off the Australian East Coast, with a short journey by jet from either Brisbane or Sydney. There is no language problem and passports are not required for most visitors. Australian cash is used so no currency problems either.
Currently there are no Covid protocols and masks are not deemed necessary, although signing in is required.
Kind Regards,
Alan & Julie J.
If you’re keen to experience the history and culture of Norfolk Island for yourself, we can design a holiday specially for you!
