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Norfolk Island General Information
Norfolk Island has a unique geography with a small population that is slowly declining. The primary industry on Norfolk is tourism and the government is independent of Australia in most respects except for policing, defence and education. Norfolk Island is a tax free haven of Australia.
Geography
Norfolk Island is a 3855ha, 8km x 5km, three million year old volcanic outcrop located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 kilometres east of the Australian coast, 1670kms ENE of Sydney, 1065kms NNW of Auckland and 772kms SE of Noumea. It is almost at the same latitude (29 02 S, 167 57 E) as Australia's most easterly point, Byron Bay. Norfolk's highest point is Mount Bates at 319 m.
Norfolk Island has two uninhabited neighbours just off its southern shore. About a kilometre offshore lies Nepean Island - a small islet of coral and sandstone which provides a haven for thousands of seabirds. Much of Kingston is built from blocks quarried there by Lieutenant King's convicts. Phillip Island - 6 kilometres south of Point Hunter - is a volcanic mass rising to 300 metres at its highest point.
Population
The permanent resident population is approximately 1900, the total population reaches up to 3500 in peak tourist season. At any one time the tourist population combined with temporary residents can easily exceed the local population.
Climate & Clothing
Norfolk's sub-tropical climate is tempered by the surrounding sea so it is never blazingly hot and rarely cold enough to demand more than a pullover or cardigan. The average annual rainfall is 1328mm and there are occasional storms but most rain conveniently falls during the night. The temperatures are mild ranging from 24 to 28°C in the height of Summer and 19 to 21°C in Winter. For up to the minute weather information, click here.
Light casual clothing is suitable, with smart casual wear for special functions. Warmer clothing may be necessary in winter and a hat and sunblock in summer.
Drinking Water
Norfolk's tap water is clean and safe to drink unless otherwise stated. Most drinking water is rain water colected in tanks and some hotels rely upon bore water as their primary source of drinking water.
Business & Trading Hours
Norfolk Island Government Offices - 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Post Office - 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday
Shops - 9.00am - 5.00pm (Most shops close on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and on Sundays.)
Related Links
Map of The South Pacific
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