The best places to stay on Norfolk Island

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Norfolk Island boasts heavenly appeal and the accommodation is just as dreamy.

This gem of the South Pacific features a dazzling utopia of turquoise lagoons, luscious trails, culinary delights and a gentler pace of life. It’s a combination that will leave you rejuvenated beyond compare, and more than willing to spend a few nights exploring it all. The accommodation options on Norfolk Island span an array of self-contained units, apartments, independent hotels and holiday homes.

 

Here, we narrow down our favourites.

1. Heritage Hill

For those in search of affordable stay, Heritage Hill offers basic but clean, spacious self-contained cottages with spectacular views out to Phillip Island. The accommodation is situated a 10 minute walk from the shops, and has a restaurant next door. If your idea of a holiday equals zero inclination to venture out and explore, the adjoining verandahs are the perfect place to sip on a freshly brewed coffee or duty-free drink.

 

Take a seat and watch the ever changing shades of the Norfolk Ocean. Inside, an open plan design features an all-in-one kitchen, dining and living area, with separate bedrooms bathroom and laundry.

Heritage Hill Norfolk Island
Views of everything from Heritage Hill

2. The Tin Sheds

Norfolk’s newest five-star property, The Tin Sheds, ups the ante with three beautifully appointed apartments. The contemporary homes are surrounded by beautifully landscaped private gardens, and located mere minutes from Burnt Pine Shopping District. Hop in the car and you’re a short drive from the island’s most beautiful national parks, tranquil beaches and the World Heritage listed Kingston & Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA).

 

Inside, each shed is packed with every mod-con, large outdoor entertaining areas, Fiat convertibles and thoughtful extras like a ‘toy box’ with snorkelling gear, tennis rackets and other fun items for use.

The Tin Sheds Norfolk Island
The Tin Sheds up the ante

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3. Coast

Coast is a self-catered option that provides the perfect combination of location and style. Located within the World Heritage KAVHA site, wake to palm tree surrounds, alongside lush gardens and sounds of the ocean. Lift your spirits (and heart rate) on the accommodation’s signature walk, traversing the 32-acre Coast property, winding through vistas and valleys, ending at the famous convict ruins and beach.

 

Coast offers eight one- and two-bedroom apartments to book. Choose from Niau Cottage, a one-bedroom cottage, or opt for a stay in one of the beach houses, Routi House and Rahooloo House, which each feature two bedrooms.

 

Cook with fresh, local produce in the fully-equipped kitchens or make use of the outdoor barbecue facilities. Fill up the picnic basket for an alfresco lunch, make use of the fishing rods, snorkelling gear, golf clubs or the complimentary pushbikes. Or better yet, relax by the saltwater swimming pool.

Norfolk Island Coast
Coast provides the perfect combination of location and style

4. Tintoela

Tintoela is an island homestead that can’t be beat for luxury. Meaning ‘sweetheart’ in Norf’k, Tintoela was built by Hunky Evans, a descendant of the original Bounty mutineers, for his Canadian sweetheart. It now serves as an upscale accommodation offering. The property features an impressive homestead and two cottages, each providing world-class design, craftsmanship and story-book ocean views.

 

The signature Hunku’s property blends the best of Norfolk architecture with the subtle elegance of sophisticated living. Ideally suited to large families and groups of friends, the six-bedroom homestead is the most spacious accommodation on the island. The neighbouring Kushi and Hilli cottages are idyllic private paradises for couples or small groups.

Tintoela Norfolk Island
Tintoela is an island homestead that can’t be beat for luxury

5. Endeavour Lodge

If it’s privacy in spades you seek, escape to the world of Endeavour Lodge. The luxurious, self-catered one, two-and three-bedroom apartments are perched on a clifftop with million dollar views. Unwind from your private, spacious verandah and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Native pine timber furnishings feature throughout, closer resembling a ski lodge than a coastal villa – but with views like this, who could complain?

Endeavour Lodge Norfolk Island
Escape to the world of Endeavour Lodge

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6. Cumberland Resort and Spa

Owners Angela and Rael have done well to provide the trendiest resort accommodation on Norfolk Island. This boutique, self-contained resort is set among a tropical paradise and located three minutes’ walk to shops, cafes and restaurants. To overdose on Zen, relax in the heated swim spa pool (36 degrees Celsius), sweat it out in a sauna or indulge in a spa treatment at the onsite day spa.

 

Retreat to one of 10 modern, ground-floor spa apartments and villas (choose from one, two, three, four or five bedroom). Each feature en-suite bathrooms complete with massage showers.

Hideaway Retreat Norfolk Island
Live off the land at Hideaway Retreat Norfolk Island

7. Hideaway Retreat Norfolk Island

Eating goes hand and hand with “being" in Norfolk Island. Nearly all the produce is grown in the island’s rich volcanic soil, much of which occurs on the grounds at Hideaway Retreat. An orchard lies within the property grounds. Take your pick of oranges, mandarins, tangerines, avocados, guavas and bananas in season. The wide open spaces and tranquil environment make it the perfect escape for those looking to take things slow.

 

There are a total of nine, comfortable and spacious one-and two-bedroom apartments. All are equipped with the standard self-contained fitouts. Timber floors, basic furniture and hotel-style beds. Safe swimming beaches, World Heritage Listed Sites, museums, golf, tennis, bowling and squash clubs are all, at the most, five minutes by car. For your recreational pleasure, you are also granted exclusive use of the hard tennis court (and gear), plunge pool and barbecue facilities.

8. Castaway Retreat

If being a hideaway doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about being a castaway? Live out your Tom Hanks fantasy (sans Wilson) at this plush island paradise. Choose between hotel-style rooms or self-contained apartments, run and owned by Sarah and Tony Watts. The spot was originally built in the 1970s by Sarah’s grandfather, Ken Prentice, and has had a long and illustrious life as one of Norfolk’s most cherished accommodation houses ever since.

 

While the owners may have changed, the reputation has remained. Castaway has been rejuvenated over the years and serves as one of the most special places to stay on the island. Each of the 20 rooms are stylish and contemporary and offer garden views. There is an onsite restaurant and bar, and a covered deck overlooking the Burnt Pine valley.

Castaway fantasy Norfolk Island
Live out your Castaway fantasy at this plush island paradise
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Your summer events guide to Australia’s cultural capitals

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
    Explore the best that Sydney and Melbourne offer over summer, when busy event-packed days stretch into fun-filled nights.

    As summer unfolds, Sydney and Melbourne are at the forefront of the most exciting events in Australia. Whether your tastes run to culture, sport, shopping or dining, both offer a host of things to do and places to stay. Discover the best Accor hotels to explore from and how to spend your days to make the most of the warmer months in Australia’s vibrant capitals.

    Sydney

    Where to stay

    suite at Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection
    Relax beachside at Manly Pacific. (Image: Manly Pacific)

    Sydney has no shortage of fabulous hotels to choose from when attending events in the city, often within reach of either the harbour or the beach.

    The glamour and European style of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is hard to beat, whether for a romantic getaway or a family holiday. It’s within walking distance to the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, so everything the city offers is at your feet.

    Pullman Sydney Quay Grand is equally central and offers luxury apartment-style accommodation, featuring fully equipped kitchens and laundries. It’s ideal for family stays. Also in the CBD, Swissôtel Sydney gives easy access to some of the city’s top shopping, including the historic Queen Victoria Building.

    For beachside vibes, head to Manly or Brighton, where there’s something for everyone. Manly Pacific – MGallery Hotel Collection is all about coastal elegance, ocean views and fresh seafood. Hit the rooftop pool or the beach to cool off, or go snorkelling at nearby Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Take the Manly ferry for a scenic trip to the city.

    Peppers Manly Beach offers stylish accommodation literally across the road from famous Manly Beach. Grab a free e-bike, take a surfing lesson, walk the foreshore or browse the surf shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.

    For a luxury stay that’s closer to both the city and airport, choose The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Hotel Collection. Hugging the shore of Botany Bay, the hotel is just 20 minutes by train to the CBD, and a 10-minute drive from Sydney airport. Soak up the sea air, or dive into the outdoor pool or the adults-only indoor pool.

    Events and sightseeing

    two people at Sydney Festival
    Time your Sydney trip to visit the Sydney Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Sydney loves a party and there are few bigger than Sydney Festival, which has been entertaining locals and visitors alike for 50 years. Running from 8–25 January in 2026, it’s a city-wide celebration of culture and creativity encompassing music, dance, comedy, visual art and edgy experimental performances.

    Westpac OpenAir Cinema opens for the summer season on 20 January. Set on the waterfront at Mrs Macquaries Point, with a backdrop of the harbour and city skyline, it features classics and new movies. Grandstand seating (BYO cushion) provides perfect viewing.

    A cool oasis of green in the heart of the city, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney offers much more than just plants and flowers. Escape the heat with a stroll through themed areas, including the romantic Palace Rose Garden and lush Palm Grove, and stop at the Cadi Jam Ora – First Encounters Garden to learn the story of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Best of all, it’s all free.

    Where to eat and drink

    Arches on Market bar in Accor SwissôtelSydney
    Stop for drinks at Arches on Market. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

    Fancy a taste of Italy? Flaminia is the new restaurant coming to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour in November 2025, and it’ll make you feel as though you could be in Portofino – but with the freshest of Sydney’s produce.

    Arches, at Swissotel Sydney, is the perfect spot for a classic martini. Head there for afternoon tea or pre- and post-theatre dining delivered with old-school charm. You can even let the bartenders choose your drink for you, based on your mood.

    With a $20 lunch menu and a leafy covered terrace, Wentworth Bar, on level five of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, delivers a sophisticated escape from the hustle of the city. An extensive champagne list and Vietnamese-inspired bar menu complete the stylish scene.

    Melbourne

    Where to stay

    view from Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers by accor
    Enjoy a luxurious stay at Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers.

    Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is the epitome of style, elegance and luxury. Appropriately at the ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street in the CBD, the Sofitel combines French flair with Australian hospitality.

    Like many of the best discoveries in Melbourne, Pullman Melbourne City Centre is tucked away in a laneway. Five-star luxury is the hallmark here; enjoy stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and the city’s best food and fashion finds just steps away.

    On the historic South Wharf promenade, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is a contemporary beacon that opens up to everything the precinct has to offer – shopping, dining, entertainment and the arts.

    Pullman Melbourne on the Park, on the city’s threshold at East Melbourne, is a ball toss from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne and Olympic Parks. Naturally a favourite with sports fans, it’s only minutes from the CBD by tram and right next door to the cool of Fitzroy Gardens.

    The spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments of Shadow Play Melbourne by Peppers offer stunning views and easy access to the city and Southbank’s dining and shopping district. Head to the rooftop garden or relax in the outdoor heated pool.

    Events and sightseeing

    spectators watching Melbourne Cricket Ground
    Cheer on your team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    As the ‘sporting capital of Australia’, Melbourne is the place to catch the best of your favourite game. Whether it’s the Boxing Day test cricket or all the action of the Australian Open tennis in January, book tickets early to ensure the best vantage points.

    Find the Summer Night Market, a feast for both the body and the senses, in the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights in the warmer months. Savour street food from 30 stalls and shop for locally made fashion, jewellery, art and homewares, and pause to watch performances by talented buskers.

    The work of two of the most influential fashion designers in history – Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo – are on show at the National Gallery of Victoria over summer. You can also wander through free exhibitions of First Nations art, colonial paintings and European masters.

    Where to eat and drink

    Melbourne’s laneway culture and rooftop bar scene set it apart from others. Where better to enjoy extended twilight hours or cheeky cocktails atop one of the city’s tall buildings, or while away long summer evenings in a cosy bar tucked far from the crowds in a hidden alley.

    Head to Cleo on the rooftop at Hyde Melbourne from December 2025. Enjoy a cocktail with sweeping views of the skyline, and choose nibbles from a Mediterranean-inspired menu.

    Under a 15-floor mirrored canopy at The Atrium on 35, in the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, sip cocktails in an intimate but playful setting. This is the place for l’aperitif hour before or after a night out at the theatre.

    Start planning your summer getaway of events, culture and food with at ALL.com.