Bushwalking & Bird Watching
Experience natural Norfolk Island on the walking tracks of Norfolk Island National Park.
Tracks wind through lush palm forests and stands of Norfolk Island Pine. Some lead visitors to remarkable views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Norfolk Island is special because it is a place where over 40 different kinds of plants and animals exist that are not found elsewhere.
With 9 well signposted walking tracks in the Norfolk Island National Park, there is a track to suit every type of walker. The tracks vary in terms of distance, difficulty and the types of scenery that can be enjoyed.
Visitors can share in the beauty of the special Norfolk flora and fauna easily by accessing a number of well maintained walking tracks. Not many people realise that like oceanic islands all around the world, Norfolk is home to many unique species which occur naturally only here. Of these endemic species more than 50 plant species and 10 birds species still exist, although sadly five endemic birds, and two endemic plants have been lost forever since European occupation.
The park's nine or so tracks are rated gentle to moderate, and take between 20 and 90 minutes as none is longer than 3.8 km. Before attempting any of the walks, remember to wear sensible walking shoes. Take care, the ground can be slippery in places, and don't forget your camera as some great shots are waiting out there for you.
Those with more than a passing interest in plants can enjoy the Botanic Garden walks near the intersection of Mt Pitt and Missions Roads, where a pamphlet assists a self-guided walk through native forest trees with some identification signs.
Most visitors broach the top of Mt Pitt at some time during their stay, where a short drive to the summit provides an overview of the entire Island, and Nepean and Phillip Islands to the south. To make this short journey you enter the national park by travelling up Mt Pitt Road to the summit. You can get anywhere from here. Walks from this point can access all parts of the park.
Smaller reserves scattered about the coast of Norfolk offer a variety of walks and some special treats for those who like to seek out these sometimes hidden corners.
Managed by the Norfolk Island Administration, some for the purposes of forest production, these reserves allow access to lesser-known parts of the Island and some spectacular views.
Bumboras Reserve nestles around a delightful beach, easily accessed from the parking area at the bottom of Bumboras Road.
Anson Bay Reserve is more challenging, but very spectacular, a raw cliff face exposing the columns of volcanic basalt which are the building blocks of the Island. Small reserves needing only a few minutes to explore are found at Point Ross Reserve and Headstone Reserve.
The now 30 acres of Hundred Acre Reserve at Rocky Point offers pleasant walks, birdwatching and coastal views to Phillip and Nepean Islands.
Things to remember
Please bring comfortable, sensible footwear if you intend to take advantage of our beautiful walks whilst holidaying on Norfolk Island. Native plants and animals are protected in Norfolk Island National Park.
A pamphlet containing information on walking times and walk maps can be obtained from the Norfolk Island Visitors Information Centre and the Norfolk Island National Parks & Wildlife Office free of charge.
Source: Norfolk Island National Parks and Wildlife Service
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