Entry/Passport requirements.
What are the visa and passport
requirements? All visitors require a passport or Australian
Document of
Identity that is valid for a period longer than their period of
intended stay on NI, on onward/return airline ticket and proof
of suitable accommodation on the island. Australian citizens can
obtain a document of Identity from Australia Post, free of
charge. Passports not issued by Australia or New Zealand must be
valid for a period of at least 1 month beyond the intended stay
in NI. All visitors require an Australian visa except for
persons travelling on a current Australian or New Zealand
passport or a persons holding a passport endorsed with a
Permanent Resident of NI visa label. The required Australian
visa must be valid for a period of 30 days beyond the period of
intended stay on NI. If arrival to NI is via Australia, that
visa must be a multiple entry visa.
Geographical Location
Where exactly is Norfolk Island? Norfolk Island is 1610kms ENE of Sydney, 1456kms ESE of
Brisbane, 1063kms NNW of Auckland and 772kms SE of Noumea.
Norfolk Island is a volcanic outcrop 8km long and 5km wide. Two
smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, lie to the
south at a distance of 1km and 6km respectively. Norfolk Island
is 3855ha.
Getting To Norfolk Island
How do I get to Norfolk Island? Frequent International jet services operate between Norfolk
Island and Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Melbourne and Auckland.
For Australian services contact Cumberland Resort and Spa for a
quote.
Air New Zealand operates a weekly Saturday service from Auckland.
www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Language
Do they speak English?
The language spoken on Norfolk Island is English, but you'll
hear the Islanders speaking Norfolk, a unique language derived
from the speech of the Bounty Mutineers and their Tahitian wives
and companions who settled Pitcairn Island in 1790.
Here's a taste of the local language:
| Norfolk |
English |
| Watawieh Yorlye? |
How are you? |
| Si Yorlye Morla |
See you tomorrow |
| Kushu |
Good |
| Hili |
Lazy |
Liquor
Booze? Generally cheaper than mainland prices. Spirits are 20-50%
cheaper. The Government operated Liquor Bond Store supplies all
liquor. A special concession for visitors entitles airline
ticket holders to a once-only 30% discount off marked prices for
a maximum of three litres of spirits.The Liquor Bond does not
open on Sundays.
Medical
Do I need medical insurance?
The Norfolk Island hospital provides a dental clinic,
pharmacy and 24 hour emergency service. Private
travel insurance
is highly recommended, as Australian medicare does not extend to
Norfolk Island.
Money Matters
Do they use Australian dollars?
Yes. Please note that the NZ$ is
not accepted. The
Commonwealth Bank and Westpac have branches at Burnt Pine. The
Commonwealth Bank has an ATM. Travellers cheques and most credit
cards are widely accepted.
Population
Who lives on Norfolk Island? Norfolk has approximately
1,800 citizens with roughly equal
numbers of Pitcairn descendants, Australians and New Zealanders.
Services
What services are there? The Visitors Information Centre can provide a list of baby
sitters and child care centres. Cumberland offers
full laundry services and there is also a laundry service in
town on Taylor's Road. The local gym and fitness centre offers
special rates to visitors. Petrol service stations are open
daily until 6pm, with one closing at 9pm.
Shopping
Usual shopping hours are 9 am - 5 pm. Some shops are closed
all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
Supermarkets opens 7 days: Foodland Supermarket closes at 6pm,
Marks Bakery closes at 8pm and Paw Paws mini mart across the
street from Cumberland closes at 9pm.
The island markets are held every Sunday morning and offers
local souvenirs, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. The Post
Office and Philatelic Bureau opens Monday to Friday; NI has its
own postage stamps and phone cards.
Time Difference
One and a half hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard
Time, in summertime half an hour ahead of Sydney and one and a
half hours behind New Zealand. Norfolk Island does not have
daylight saving.
Transport
There is no public transport but a taxi service is available.
A Pacific Rentals PTY LTD complimentary rental car (excl. insurance) is provided by
Cumberland Resort and Spa. Mountain bikes can also be hired from
Land and Sea.
Travel Insurance
Australian Medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island. It is
therefore highly recommended that ALL passengers travelling to
Norfolk Island from both Australia and New Zealand obtain
adequate
travel insurance.
Weddings
You can hold your wedding or renew your vows on Norfolk
Island and enjoy your honeymoon all in one! Choose from stunning
outdoor scenic locations or from one of the many Churches
including the beautiful historic chapel. The usual wedding
services such as florist, hair and make up, cars etc are
available on the island. Email
info@norfolkisland.nf for further
information.