Winter Holidays on Norfolk Island: A Warm Escape from Australia’s Chill

Southern Australia can get chilly during the winters, and Canberrans – vouch for the fact, now. Wait, let’s start off again. As compared to the Northern Hemisphere, the southern part –Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and others – have peak winters from June to August. But … there are sweet spots where winters are crisp rather than chilling, with balmy, sunny afternoons instead of biting Nor’easters of North America.

While winter brings its own charms and adventures, it also leaves much to be desired, obviously. This is why spending a couple of winter weeks holidaying in Norfolk Islands is such an excellent idea! It’s just the right amount of far for Aussies, the temperature’s mild and pleasant — think anywhere between 12-19℃. It doesn’t snow, there’s no frost, the humidity is low, and the air feels crisp. Light showers are common, but it rarely pours; think more on the lines of ‘magical misty mornings’ and wispy clouds passing over Norfolk’s rolling landscape. 

When to go for a Norfolk Island winter holiday?

Australia and Norfolk Island have overlapping winters. It typically runs from June to August, but while winters in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart are chilly, it isn’t the case with Norfolk. 

When to go for a Norfolk Island winter holiday — that depends on school holidays for families with kids. Solo backpackers, digital nomad couples and silver haired travellers can very well make Norfolk Island their home for the winters. There’s no fixed time, except to visit between June and August. 

How to get to Norfolk Island?

To get to Norfolk Island, visitors board a domestic flight from Sydney or Brisbane. Two and a half hours later (2.5 hours later), they land at the Norfolk Island International Airport. Post baggage claims, travellers usually set out for their island stay. Car hires are a must, given the lack of public transport. These are provided either by the resorts or come bundled with the holiday packages. 

Where to stay on Norfolk Island?

Norfolk Island offers a wide range of stays to call home for a winter holiday. Though most of them are located in and around Burnt Pine, there are quite a few around Cascade and Kingston too! 

Burnt Pine is usually the de facto choice for tourists on a Norfolk Island winter holiday. A Norfolk Island accommodation here provides proximity to the island’s raw beauty — the National Park and Botanical Garden, while also placing modern comforts like restaurants and movie theatres a quick drive away. Properties like Poinciana, Cumberland and Whispering Pines offer quiet luxury, while stays like Sunset Villa are private oasis on this slice of paradise. 

Then, some prefer the old-world charms of the Island’s capital Kingston. Stays such as Glencar and Jacaranda are great not just for their views but also for their proximity to the Arthur Vale’s Area. And for those guests who prefer a heady dose of solitude, Tintoela in Cascade fits the bill.  

What to do on a Norfolk Island Winter Holiday?

When it comes to things to do on a Norfolk Island winter holiday, it’s less of ‘to do’ and more of ‘soaking’ it all in at a leisurely pace. Winters are dreamy, here on the island — picture morning mist resting on pine trees, dew-kissed grasslands and the gentle warmth of the mellow sun as it rises over the horizon. 

A scenery like this is best experienced from a patio or verandah with a cup of warm coffee cradled in the hand. But, taking a morning walk is also a lovely way of taking in the sights. Besides, there are trails and nooks to not just disappear into but rediscover, though hiking shoes and boots are a must if out on a bushwalk. 

In fact, the Norfolk Island National Park has plenty of walking trails. Some are elderly and kid friendly — gentle slopes and curves, while others are more challenging and include stairs, tight turns and climbs. Adventurous tourists can also set out to summit one of the many ‘mountains’ on the island. While the climb may be a tad challenging, the 180° view from up top more than makes up for it. ♥️

The waters around Norfolk Island remain in the low twenties (centigrade again), and while it isn’t bathtub-warm… it isn’t too bad for a swim either. It stays clear, is soothing plus all the breast-strokes and frog-splashes do warm up the body and help with the appetite. Speaking of appetites, most holiday homes and cottages come equipped with a full kitchen. It’s a breeze to whip up and carry sandwiches, sangas, a thermos of coffee and other finger foods for a picnic.
A cultural tour is a great idea for slower overcast days. The UNESCO site of Kingston and Arthur Vale’s Area is a microcosm of Norfolk’s history. No need for guides, visitors are free to explore the ruins and nearby cemetery at their own pace. Plus, there are plenty of cultural tours on the island, performed by an array of colourful actors, mixing lore and history and bringing it to life! Read more about them in our travel blog section.

While all of the above is fine and fair, a winter holiday in Norfolk Island is ideally meant for photography. Firstly, the southern sun hangs low on the horizon. This means the rays are slanted, the shadows are long (yes, even at noon) and for these three months, the island enjoys a natural filter of sorts — no Photoshop required! Secondly, the golden hours of dawn and dusk aren’t just amazing, they are bewitching for those who enjoy low-light photography. Here’s an opportunity to capture the island’s many trails, nooks, brooks, avian life and more in all their winter glory; don’t miss it. 

Holidaymakers also have a chance to capture Norfolk’s night sky that’s as pristine as its nature. The light pollution is negligible here, meaning the blue sky during the day turns into a sea of stars with bands of milky way adding to the character. It’s a stargazer’s paradise and a mecca for night photography enthusiasts!     

Who is this Norfolk holiday for?

A winter holiday in Norfolk Island is ideal for silver-haired travellers and kids looking to beat the cold; apt for couples, digital nomads and experiential travellers wanting a warm getaway; perfect for couples and families wanting to rediscover each other.

The weather’s the right amount of crisp and cold — think jackets and cardigans, not parkas. The mornings are dreamy, peaceful and sometimes, straight out of Tolkein’s tales. In short, this holiday is for anyone wanting to trade the chaos of winter and city life for warmth and sweet serendipity. Norfolk Island, during winters, transforms into an ethereal beauty—best experienced in person. 

Norfolk Island Winter Holidays: Epic Getaways and Island Vacations Thinking of an itinerary and a place to stay already? You can browse our listings on the destination page. There’s picturesque cottages, quaint stays and even apartments to suit every traveller’s budget. Also, we suggest checking out the featured deals section for the season’s freshest holiday packages. You get the latest and the best offers, plus save a pretty penny on bookings. Or, if that sounds like too much work, why not speak with our travel specialists directly — call 1800 991 751!