Norfolk Island Visitor Information
General Information
Norfolk Island's Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+) time zone is 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The island is also an hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), operates on the same time as participating states during Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDST) and is an hour behind New Zealand.
Cars drive on the left hand side of the road and cows have right of way. It is an offence to hit a cow and fines are applicable if you do. Norfolk Island has its own taxi service however you are required to book the service in advance as you are unable to simply flag them down on the road. Although no public transport exists on the island, rental cars are readily available. Electricity runs on 240 volts AC, 50 cycles with a three flat pin plug. Surge protection devices are recommended as electricity is generated by large local diesel generators and power surges are common. Norfolk Island's tap water is clean and safe for drinking.
Commonwealth Bank and Westpac both have branches on the island and Visa, Bankcard, Mastercard and most major credit cards are accepted in most establishments on Norfolk however EFTPOS access is limited, as are ATM facilities.
Travel Advice
Local territory laws apply to Norfolk Island's Customs and Quarantine with a customs duty applicable to most items entering the territory, however, some exemptions exist. The importation of fruit, vegetables, seeds and flowers are prohibited as well as poultry and pork from New Zealand.
A passport is still the preferred means of documentation, however photographic identification may be acceptable for Australian Citizens.
Travel between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia is classed as domestic travel however airlines depart from the International terminals. Therefore, all travellers are required to complete customs formalities on departure and arrival into Norfolk Island and mainland Australia, where their identity will be verified against their travel documentation.
Norfolk Island uses Australian currency and most major credit card are accepted. Although tipping isn't mandatory, it is customary for exceptional service, generally in the form of 10% of the bill.
If you require emergency services while on Norfolk Island dial 977 for Police, 955 for Fire and 911 for the Hospital. Medical treatment on Norfolk Island will be covered by Medicare as it is on Mainland Australia for Australian Citizens.
