A photographer's dream
Photography
Dawn-lit coastlines, moody cliff tops, heritage ruins and near-total darkness after sunset, Norfolk Island might be small, but it's rarely short of something worth the shot.
Plan your holidayAt just 35 square kilometres, Norfolk Island packs an unusual amount of scenic variety into a small space, everything worth shooting is minutes apart. Coastlines shift from pristine sand to dramatic cliffs, the interior moves from farmland to dense forest, and the island's World Heritage architecture ranges from the regal to the genuinely ruined. Add in some of the darkest night skies you'll find anywhere, and there's rarely a reason to leave the camera behind.
Where to shoot
Six spots worth the tripod
Anson Bay
Algae-covered boulders catch the light beautifully as the sun goes down.
Cemetery Bay
Low tide reveals tidepools and dramatic rock formations as the incoming water crashes over them.
Kingston and Quality Row
Georgian architecture and a coastal cemetery lend real drama to every angle.
Queen Elizabeth Lookout
A panoramic view down over Quality Row, the pines, and out toward Philip and Nepean Islands.
Hundred Acres Reserve
Towering pines and rich forest tones, with native birdlife if you've got the patience to wait for it.
The night sky
A Gold Level Dark Sky destination, near-total darkness makes for genuinely striking astrophotography.
Top tips
Making the most of it
Zoom in on the wildlife
Many of Norfolk Island's birds are rare or endangered, bring a long lens so you can shoot respectfully from a distance.
Use drones mindfully
Drones offer stunning perspectives, but local rules apply, check with the Visitor Information Centre before flying.
Bring a tripod for the stars
Norfolk Island's near-total darkness rewards a slow shutter, a tripod is essential for anything after sunset.
Hire a car
The island is small, but the best spots are spread across it, worth having your own transport for chasing light at the right time.
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