The Solo Traveller
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Norfolk Island. Photography: Sheila C @ Unsplash.
Norfolk Island – a world apart
By Michael Webster
For solo travellers in search of somewhere truly different, Norfolk Island offers more than just a change of scenery – it offers a change of pace, perspective, and possibility. Perched alone in the South Pacific, this rugged, pine-studded island is small in size but rich in story. With a population of around 2,000 and a fierce sense of independence, Norfolk moves to its own rhythm – unhurried, deeply connected to its past, and quietly welcoming to those who arrive with curiosity.
Travelling solo here never feels lonely. The community spirit is strong, and connections happen easily – often over a roadside wave, a conversation in the bakery queue, or a shared hike along one of the island’s clifftop trails. History is everywhere, from the World Heritage-listed convict ruins of Kingston to the family names that trace back to Fletcher Christian, who famously led the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789.
There is also a unique local dialect, Norf’k (or Norfuk), still spoken by many islanders – a symbol of their deep cultural roots and resilience. Norf'k is a blend of 18th-century English and Tahitian, introduced by Pitcairn settlers, and while it is not widely spoken today, it remains a significant symbol of the island's heritage.
For the solo traveller, Norfolk is an invitation to slow down and tune in – to nature, to history, and to yourself. Whether you're snorkelling in crystal-clear waters at Emily Bay, hiking the lush trails of the national park, or simply watching the sunset behind a grove of towering pines, the island offers moments of quiet magic.
Kingston Beach, Norfolk Island. Photography: Fleur @ Adobe Stock.
Winding paths and quiet views
For solo travellers who recharge through movement, Norfolk Island offers a compact yet captivating network of walking trails. In the national park, lush forests of Norfolk pines give way to dramatic sea cliffs and bird-filled valleys. The Mount Bates Track offers a short but rewarding climb to the island’s highest point, with sweeping views across the ocean. Meanwhile, the Bridle Track and Palm Glen Walk are quieter routes where you’re more likely to hear birdsong than human voices. Walking here isn’t just exercise, it’s an immersion into a landscape that feels ancient and alive.
A taste of place
With a strong paddock-to-plate culture and an abundance of local produce, food here is deeply seasonal and surprisingly inventive. You’ll find island cafes serving fresh reef fish, lemony Norfolk Blue beef, and rich green pawpaw curry. Farmers’ markets and roadside stalls invite you to chat with locals and sample homemade jams, pickles, and pastries. It’s a slow-food destination by nature, and solo travellers often find themselves drawn into conversations that start with food and end in friendships.
Stories in the stone
History is impossible to ignore on Norfolk Island – it’s quite literally under your feet. In the World Heritage-listed Kingston area, Georgian buildings tell the story of one of the harshest penal colonies in the British Empire. For solo travellers, the museums and heritage sites provide a self-paced way to engage with this complex past, from Polynesian settlement to the Pitcairn Islanders’ arrival. The island’s local guides will ensure you leave with a deeper understanding of the island’s resilience, and how its history continues to shape its present.
Norfolk Island. Photography: Sheila C @ Unsplash.
Getting around Norfolk Island
Public transport is virtually non-existent, so hiring a car is the most convenient option for solo travellers who want the freedom to explore on their own terms. Many accommodations offer discounted car hire, often with charming quirks like a 'wave to every passing driver' tradition that adds to the island’s friendly feel.
Driving is easy here – there’s little traffic, and the roads meander through rolling farmland, past hidden beaches and historic ruins. Just watch out for wandering cows (they have right of way). For short trips around Burnt Pine, the island’s main township, walking or cycling is manageable, but to reach the best hikes, lookouts and heritage sites, your own wheels are the way to go.
Michael Webster is The Solo Traveller’s International Community Development Lead.
Myth busting Norfolk Island – “the South Pacific’s best-kept secret”
Mathew Christian-Bailey, Creator and Director of Spacifica Travel, is a 7th generation descendant of Fletcher Christian. For over fifteen years, Mathew and his team have nurtured relationships across the South Pacific with the aim of creating a boutique travel company that provides a stress-free Pacific experience. Here, Matthew and his team bring their years of experience to play, and bust six of the myths about Norfolk Island.
Emily Bay, Norfolk Island. Photography: Photography: Spacifica Travel.
Myth #1: It’s just another part of Australia
Norfolk may be just a two-hour flight from Brisbane, but is an eclectic mix of British, Polynesian and Tahitian cultures. The island’s Pitcairn–Norfolk heritage lives on through the language, cuisine and customs of the residents, who love sharing their traditions with visitors. An external territory of Australia, it’s the only Pacific Island Australians can visit without needing a passport.
Surfing the break at Cemetery Bay, Norfolk Island. Photography: Spacifica Travel.
Myth #2: The beaches are only good for swimming
Think Australia has all the best breaks? Norfolk Island is one of the world’s most remote and unspoiled surfing destinations with its offshore reef creating some of the best breaks in the South Pacific. Uncrowded and mellow, you can take full advantage of the sets rolling in at your leisure.
Myth #3: Fishing is heavily restricted
Strict regulations on commercial fishing actually means there’s an abundance of fish species thriving in Norfolk’s crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect destination for novice and experience anglers alike, with an abundance of trumpeter, bonito, skipjack, groper, wahoo, snapper, trevally and mackerel. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, head deeper to reel in big game fish like yellowfin tuna and kingfish.
Norfolk Island offers a variety of trails through the botanic gardens and beyond, and in the company of these timeless Moreton Bay Fig Trees. Photography: Spacifica Travel.
Myth #4: Only expert hikers need apply
Norfolk Island offers a variety of trails through the botanic gardens and beyond. There are 15 tracks catering to all abilities and energy levels, from Garden Trail and The Boardwalk which are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers to the challenging Bird Rock Track, a steep 760m trek from which you can enjoy spectacular views from the clifftop. You don’t have to break a sweat for a fabulous view though – Summit Track is an easy 500m walk across the highest points of the island with panoramic views of the coast.
Everyone is welcome at the Norfolk Island Golf Club, one of the world's most scenic golf courses. Photography: Spacifica Travel.
Myth #5: You need a golf membership to play
Everyone is welcome at the Norfolk Island Golf Club. Spend a day on the green while enjoying views of the blue. Norfolk Island has one of the world’s most scenic golf courses with stunning views from every hole. Don’t be deceived by its serene beauty though – gusty winds and unforgiving greens will make you work for your drink on the 19th hole on this challenging course.
Norfolk Island is quickly gaining a reputation as a haven for food lovers. Photography: Spacifica Travel.
Myth #6: The food scene is limited
Norfolk Island is quickly gaining a reputation as a haven for food lovers. Produce thrives in fertile volcanic soil and is harvested in season, ensuring peak freshness and flavour. Ingredients are often picked and delivered to local restaurants and cafés on the same day, preserving their natural taste and quality. With more than 20 eateries – including restaurants, cafés, clubs and takeaways – local chefs craft vibrant dishes that reflect how food is meant to taste – fresh, seasonal and full of flavour.
