A slice of paradise, six ways
Beaches
Norfolk Island's beaches offer some of the South Pacific's most pristine coastal landscapes, golden sands, turquoise waters, and a mix of tranquil lagoons and rugged cliffs, for relaxation seekers, adventure lovers and families alike.
Plan your holidayNorfolk Island's coastline mixes sheltered lagoons, snorkelling reefs, and rugged cliff-top bays, each with its own character and its own best use. Some are made for a lazy swim, others for watching the swell roll in from a safe distance. Here's what each one actually offers, and how to make the most of the water while you're here.
Six to know
Find your spot
Emily Bay
Calm, clear and reef-protected, Norfolk's safest swimming spot. Good snorkelling close to shore, and the old Salt House ruins are a short walk away.
Anson Bay
A secluded, cliff-framed bay reached by a walking track. Not a swimming beach, but the sunsets and photo opportunities are hard to beat.
Bumboras
Known locally as Bumby. A rocky, reef-lined bay locals surf and snorkel, with rockpools worth exploring at low tide.
Cemetery Bay
Tucked behind the historic cemetery, a quiet, reflective stretch of sand, and Norfolk's most popular spot for a beach walk with the dog.
Slaughter Bay
Sitting within the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site, with calm, shallow water that makes for some of the island's best low-tide reef exploring.
Cascade Bay
Rugged and working rather than swimmable, watch the fishing boats unload at the pier, or take in the view from the clifftop walking trails nearby.
On the water
More than just a swim
Crystal Clear Kayaks
See straight through the hull as you paddle across the lagoon, the reef and marine life visible right beneath you.
Glass Bottom Boat
A cruise through Emily and Slaughter Bays, taking in the coral and sea life without needing to get in the water at all.
Fishing
From the rocks or out on the water, Norfolk's surrounding waters are known for good catches year-round.
Snorkelling
Slaughter Bay and Emily Bay both offer easy, calm-water snorkelling close to shore, no experience required.
Swimming to the raft
Emily Bay's pontoon is a favourite swim target for locals and visitors alike, a relaxed way to add a little distance to your dip.
Pier to Pine Ocean Swim
If you'd rather make a real event of it, the annual Pier to Pine Ocean Swim runs six distances in these same waters, including a family-friendly 200m swim around the raft.
Top tips
Making the most of it
Check conditions first
Calm-looking water can hide a real undertow. Ask a local or check signage before swimming somewhere new.
Pack reef shoes
Several of the island's best snorkelling spots have a rocky entry, reef shoes make it far more comfortable.
Start early or late
The sun is strongest through the middle of the day, morning or late afternoon suits the beach just as well.
Save Anson Bay for sunset
Not a swimming beach, but timed right, it's one of the best sunset views on the island.
From the blog
Read more before you go
Ready when you are
Or start with a package already planned for you
However you'd like to explore, these three cover the essentials. Choose one, and we'll help you build the rest around it.
Create your perfect Norfolk Island experience
No two travellers are the same. Tell us what you love doing, and we'll help shape a holiday around it.
Start planning