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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These winery experiences around Australia take you beyond the standard pour

Oenophiles and novices alike will relish these top-tier wine experiences that go beyond the standard pour.

From the Mediterranean-climate McLaren Vale to the robust Hunter Valley, Australia’s trailblazing wine regions are renowned for producing some of the world’s best drops. A simple cellar door tasting can help you choose your next bottle to take home, but truly understanding the region’s unique terroir and viticultural mastery means engaging all of the senses.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia goes beyond the ordinary to offer the best activities to deepen your palate at the country’s most celebrated wineries. Whether it’s an art and wine lunch or horse riding among the vineyards, these experiences make for an unforgettable day out.

Culinary

A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a beautifully plated gourmet meal at a winery restaurant.
Sip your way through Australia’s best winery experiences.

Epicureans are spoilt for choice with these fantastic gastronomic journeys. Explore Leeuwin Estate’s fine wine, food and commitment to the arts on their Seasonal Experience: Art, Wine & Farm to Fork tour.

Sample a line-up of cool-climate wines with The Art of Fine Wine and Gastronomy at Ten Minutes by Tractor on the Mornington Peninsula, before meandering through the rolling Gabrielle vineyard and feasting on a five-course tasting menu with matching wines.

Outdoors

Visitors riding horses through the vineyards at Jacob's Creek, enjoying a scenic wine country experience.
Ride through the vines at Jacob’s Creek.

Nature enthusiasts can seamlessly pair their love for the outdoors with their love for wine on the Cape to Vine Day Trip – a guided walking tour along the pristine Margaret River cape which ends with a private tour, then a food and wine pairing at the area’s founding wine estate, Vasse Felix.

If your preferred mode of transport is on a trusted steed, the Vineyard Horse Ride and Tasting experience takes animal lovers on a 60-minute guided horse ride through the picturesque vineyards of Jacob’s Creek, followed by a tasting of their cellar door wines.

Blending

Guests blending their own wines during an interactive winemaking experience.
Unleash your inner winemaker.

Curious learners can step into the role of winemaker with a hands-on masterclass. The Master Blenders: Blend your own Muscat class in Rutherglen is perfect for sweet-toothed guests, expertly guided by a Stanton & Killeen host to craft their own personalised 500ml Muscat blend. Or a bubbly affair awaits in Launceston with The Art of Sparkling masterclass hosted by Josef Chromy Wines to create a personalised bottle of sparkling. The experience also includes a tasting of the estate’s table wines and a two-course lunch with wine pairings.

Overnight

A cosy luxury stay at Ampersand Estates.
Pair luxury stays with exceptional wines.

An overnight wine experience allows you to savour every last drop. Live la dolce vita in the King Valley with the Pizzini Overnight Wine and Food Escape, a tutored wine tasting uncovering the delights of Italian food and wine pairings, followed by a four-course dinner with matching wines before bedding down at the charming Mountain View Hotel. For an ultra-luxe wine escape, make a beeline for Pemberton, where The Ampersand Estates Experience – A Marriage of Luxury & Nature offers discerning travellers a stay in a self-contained estate residence, with a private wine tasting and five-course degustation cooked by a chef exclusively for your group over an open-flame.

Culture

Aerial view of Pt. Leo Estate overlooking rolling vineyards and the coastline on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Experience the perfect pairing of art and wine.

The art of hospitality can be taken to new levels on a cultural and culinary wine journey. The Discover Pt. Leo Estate Lunch, Art & Wine Experience indulges with a 3-course meal showcasing Mornington Peninsula’s produce paired with Victorian wines, plus a walk through the state-of-the-art sculptural park backdropped by the 50-acre vineyard and ocean. The Love on Mount Pleasant guided discovery invites wine enthusiasts to admire the cellar door spaces adorned with works from renowned artists, including Garry Shead, Archibald Prize winner and nephew of Mount Pleasant’s founder, Maurice O’Shea. Sip through a tasting of eight elegant wines paired with local and international cheeses.

Meet the makers

Visitors touring a vineyard alongside winemakers, learning about grape growing and the winemaking process.
Learn from the experts.

Who better to learn about wine from than the makers themselves? Join winemaker and vigneron Tom Ward on a private Immerse with Swinging Bridge tour of the Orange wine region. An informative morning is spent discovering the cool-climate vineyards used to create Swinging Bridge’s award-winning wines, before heading to the winery’s Hill Park Vineyard for a five-course degustation. And discover Queensland’s emerging wine scene with the Behind the Scenes Winery Tour and Premium Tasting, which takes visitors on a tour of Sirromet’s winery facility and a private tutored wine tasting of drops rarely available for sampling.

Helicopter experiences

A helicopter flying above sprawling vineyards.
Take your wine experience to new heights.

See things from a new perspective with an immersive, ultimate luxury wine adventure. Take to the skies on the Helicopter Tour & Blending Bench adventure, which includes a 30-minute scenic flight over McLaren Vale’s spectacular landscape before playing winemaker inside the d’Arenberg Cube to create your own blend from their unique bounty and exploring the building’s art-filled Alternate Realities Museum. Go behind the scenes of a working winery with the Helicopter Winery Tour and 4 course Lunch. Get picked up from your accommodation by a private chauffeur, then take to the skies via helicopter to Printhie Wines.

Heritage

Guests sampling wines beside oak barrels during a guided cellar tasting.
Explore the past, one glass at a time.

History buffs and seasoned oenophiles will delight in discovering the liquid lore of an iconic Australian winery. Savour a 100-year-old tawny with Seppeltsfield’s Centennial Cellar Experience in the Barossa Valley and go on a tour of the Seppelt family homestead, built in 1851 and the underground blending cellar. And it would be remiss not to explore Australia’s most iconic winery, Penfolds in Magill Estate in South Australia, where The Penfolds Heritage Tour & Taste includes a walking tour through the original working winery, lush vineyard and underground drives and a cellar door tasting of their exceptional The Penfolds Collection and covetable Cellar Reserve range.

Start planning an unforgettable wine journey at ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au