Tag Archive for: Norfolk Island

Geocaching on Norfolk Island

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Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunt, where geocachers navigate to coordinates using a GPS-enabled device, like a handheld GPS receiver or a smartphone app. At the published coordinates, there is a geocache hidden, a container which can vary in size and shape but will contain at least a logbook or logsheet, where you sign your name as proof you found it.

There are millions of geocaches hidden all over the world, on every continent. It’s easy to start, create an account on  geocaching.com  for free, and download a free app to  your smartphone and set off on your first search.

The object is to navigate to the coordinates, search for and find the cache, then sign your geocaching nickname in the logbook as proof that you found it. You then log your find on  geocaching.com.

Norfolk Island Geocaches

Since the first geocache was placed at Emily Bay in 2002, there are now hidden all over Norfolk Island 41 geocaches  waiting to be found. Finding all these geocaches will take you a great tour of Norfolk Island and can all be easily found in a 7-day holiday.  You will learn about the Island’s history, culture, flora and fauna. You will be taken into many hidden and beautiful locations that the tours miss. And there are 4 earthcache locations on Norfolk Island where you will learn about the geology of the Island and some very unique rocks that are all around the Island.

When you have found and logged all 40 caches on Norfolk Island there is a bonus challenge cache to find and log as a bonus final cache. This will give you that rare opportunity to collect all the geocaches in a single country and give you a map full of smiley.

And if you are visiting Norfolk Island please contact endeavour3 through the www.geocaching.com website and I will give you my Norfolk Island pathtag as a souvenir of your geocaching adventure on the Island.

If you are geocacher you can log this blog at www.geocaching.com/track with the tracking code PCQ9NX.

travel norfolk island

Travelling to Norfolk Island on a Driver’s License

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One of the positive changes from the recent Australian Government reforms was the removal of the need to have a passport to visit Norfolk Island, for visitors from Australia.

If you are travelling direct to Norfolk Island from either Sydney or Brisbane all you need is photo ID, that is, a drivers licence.

Flights to Norfolk Island still operate from the International Terminals at Sydney & Brisbane airports even though the flight is considered a domestic flight.  This is because Norfolk Island has a different biosecurity risk to mainland Australia. While Australia has snakes, cane toads and poisonous spiders, all that Norfolk Island has is green parrots & white terns.

Air New Zealand check-in

You can still check-in at the Air New Zealand kiosks.  All you need is booking reference number.

Security check

The usual security check including the liquid, aerosols & gel restrictions still apply to Norfolk Island flights. http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au

Passport Control

You are still required to complete a green Outgoing Passenger Card. Do not attempt to use the Smart-gates to leave mainland Australia – they will not work. Instead you must go to a manned passport control booth. At Brisbane, look for the pop-up banner signs saying ‘Norfolk Island passengers’ just after security.  At Sydney, go to any manned passport control booth.

Tourist Refund Scheme

You can still get Tourist Refund Scheme refunds of GST on purchases over $300 that you are taking with you.  But the smartphone apps for the Tourist Refund Scheme do not work for the flights to Norfolk Island. https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Ente/Tour

Duty Free

On departure from Sydney & Brisbane you can still buy duty-free to take to Norfolk Island, but many duty-free shops will not sell to you unless you present a passport.  If you have checked-in using a driver’s licence, then the passport number field on your boarding pass is blank.

Arriving back in mainland Australia, you can purchase inbound duty free, but you will be subject to the Duty-Free concessions for tobacco, alcoholic beverages and other goods.

Arrival at Norfolk Island

You are still required to complete a yellow Incoming Passenger Card. While this might seem strange for a domestic flight, the Quarantine Declaration is very important. Make sure you declare any food, plant material or animal products. You can bring in as much goods & alcohol as you can carry! Norfolk Island is now a true duty-free destination. Your baggage will most likely be sniffed by Dawson the biosecurity dog, and you may be directed to X-Ray for further quarantine screening. 

Travel Insurance

Medicare now extends to Norfolk Island, so you only need to purchase a domestic travel insurance policy.

More information

https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Ente/norfolk-island-travellers

http://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/reforms/domestic-travel.aspx

From New Zealand

The flight from Auckland is still an international flight and the usual passport rules still apply both ways.

If you have any questions or concerns about arranging your travel to Norfolk Island, please do not hesitate to contact us HERE.

 

Norfolk Island Accommodation

Norfolk Island Accommodation

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2016 has been an exciting year for us. It has now been four months since we decided to take on the massive task of the management and operation of five new Norfolk Island businesses. These include a range of accommodation properties – Daydreamer Apartments, Whispering Pines, Ocean Breeze, Islander Lodge and the hire car company – Borry’s Rental Cars.

We are proactive in providing professional and a quality experience to visitors to Norfolk Island. Upgrades to each of the properties were necessary. In the past four months we have completed:

  • New Linen, Towels, Pillows, Blankets & Beach Towels across all apartments & cottages
  • Spring cleaned all apartments & cottages including carpets shampooed & all curtains washed
  • New guest compendiums

At Whispering Pines, we have installed new fridges, stoves, microwaves, interior lighting, outdoor furniture and upgraded the lounge & dining furniture.

At Islander Lodge, we have installed new kettles & toasters.

We also have developed new websites for each of the following properties. We would love to hear your feedback on these sites and how we can improve your experience on each of them.

Daydreamer Apartments – www.daydreamer.nf

Endeavour Lodge – www.endeavour.nf

Islander Lodge – www.islanderlodge.nf

Ocean Breeze – www.oceanbreeze.nf

Whispering Pines – www.whisperingpines.nf

 

This is just the start. We have a program for continued improvements to all the apartments & cottages for the next 12 months. We would like to thank you for your continued support. We look forward to offering you an outstanding Norfolk Island experience when you decide to travel and stay with us.