The Best Swimming Spots On Norfolk Island

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

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.

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.

Discover the best things to do on Norfolk Island

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

The best beaches on Norfolk Island for a refreshing dip