Where is Norfolk Island?

Norfolk Island is situated in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1, 600km north-east of Sydney, 890km north-east of Lord Howe Island and 1,100km north-west of Auckland. The Island is approximately 8km long and 5km wide totalling an area of 3,455ha.

What is the time difference between mainland Australia and Norfolk Island?

Norfolk Island is one hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Daylight saving is not observed on Norfolk Island.

How do I get to Norfolk Island?

Air New Zealand flies to Norfolk Island from Sydney return on Monday and Friday and to Norfolk Island from Brisbane return on Tuesday and Saturday (current scheduling as of May 2016).

What identity documents do I need to travel to Norfolk Island?

From 1 July 2016, travel to Norfolk Island from mainland Australia will be classed as domestic travel however; a valid passport continues to be the preferred method of identification.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection advises:

• Anyone travelling between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia will be required to identify themselves.
• A valid passport is the preferred means of documentation; however, photographic identification may be acceptable for Australian Citizens.
• Anyone travelling without a valid passport will experience delays in passenger processing.
• Travelling without a passport will affect passengers' ability to be immigration cleared if; in the unlikely event the flight is diverted to another country.

What if I don't have a passport?

If you don't have a passport, other forms of photographic identification such as a valid driver's licence, valid *Norfolk Island Document of Identity or Student ID should be acceptable.

*NB: The issuing of a Document of Identity by the Office of the Administrator will cease from 30 June 2016. A current Document of Identity will remain an acceptable form of identification until it expires.

What about children travelling without identification?

Children may travel accompanied by an adult who has appropriate documentation. Unaccompanied children will experience delays in processing until an Australian Border Force officer is satisfied as to their identity.

Air New Zealand flights depart and arrive via international terminals, do international movement conditions apply?

Yes, your travel experience will be similar to an international traveller. You must complete an incoming passenger card, and you and your luggage will be screened and could be inspected by Australian Border Force and Biosecurity officers.

From 1 July 2016, the Biosecurity Act 2015 will apply to movements onto Norfolk Island, and biosecurity import conditions will apply to all goods arriving onto Norfolk Island.

You must declare certain food, plant material (including wooden articles) and animal products on your incoming passenger card.

If you have items you don't wish to declare, you can dispose of them in the bins provided. You will not be penalised if all items are declared, even if they are not allowed into Norfolk Island. If you are not sure what you can take, ask a Biosecurity officer.

Do I need travel insurance to cover a medical emergency or a medical evacuation from Norfolk Island?

From 1 July 2016, medical treatment on Norfolk Island will be covered by Medicare as it is on mainland Australia. Emergency medical treatment will be covered by Medicare or your private health insurer.

If you need to be medically evacuated from the Island, you will be transferred from Norfolk Island's health facility to the closest, appropriate mainland hospital. The cost of the medivac will be covered by the Australian Government.

Can I purchase/replace my medicines on Norfolk Island?

Yes, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be introduced on Norfolk Island from 1 July 2016, and the cost of medicines will be comparable to mainland Australia.

Can I shop duty free on Norfolk Island?

Yes, similar to other Australian external territories, there is no limit on the amount of duty free goods you can buy on Norfolk Island however, when returning to mainland Australia standard duty free concessions will apply. You will need to produce documentation, such as a valid passport to be eligible to purchase duty free goods.