🔍

Norfolk Island

2899 • Other Territories

2,188
Population (2021)
$38,272
Median Income
38.65 km²
Area
$240/wk
Median Rent
RemoteRuralHistoricTourist HubPeaceful

About Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island is a remote Australian territory located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,400 kilometres east of Brisbane and 1,000 kilometres north of Auckland, New Zealand. The island covers 38.6 square kilometres and had a population of 2,188 at the 2021 Census, making it one of Australia's smallest and most isolated territories. The median age of 50 reflects an established, mature community, and the island operates under a unique administrative arrangement as part of the Australian Capital Territory for electoral purposes.

The island is renowned for its natural beauty, including the Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden, lush pine forests (home to the iconic Norfolk Island Pine), and dramatic coastal cliffs. The local economy is centred around tourism, small-scale agriculture, and public services. Residents enjoy a relaxed island lifestyle with a strong sense of community, rich Pitcairn-Bounty heritage, and a warm subtropical climate that draws visitors year-round.

Norfolk Island falls under postcode 2899 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Unclassified (OT) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Other Territories
Postcode
2899
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Bean
State Electorate
Unclassified (OT)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Norfolk
Coordinates
-29.06°, 167.96°
Statistical Area
Other Territories
Area
38.65 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1400 km
By Train
No train service — island is accessible only by air
By Car (Peak)
N/A
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A

🛣️ Norfolk Island is served by Air New Zealand and charter flights from Brisbane and Sydney. No road connections to the Australian mainland.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The island lacks footpaths and formal public transport; most residents use cars or bikes to get around, though the compact size makes short trips manageable.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$240
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
50 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,748
Census 2021
2,188
▲ 25.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$30,784
Income 2021
$38,272
▲ 24.3% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,345
Born Overseas 572

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 322
  • 2. England 56
  • 3. Philippines 35
  • 4. Fiji 33
  • 5. United States 18
  • 6. Canada 10
  • 7. Zimbabwe 8
  • 8. South Africa 6
  • 9. Germany 5
  • 10. India 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 619
English 600
Scottish 186
Irish 143
New Zealander 135
Maori 46
German 42
Filipino 36
Dutch 23
Italian 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

934
Both parents born in Australia
554
Both parents born overseas
443
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.9%
No Religion
36.2%
Hinduism
0.2%
Buddhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
101 (4.6%)
5-14 years
247 (11.3%)
15-19 years
103 (4.7%)
20-24 years
81 (3.7%)
25-34 years
154 (7.0%)
35-44 years
250 (11.4%)
45-54 years
297 (13.6%)
55-64 years
409 (18.7%)
65-74 years
319 (14.6%)
75-84 years
174 (8.0%)
85+ years
50 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norfolk Island known for? +

Norfolk Island is best known for its unique Pitcairn-Bounty heritage (descendants of the Bounty mutineers), the iconic Norfolk Island Pine trees, the Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden, and its stunning Pacific scenery and relaxed island lifestyle.

How far is Norfolk Island from the Australian mainland? +

Norfolk Island is approximately 1,400 kilometres east of Brisbane and about 1,700 kilometres north-east of Sydney, making it accessible only by air via regular flights from Brisbane and Sydney.

Does Norfolk Island have public transport? +

Norfolk Island has no public transport system, no trains, and no formal bus services. Residents and visitors rely on private vehicles, hire cars, or bicycles to get around the island.

What is the population of Norfolk Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Norfolk Island had a population of 2,188 residents. The community is tightly-knit, with a median age of 50 and a mix of long-established local families and newer mainland arrivals.

Is Norfolk Island a good place to live? +

Norfolk Island suits those seeking an exceptionally peaceful and remote island lifestyle with natural beauty, a close community, and subtropical climate. It's ideal for retirees, nature lovers, and those comfortable with the trade-offs of limited services and geographic isolation.

What is the postcode for Norfolk Island? +

The postcode for Norfolk Island is 2899.