Overview
Norfolk Island beaches are among the most pristine and serene coastal spots you’ll ever encounter. While the island is famed for its towering pines and dramatic cliffs, its hidden sandy coves and crystal-clear waters are true gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re weary of overcrowded and polluted beaches, Norfolk Island offers unspoiled beauty and peaceful solitude that’s simply unforgettable.
Emily Bay
The Safest and Most Family-Friendly Beach
Emily Bay is a picturesque semi-circular lagoon shielded by a coral reef, making it one of the safest and most family-friendly Norfolk Island beaches. With its golden sands and calm, shallow waters, it’s perfect for swimmers of all ages. The bay offers stunning views of Phillip Island and Nepean Island, adding to its enchanting ambiance.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. Grassy areas equipped with picnic tables and barbecues make it an ideal spot for family outings. During the summer, a charming beachside kiosk operates, offering food and drinks to enhance your beach experience.
Slaughter Bay
A Snorkeler’s Paradise
Adjacent to Emily Bay, Slaughter Bay is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts. This beach features a stretch of sand interspersed with rocky formations and is teeming with vibrant corals and marine life. At low tide, stepping stones allow you to reach the outer reef, bringing you even closer to the underwater wonders.
The clear waters and abundant sea life make Slaughter Bay one of the must-visit Norfolk Island beaches for anyone interested in exploring coral gardens just meters from the shore.
Cemetery Beach
A Secluded Escape
Accessible from the historic cemetery area, Cemetery Beach offers a more secluded experience among Norfolk Island beaches. This rocky and exposed shoreline is popular with locals for rock fishing, beachcombing, and enjoying expansive ocean views that stretch uninterrupted towards South America. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and immerse yourself in nature.
Bumboras
Hidden Gems on the Western Coast
Located on the western side of the island, Bumboras Beach and Creswell Bay are charming spots favored by locals and visitors alike. Accessible via New Farm Road and Bumboras Road, these beaches are nestled in picturesque valleys where Rocky Point Creek meets the sea.
Bumboras Beach, often simply called “Bumby” by locals, is popular among surfers and offers opportunities for shell collecting, rock fishing, and exploring tidal pools. A boardwalk flanked by young pines leads you down to this natural playground, making it one of those Norfolk Island beaches where you can find your own secluded paradise. The beach is perfect for picnics and barbecues, with grassy areas providing an ideal backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea.
Creswell Bay showcases the raw beauty of Norfolk Island beaches. The bay is known for its misty sea spray and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking unspoiled landscapes and a peaceful retreat. The two beaches are connected and offer a continuous stretch of natural beauty that’s hard to match.
Anson Bay
Adventure Awaits
Anson Bay is a crescent-shaped beach carved from basalt cliffs on the northwestern side of the island. Accessible via a zig-zag track down the cliff, it’s one of the more adventurous Norfolk Island beaches. The beach is perfect for surfing, diving from rocks, exploring caves, or simply enjoying the dramatic scenery. Due to occasional strong currents, it’s recommended that only strong swimmers venture far from the shore.
Once you’ve climbed back up the steep path, the headland offers picnic and barbecue facilities. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the western horizon.
Crystal Pool
A Natural Ocean Pool
Crystal Pool is one of the most spectacular Norfolk Island swimming locales, though it’s more of a natural ocean pool nestled among the rocks. Located along Rocky Point Road, getting to the pool requires agility as you navigate the slope down to the water. The pool lives up to its name with crystal-clear waters several meters deep, making it perfect for diving and cooling off. Always exercise caution, especially when waves start breaking over the sides.
Don’t forget your camera—Crystal Pool is a truly magical place that offers stunning photo opportunities.
Middle Beach
Serenity and Solitude
Situated between Emily and Slaughter Bays, Middle Beach is a small yet pleasant spot often overlooked by visitors. It offers the same pristine conditions as other Norfolk Island beaches but with even more solitude. Facilities are available nearby, including toilets and dressing sheds, making it a convenient yet peaceful place to unwind.
Second Sands and Beefsteak
Your Private Hideaways
For those seeking even more seclusion, Second Sands and Beefsteak are two tiny coves accessible by clambering over rocks from Bumboras Beach. These hidden Norfolk Island beaches offer the feeling of owning your own little kingdom, at least for a few hours. The coves are natural playgrounds where you can cool off in the sea, gather shells, or simply relax in your own secluded paradise. Be mindful of the tides to ensure a safe return before the water rises too high.
Norfolk Island beaches offer a unique blend of unspoiled beauty, adventure, and tranquility. From the family-friendly shores of Emily Bay to the hidden coves of Second Sands and Beefsteak, there’s a slice of paradise for everyone. So pack your sunscreen, embrace the peaceful solitude, and discover the breathtaking Norfolk Island beaches waiting for you.
