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.

Here, our picks of the best places for a cooling dip on Norfolk Island – and the beaches that aren’t safe to swim at, but still worth a visit.

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 is waiting

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 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.

Come to Cemetery Beach for a lesson in island history

Creswell Bay

Best for: learning to surf

You’ll find the idyllic Creswell 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.

Crystal Pool

Best for: a physical challenge – not recommended for swimming

Beautiful and dangerous: these are the two words that locals use to describe Crystal Pool. Located at Point Ross on the southwestern end of the island, these naturally formed rock pools are only accessible by a rope that takes you down a dirt track.

While striking to look at – and well worth the journey – undertaking the challenging terrain down to the pools requires the utmost care and a good level of fitness. Large ocean waves can over wash the pool in moments and quickly turn the calm waters into a turbulent washing machine.

Consequentially, the pools are not recommended for swimming unless you are with a local guide. If you’d prefer to admire Crystal Pool from a distance there are viewing platforms at the clifftop near the carpark, or you can take a seat at the nearby Bedrock Café to enjoy the views indoors.

Venture to Crystal Pools at your own risk

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 more than rewards those who make the journey