Norfolk Island offers all the delights associated with the South Pacific, and more. The island is full of surprises around every corner. Have you considered a Norfolk Island Family Holiday?

There are some of the best beaches in the Pacific here. The waters are impossibly clear, the coral reefs are alive with marine life, and the sands are golden. On Norfolk Island, there are also dramatic headlands with infinite views, and moody cliffs with waterfalls tumbling into the sea.

On this island, people rarely lock their doors and their hearts are always open. There’s no need to hurry here. Wandering cows have right of way, and everyone has time to chat. But moreover, this is a place where families can take in the beauty of this island together with an endless supply of outdoor activities and sightseeing excursions set against a peaceful backdrop. 

Visitors often compare Norfolk Island to stepping back in time when they visit. For those of us who live here – we prefer to say it’s like stepping into a better time.

On our island, family is a cornerstone of life, which is why we will welcome yours with open arms. There is no shortage of fun in Norfolk, which will leave your kids wide-eyed with wonder at every turn. 

You’ll have a blast splashing in the waters, playing hide-and-seek among the towering pines, or listening to the stories of mutineers and convicts in our museums. Don’t worry about anything else – just bring your sense of adventure.

Ferny Lane Theatre

​​This Theatre is a popular community entertainment venue and is the home of the Norfolk Amateur Theatrical Society. The Theatre is also the home for the historical play, The Trial of the Fifteen which is performed every Wednesday evening.

The Theatre offers current movies three days a week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hedge Maze

This is a  wonderful place to just relax and appreciate the work that has gone into the area. Alternatively, you can take your chance at reaching the middle of the Maze, a must-do for the kids. Strawberry Fields Garden and Maze make a fun afternoon with the family. Suitable for all ages. 

Emily Bay Lagoon

There’s no doubt that Emily Bay Lagoon is a tropical paradise, with spotless sand and waters that are so clear that you can see fish darting below.

This is one of Norfolk Island’s best swimming beaches. This area is reef-sheltered and features perfect waters for paddling. An offshore pontoon – called ‘the raft’ locally – makes it easy to jump in.

There are also some pretty good snorkelling opportunities here. You can swim from the beach to the reef at low tide where bright, as neon-coloured fish weave among the corals. You can also opt to stay dry by boarding a glass-bottomed boat that trips out daily to the teeming reef. 

Regardless of your perspective, the underwater world here is something you must see. It’s home to more than 60 individual marine species and that’s not including the coral and anemones!

With parking mere steps from the sand, Emily Bay Lagoon is ideal for families who have the gear to unload from the car for their day at the beach.

Bring food to cook up at one of the public barbecues and set up camp for lunch at a picnic table around the bay.

Food And Drinks Kids Will Love

It is now a food-lover’s paradise, with fresh fish, succulent pork and beef, as well as boutique products like coffee, honey and cheese. We grow organic produce in season, pick it on the same day and deliver it to restaurants and cafes.

Over 35 restaurants and eateries can be found on Norfolk Island, despite its small size.

RSL Club, Bowling Club, and Leagues Club all cater to children well. You can always find something appealing on their menus. Enjoy the best coffee and a fantastic range of sweet and savoury treats at the Olive Cafe for lunch or morning tea.

Indoor family activities

Just don’t tell the kids, but our island is very educational. Norfolk Island boasts world-class museums that are kid-friendly, and you and the kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits that bring the fascinating stories of Norfolk Island’s past to life. 

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kingston to see artifacts from the Bounty and the island’s grisly past as a convict hellhole., while Ferny Lane Theater offers movies, light refreshments and warm blankets on weekends. That’s just how we are!

Free Things To Do With The Kids

When it comes to family-friendly activities, the great outdoors is our number one draw, and the best part is that it’s free. Spend days swimming and snorkelling in the protected waters of Emily Bay, or hiking into the Norfolk Island National Park in search of the native green parrots (hint: you’ll hear them before you see them). 

Whenever hunger strikes, mealtime is an adventure here as well. Get a ‘hunt and gather’ map of the island’s best honesty boxes and put together a picnic spread that kids will never forget. Don’t forget to bring your fishing line; Kingston Pier is the perfect place to catch dinner.

Considering a family holiday to Norfolk Island? Our homestead Redleaf was home to proprietor Jackie Pye as a child, her children were also raised in this house…and now you will hear little voices exploring the grounds and creating their own fun, as Jackie’s grandchildren enjoy all the bliss of an island upbringing. Contact us to discuss whether Poinciana Cottages can cater for your next Norfolk Island Family Holiday.