When you think of spending summer at a holiday destination, crowded beaches, painful sunburn, seagulls, and tidal rips might come to mind… just like an episode of the Bondi Rescue show! However, if you spend a summer holiday on Norfolk Island you can expect a slight sea breeze, the purest cleanest air, uncrowded beaches, and long sunny days… giving you a Summer daze feeling! The island boasts a pleasant sub-tropical climate, so there will be no heatwaves. In fact, the highest temperature ever recorded on Norfolk Island was 28.4 Celsius back in 1996.
Summer is all about time spent at the beach and you are spoilt for choices on Norfolk. Protected by the second most southern reef, the recommended swimming beaches are Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay - located in Kingston World Heritage Site. The famous green and yellow pontoon (locally called 'the raft') anchored in the middle of Emily Bay lagoon provides endless fun, enabling kids of all ages to swim out and jump into the water! The raft has even been a floating stage for a group of visiting ukulele players! On the low tide, both bays are ideal for snorkelling, and after just a few overarm strokes it will feel like you are swimming in an aquarium. If you prefer to keep your feet dry, hop onto a glass bottom boat tour to view the underwater marine life.
You won't find a parking meter in sight at Norfolk Island beaches, and only a few steps from your car you will feel sand between your toes. Located in the middle of Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay, Middle Beach is often overlooked. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a bit of privacy then this is the ideal place to spread out your beach towel! Another beach located in World Heritage Kingston is Cemetery Beach and no guesses what is located next to it! The beach also stretches along the edge of the golf course, providing a big water hazard for the golfers.At Cemetery Beach, you may meet a friendly local of the four-legged kind because it is a dog-friendly beach.
Two more beaches to check out are Anson Bay and Bumboras. For a copy of the 'Beach Guide', drop in to the Visitor Information Centre which is open daily. There are plenty of options for ocean adventure-seekers too; catch a wave beyond the reef, haul in a catch while deep-sea fishing, join a guided sea kayaking tour, or zip up your wet suit for a scuba dive and take a plunge into the crystal clear waters. Did you know the Norfolk Marine Park is the only Australian Marine Park you can get to by stepping off the beach?
Outdoor activities such as golf, tennis or bike riding can still be enjoyed even in the middle of summer. Due to the pleasant day temperatures you won't end up as one big sweat ball! There are many walking trails to explore through the National Park and Reserves taking you along the coastline or into the rainforest. Stay cool as you wander under the canopy of tall tree ferns and Norfolk Island pines. Make sure you take the essentials - a bottle of water, snacks, and a camera to capture the picturesque scenery.
If you are feeling peckish, (the salt air can do that to you) there's nothing quite like eating outdoors on a balmy summer night. Shop for some picnic style food, or local meat and salads, and take advantage of the free public BBQ's and picnic tables. Enjoy the whole experience as the sun dips beyond the horizon, with the recommended sunset viewing spots being Puppy's Point and Anson Bay clifftops.
If you prefer, make a restaurant booking and let the incredible chefs look after you. Sit outside on the veranda or garden setting whilst savouring mouth-watering dishes from the menu. Groove along to the summer vibes of live music and drinks at The Sunset Bar, or enjoy a late night cocktail at the Black Anchor Bar located in the heart of town.
For an alternate type of nightlife, gaze at the island's incredible night skies. Take the time to look up at the constellation and be dazzled by the moon, stars and planets on a Stargazing Tour. You will soon realise why the island has earnt the status of Gold Level Dark Sky Town.
You can fit so much into your day during your summer holiday because everything is literally just around the corner! The car won't heat up in the sweltering sun, your ice-cream won't melt down your arm, and there'll be no whining "are we there yet" from the back seat because more than likely you will be there already!
You definitely won't find any Bondi Rescue type scenes on Norfolk Island instead will enjoy a relaxed, cruisy vibe on a beautiful island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. For a dose of sun, sand, salt water, and beaches that you'll often have all to yourself, 'seas the day' and escape to Norfolk Island!
Are you going swimming "Yu gwen naawi"
Norfolk Island 360° of Fun in the Sun!