The best beaches on Norfolk Island for a refreshing dip

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We uncover the best swimming spots along the 32-kilometre coastline of Norfolk Island.

Norfolk Island remains one of Australia’s lesser-known island gems. Having quietly dodged the march of mass tourism, the island still boasts an array of uncrowded, pristine swimming spots and a mild sub-tropical climate to enjoy them in.

Discover our top picks for the best swimming spots on Norfolk Island, featuring stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing dip.

Emily Bay Lagoon

Best for: this one is the all-rounder

Emily Bay Lagoon is our pick of the bunch for swimming on Norfolk Island. Find sheltered reefs, calm horizons and aqua-azure waters reminiscent of the Maldives. It’s renowned as one of the safest beaches in the world – and one of the top 10 beaches in Australia according to Trip Advisor.

The clear sandy-bottomed waters of Emily Bay Lagoon provide a kaleidoscope of underwater beauty to explore. Snorkel with sea life at Lone Pine headland or relax on the pontoon in between dips.

From the sand, you can spot views out to Phillip Island and Nepean Island, Salthouse Ruins and the Convict Settlement. Facilities include a food truck serving refreshments and snacks during the day, change rooms and toilets.

Emily Bay Norfolk Island
Emily Bay’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Slaughter Bay

Best for: snorkelling

Don’t let the seemingly ominous name deter you. Slaughter Bay is derived from an old English word that means ‘slow-moving water’ – setting the scene for exactly what you can expect here.

Find it tucked away in the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) of the island. Its calm crystal clear waters play host to a living aquarium, and with a maximum depth of four metres Slaughter Bay remains one of the best spots to snorkel on the island. You can also catch some waves off the reef when the conditions are right, so bring your surfboard along for the ride.

Slaughter Bay Norfolk Island
Slaughter Bay is a popular option for those interested in water activities

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Cemetery Beach

Best for: dogs and a history lesson

For those who like to combine swimming with a history lesson, Cemetery Beach is the place for you. Find it just past the Kingston Cemetery – the reason for the moniker – in the KAVHA.

Once you’ve taken a dip in the impossibly blue water, relive the history of the island’s convict era by taking a walk around the neighbouring cemetery. The headstones and inscriptions, which date back as early as 1792, provide anecdotal accounts of the oft-violent deaths of the settler convicts – many of which were executed.

Head back to the beach to explore the rock pools at low tide and bring your pets, as this is one of the only beaches on the island that is dog-friendly.

Cemetary Bay Norfolk Island.
Come to Cemetery Beach for a lesson in island history

Cresswell Bay

Best for: learning to surf

You’ll find the idyllic Cresswell Bay, affectionately named “Bumby" by the locals, at the bottom of Bumboras Reserve on the southern side of the island.

Popular for surfing, swimming and rock fishing, the secluded crescent-shaped beach is also commonly used by the local surfing school – so it’s a brilliant spot to tick ‘learning to surf’ off your bucket list. There is also a well-maintained boardwalk and toilet facilities located a few metres walk from the beach.

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Anson Bay

Best for: views and total seclusion – not recommended for swimming

Find Anson Bay at the base of one of Norfolk Island’s headlands. Reaching this slice of paradise will take some effort. Prepare for a fairly challenging walk down to the beach – a good level of fitness is recommended.

While its secluded position makes it a little less accessible than some of the more popular beaches on the island, what it lacks in accessibility it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Once you reach the beach, you’re likely be the only one there. Enjoy the seclusion and explore the water’s edge.

This one makes the list for its beauty alone, the shore drops away rapidly into deep water, so it isn’t recommended for swimming. Take the track back up to the top to enjoy the views and cook up a barbeque lunch.

Anson Bay Norfolk Island
Anson Bay more than rewards those who make the journey.

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7 reasons to book a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula

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    Jade Raykovski Jade Raykovski
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    A place of spectacular coastlines and rolling vineyards, the Mornington Peninsula is just an hour from Melbourne, yet feels like a world away.  

    Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is often voted the number one short stay in Australia, and for good reason. From its beautiful coastline and scenic trails to exceptional food and wine, it’s the perfect escape any time of year, but especially as the weather grows cooler.  

    Picture afternoons relaxing in the soul-warming hot springs. Evenings by a cosy fireplace, sipping one of the region’s renowned Pinot Noirs and tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce. Now stop imagining, and start planning; here’s why the Mornington Peninsula should be your next long weekend adventure.  

    1. It’s easy to get to 

    An aerial view of Pt. Leo Estate on the Mornington Peninsula.
    Spend a long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: CMcConville)

    At only an hour’s drive southeast of the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re taking the Eastlink tollway to Peninsula Link, look out for eclectic roadside artwork such as Callum Morton’s high-rise hotel (hint: you can’t check in). 

    2. The coastline is stunning

    Mount Martha Bathing Boxes
    Stay in colourful, iconic beach huts along the coast.

    The Mornington Peninsula separates Port Phillip Bay to its west and Western Port Bay to its east, making it the only place in Victoria you can see a sunrise over one bay and sunset over another. 

    Its spectacular coastline varies from sandy swimming and surf beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs. Mt Martha Beach, known for its colourful beach huts and calm clear waters, was named in Tourism Australia’s Top 10 beaches for 2026. Nearby, Arthurs Seat Eagle  offers gondola rides to the peninsula’s highest point, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas. 

    For a different perspective from the water, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the bay’s resident dolphins , or catch a ride with Searoad Ferries  from Sorrento to Queenscliff (the tip of the opposite Bellarine Peninsula). Pop into their new Sorrento terminal for sweeping views from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a bite to eat at Mediterranean restaurant ONDA. 

    3. Taste exceptional food and wine

    Crittenden restaurant mornington peninsula
    Treat yourself to the restaurant at Crittenden.

    While the Mornington Peninsula is now synonymous with cool climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was originally renowned for apple production. There are many orchards still in operation, like fifth-generation Mock Red Apple ; taste craft ciders (the Mulled Spiced Cider is a must in winter), and don’t miss the famous apple pie. 

    Of course, it would almost be a sin not to dine at a winery restaurant, or at least try a local wine. Stop at Foxey’s Hangout  for casual share plates and a glass of Chardonnay on the deck; or for a more formal affair, the light-filled restaurant at Paringa Estate  offers a fine dining set menu on weekends, with picturesque estate views. 

    Pt. Leo Estate  has no less than three separate dining experiences to choose from, ranging from a wine terrace to contemporary fine dining, all sourcing seasonal Victorian and local Mornington Peninsula produce, and offering stunning vistas over Western Port Bay.  

    And opened in 2025, the restaurant at Crittenden  celebrates regional produce with a modern Australian menu that pairs beautifully with their sustainably crafted estate wines.

    4. Plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors

    A quiet moment on the green as he prepares for the perfect swing.
    Tee off at world-class golf courses with stunning coastal views.

    Bring your hiking boots, because from beachside strolls to breathtaking cliffside walks, the Mornington Peninsula boasts incredible scenic trails for all fitness levels.

    The Red Hill Rail Trail follows the old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill, while the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track is the go-to trail for rugged coastal scenery, linking Cape Schanck and the Boneo Road picnic area (part of the longer Two Bays Trail). 

    The region is also home to several national parks  providing plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether it’s a walk, picnic, or simply admiring the local flora and fauna. Golf lovers will rejoice with gorgeous courses such as the world-class Moonah Links  or Flinders Golf Club , one of Victoria’s oldest golf courses.

    5. Lean into wellness and relaxation

    From an aerial view, a woman drifts peacefully across still, crystal-clear water.
    Unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and soak in total relaxation.

    Soaking in one of the Mornington Peninsula’s mineral-rich hot springs is a must in the cooler months. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa  is the newer addition, with 25 contemporary geothermal pools, a sauna and steam room set amongst elegant coastal landscaping. Book a Night Owl session to watch the sunset from the pools, and extend your visit with a spa treatment or dining at their restaurant.  

    Across the road, the Peninsula Hot Springs offers two main bathing areas, cafes and a spa in a natural bush setting. The Bath House comprises over 70 bathing and wellness experiences, including their iconic Hilltop Pool, a reflexology walk, and Nepalese mineral showers; while the Spa Dreaming Centre is a serene adults-only sanctuary.  

    6. Get a culture fix

    Visit the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate during long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.
    Discover inspiring art across galleries and sculpture parks. (Image: Chris Conville)

    Wander the Southern Hemisphere’s largest privately owned sculpture park at Pt. Leo Estate, glass of red in hand, or pop into the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery  to view one of their seasonal exhibitions. Seawinds Garden  is also home to a sculpture collection by William Ricketts, surrounded by exotic and indigenous gardens.  

    If you’re more of a history buff, book a tour  of the Cape Schanck Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Point Nepean National Park . Here, you can explore walking trails through the traditional country of the Bunurong people, learn the history of the old Quarantine Station and discover military forts and tunnels. 

    7. Gorgeous accommodations

    Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
    Check into Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

    The Mornington Peninsula’s standout accommodations are an experience in themselves. Escape to The Sanctuary  at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a luxe retreat perched in the dunes above the springs. Or indulge in the dramatic luxury of Jackalope Hotel , home to a vine-facing pool and spa and the chef-hatted Doot Doot Doot. 

    For a dose of European country charm, stay at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill , set amongst lush gardens and vines with a cellar door and chef-hatted restaurant. Or for more contemporary, yet still charming, surroundings, the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula  is a historic hotel reimagined as a luxe coastal stay with European flair, including a pool deck and on-site bathhouse. 

    Start planning your long weekend at  visitmorningtonpeninsula.org