Ask a Norfolk Island local

What locally made souvenir products can I purchase?

2012-01-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

You will be amazed at the range of locally made products to purchase on the Island which is testimony to the talented people. Readily available from craftsmen are wood work pieces quite often made from the famous Norfolk pine wood, there are several art galleries showcasing local art in a variety of forms, locally designed/tie dyed fabrics made into items such as clothing and table cloths. The beautiful work of locals who weave and plait such items as the traditional hats mostly worn by locals at special celebrations. There is also jewellery making, bone carvings, tapa cloth making, pottery photography and so much more. You can even purchase a Norfolk Island rowing oar or a ukulele.

What can children do on holidays?

2011-11-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

With the warmer months ahead Norfolk is a popular choice for a family holiday in the sun! So much to do, no travelling time, and such a safe Island. Here are some FREE options for the kids; Walk in the wild, mini golf, giant chess game, Lion's Club playground, NI Museums offer free entry for all school children and why not let the kids run wild and FREE in the National Parks or in the pristine lagoon of Emily Bay. Most tour operators offer children's rates and some eating out places offer children's menus. If mum and dad would like time to themselves, call into the Visitor Information Centre for a list of recommended baby sitters.

How many restaurants and cafes are there on Norfolk?

2011-09-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

For such a small island, you will be pleasantly surprised with the choice of places to eat! Starting from cafes which are mostly located in town, family style restaurants that also offer children's menus, sporting clubs that have mostly blackboard menus to a la carte fine dining. The 'paddock to plate' experience is what it's all about and with all produce locally grown, you won't believe the taste! Freshly caught fish, local beef, traditional island dishes made with kumera, coconut or banana is just some of the choice. As a visitor, it's suggested you check the opening hours as some restaurants do close 1 or 2 nights a week. Ask the friendly staff at the Visitors Information Centre for more information.

I'm young & adventurous, what can I do during my holiday?

2011-06-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

Where to start?!.. sea kayaking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and swimming, bushwalking through National Parks and reserves, take a boat trip to the outer island Phillip for a day of trekking, mountain bike riding, horse riding, paint ball, 4WD, spoilt for choice with sports facilities such as tennis, zumba, golf, archery and squash.
Click here to view a new promotional video, starring, directed and produced by a group of young locals, it will certainly inspire you to book a holiday today!

What are my choices of accommodation

2011-05-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

There are over 60 accommodation properties on Norfolk Island to choose from! We have resort hotels which offer reception, restaurant, pools and hotel rooms, self contained, cottages, houses and units. The standard of accommodation is graded each year by AAA an Australian star rating system. There are also a handful of properties who now boast the Green star for their environmentally friendly standards. Most of the properties are located in town close to shops, cafes and restaurants and others just out of town (perhaps a 2minute drive away!) with amazing sea views or to the National Parks. Some properties include hire cars and the owner will meet you at the airport on arrival. Have a look at the World of Norfolk website to view all accommodation properties, the facilities and rates on offer.

Can you do a day trip to Pitcairn Island?

2011-01-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

Pitcairn Island is located many 1000's km East of Norfolk Island, and you can only get there by boat from New Zealand or Tahiti. There is no airstrip on the Island. The tyranny of distance has not deterred the language being spoken on both islands. Did you know on the 8th June every year we commemorate the landing of the Pitcairners who arrived to Norfolk Island on the Morayshire in 1856.

What is there to do during Summer

2010-12-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

Being an island of course Norfolk boasts a great range of marine activities. Popular options are deep sea fishing (we call into catching not fishing!) experienced fishing charter operators will look after you - we have no harbour, so just loading the boat into the water from a crane is quite an experience on its own! There are over 30 world class dive sites around Norfolk and the two outer islands of Nepean and Phillip, or if you are into soft adventure take a kayak tour and be awed by the rock formations, sea birds and marine life around the island. And if none of these appeal to you - keep your feet dry on board a glass bottom boat around the lagoon at Emily Bay. Snorkelling gear can also be hired locally. Catch an amazing sunset from the clifftops and later on star gaze into our clear night skies!

Can you please list for me the various Music Festivals that you have on your island and when they occur?

2010-10-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your interest shown in “The World of Norfolk”.

Norfolk Island hosts 3 annual music festivals throughout the year.
The first festival for the year is “Opera in Paradise” which is held in February, the dates for 2011 will be 21st – 25th. This event is now in its 7th year & is run by Jennifer Parish a member from one of Queensland’s top Opera groups Operatif. Along with Operatif there will be visiting artists from both Australia & New Zealand performing. To view the full line-up for 2011 please visit the Operatif website www.operatif.com.au.

The next cab of the rank is the “Country Music Festival” which is held in May, for 2011 the event will run from 15th -22nd. Now in its 18th year, the festival showcases some of Australia and New Zealand's best talent, featuring the much sorted after Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year Award.
For further details check-out www.nicma.nf.

The year then finishes up with the much anticipated “Jazz in the Pines Festival” which is held in December, the 2010 festival will be held from the 5th-9th & the 2011 dates will be the same.
This is a fun filled week of great music, great food, camaraderie & entertainment.
This festival again showcases headliners from both Australia & New Zealand. Over the years many well known jazz artists have performed, including Don Burrows, James Morrison, and Island born Rick Robertson.

Both the Country Music & Jazz in the Pines Festival’s can be booked online at www.theworldofnorfolk.com

I hope that this information has been of assistance to you & that sometime soon we will see you kicking up your heels at one of our top class festivals.

Is it tru that I need a passport to travel to Norfolk Island, and if so, why?

2010-10-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your enquiry, that is correct a valid passport is required for all foreign & New Zealand citizens, however Australian citizens who do not hold a valid passport can obtain a document of identity; this is an official document that can only be used for travel between Australia & Norfolk Island, it is free of charge.

It is necessary to have a passport or document of identity because even though Norfolk Island is classified as an external territory of Australia, we are an international destination which means that all flights depart from the international airport/s so you are required to clear customs & immigration both on departure & arrival.

As part of our unique cutlural, social and political heritage, we have our own immigration, customs/quarantine, social & welfare, medical and taxation systems which are separate from the rest of the Commonwealth of Australia.

If you would like to know more about our government, legislations and laws, please log on to http://www.info.gov.nf/
The world of Norfolk is not so far away though; only a short flight around 2 hours from Brisbane, 2.5 hours from Sydney and/or Newcastle and 3.5 hours from Melbourne, or on the the other side of the ditch, 1.5 hours from Auckland in New Zealand.

I hope this information has been of help to you & that one day we will see you on the best place on earth, or as we here on Norfolk say "Da Bas Side Orn Earth!".

How do I get to Phillip Island? (An outer island)

2010-07-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Phillip Island is an outer island to the South of Norfolk Island and is part of the National Parks.
Join an experience operator for a boat cruise around Phillip or go ashore with a local treking guide to marvel at the majestic landscape with its variety of seabirds, unusual plants, beautiful flowers and rare fauna. The boat trip out to Phillip is approximately 30 minutes and of course is weather/sea conditions permitting.
The friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre can make enquiries for you.

What is there to do during Winter

2010-06-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

The World of Norfolk really is an all year holiday destination, however here are some suggestions for those cooler days during Winter, there is always something to do! Check out the yummy food on offer and have a lazy lunch... discover the museums and learn about the island's 4 settlements, spoil yourself with a beauty treatment... such as a massage or hot rocks treatment, or treat yourself to a haircut or manicure, check out the shopping centre for luxury imported items or locally made arts and crafts, see a movie, take a brisk bushwalk, the choice is endless!

Want to know about Norfolk Island?

2010-06-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ask us a question, a Norfolk Island local will get back to you.

ask a question here

Do you need any extra information about
The World of Norfolk?

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what is in season this month?

2010-06-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Banana Pilhi

Lots of Plun (bananas)

new potatoes, sweet tattie( kumera), lots of salad greens, tomatoes, capsicum, asian greens, avocadoes, citrus and lots more.

When the seas are calm it is a great time to head out and catch our local fish (Trumpeter)

Tahitian fish, a local delicacy

Come over, our local chefs are cooking up a feast this month, especially for Bounty day on Tuesday.

When is a good time to travel to the World of Norfolk

2010-06-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

A commom question is 'what is a good time to travel to our island' Norfolk is sub tropical (not tropical) like other South Pacific islands and generally this means we do not get extreme changes in our climate. e.g on Tuesday for the first day of Winter it was a magic day, sunny and 21o, this temp generally won't drop too much this season, however cooler at night so pack a jumper! Our best Summer's reach about 27o, so no real extreme weather changes; during Summer its still very pleasant to take a bushwalk or enjoy a round of golf. If you are planning a holiday, and need to know more about our weather, or anything else, just ask a local!

Introduction

2010-04-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

Watawieh yorlyi (hello and how are you?)

Here on Norfolk Island we are well known for being a friendly and helpful community, so here is a brand new blog site to encourage people to ask anything you have every wanted to know about the World of Norfolk!
"larna awa if yu gut any questions fe ucklun?" (Let us know if you have any questions for us)
especially if you have any queries about planning your holiday to Norfolk Island. We are a group of local people who live on this paradise island and look forward to answering your questions.
"car whaet fe yous reply" (can't wait to hear from you)
Yes, we do have our own language!
Ask a local a question

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