Destination: Norfolk Island, Australia
Introduction
Norfolk Island is a small Australian territory in the South Pacific, situated roughly midway between New Zealand and New Caledonia, about 1,400 km east of Sydney. With its extraordinary history — first a brutal British convict settlement, then colonised by Bounty mutineer descendants from Pitcairn — and its dramatic cliffs, Norfolk pines, and lush farmland, it is a fascinating and beautiful island. It is a useful waypoint for passages between New Zealand and New Caledonia, though the anchorage is exposed.
GPS Coordinates
29° 2' 26.880"S 167° 57' 16.920"E
29 2 26.880S 167 57 16.920E
Protected Anchorages
Kingston Bay on the southern coast provides the only anchorage, in 8–15 m over sand. The bay is open to the south and southwest and can be extremely uncomfortable or dangerous in southerly swells — the anchorage is untenable in significant southerly weather. Vessels must be prepared to leave at short notice. There is a small harbour basin at Kingston Jetty for dinghies but it is very small and exposed. Monitor the weather carefully.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Norfolk Island is an Australian territory and Australian customs and biosecurity rules apply. The island has its own customs facility. Pre-arrival notification to Australian Border Force is required. Strict biosecurity — all food, soil, and biological material is regulated under Australian law.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- Norfolk Island Boating Club has basic facilities. Fuel is available, water at the jetty. The island is small (8 km by 5 km) and all provisions and services are within easy reach of the anchorage.
Renowned Attractions
- Kingston historic area — UNESCO World Heritage Site with the most intact British convict settlement remains in the Pacific
- Bounty mutineer heritage — descendants of Fletcher Christian and the Bounty mutineers still live here, with their own Norfuk language
- Norfolk Island National Park — subtropical rainforest with endemic Norfolk Island green parrot
- Emily Bay snorkelling — calm protected bay with surprisingly good snorkelling in the lagoon
- Norfolk Island pine trees — the iconic trees visible from far at sea that helped 18th century navigators locate the island
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Australian Dollar
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Norfolk Island is a historic and dramatically beautiful waypoint, offering a unique combination of convict history, Bounty mutineer heritage, and lush island scenery — though the exposed anchorage demands vigilant weather watching from visiting sailors.