Backpacker Jobs Norfolk Island

Jobs in Norfolk Island

If you look hard enough, or zoom in far enough, you’ll find a tiny 35 km² patch in the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

First sighted by Europeans in 1774, Norfolk Island was established as a penal colony in 1788. Its remoteness saw it being used for what the New South Wales Governor called ‘the worst description of convicts’, a practice that continued until 1855. The island received its first free settlers the following year, and a small yet strong community has called it home ever since.

Today the island is home to around 1500 people, with tourism being the major economic driver. Norfolk also exports small amounts of timber, beef and seafood, and even has a winery. Because fresh fruit and vegetables aren’t allowed to be brought to the island, and there’s only a small amount of arable land, most of the farming produce is consumed locally.

It’s fair to say that Norfolk Island is a unique place. But is it a must-see destination for a working holidaymaker? And what exactly might the island offer 417 and 462 visa holders?

Let's take a look.

Where is Norfolk Island, and how do I get there?

Norfolk Island is situated 1500 km off the east coast of Australia, at a similar latitude to Brisbane. It is around 750 km south of New Caledonia, and 750 km north of New Zealand.

The island is serviced by Air New Zealand, who run three weekly flights from both Sydney and Brisbane. Flight time is around two and a half hours.

What is Norfolk Island famous for?

Having been cut off from the rest of the world for millions of years, Norfolk has developed a unique biosphere. The island is home to 174 native plants, most famously the Norfolk pine that graces its flag, and a number of endemic birds.

The island is also visually spectacular. Jagged coastal cliffs are a feature, many of which fall into crisp white sand and turquoise water. A number of parks and reserves seek to preserve Norfolk’s natural beauty, with the largest, Norfolk Island National Park, occupying the top quarter of the island.

What are Norfolk Island's must see attractions?

Emily Bay: Rugged rocks, a beautiful beach, stunning snorkelling; Emily Bay is the very best of Norfolk Island condensed into a neat little package. You’ll be amazed at the colour of the water and the life you find in it.

Norfolk Island National Park: A visit to Norfolk’s namesake park will help you to truly understand the uniqueness of this island’s nature. Walk through 6.5 km² of endemic flora and fauna, keeping an eye out for the beautiful Norfolk Island parakeet.

Anson Bay: A perfectly secluded spot in the less populated north of the island, the golden sands of Anson Bay are protected by spectacular cliffs, making this one of the most photogenic parts of the island. It’s well worth the steep hike.

Queen Elizabeth Lookout: Arguably the island’s best view, Queen Elizabeth Lookout gazes over the township of Kingston, Emily Bay, and out to Phillip Island in the south.

Where should I stay in Norfolk Island?

For a discount bed: While there aren’t any hostels on Norfolk Island, you can still find a reasonably priced self-contained apartment, like Callum Court Ocean View Apartments.

For something slightly fancier: The team at Oceanview Apartments have managed to pair quality with affordability, giving backpackers the opportunity to live it up at nice apart-hotel, without breaking the bank.

To treat yourself (at a sensible rate): Sometimes you’ve just got to treat yourself. While they might not sound like much, The Tin Sheds are an incredible five star experience.

Is there work for backpackers in Norfolk Island?

You have two options as a backpacker on a  417 or 462 visa - you can either make the most of 12 months in Australia, or you can undertake specified work in a regional location, and extend your visa into a second or third year.

As one of Australia’s most remote territories, Norfolk Island certainly counts as such a regional location, meaning any work completed here will go towards your second or third year visa extension. What’s more, working on Norfolk is one of the most unique experiences a backpacker can have, and the local tourism industry is often looking for temporary workers. There are also opportunities in the agricultural and hospitality sectors.

Should I work on Norfolk Island?

There are two asterisks that come with living and working on Norfolk. 

This is a super small and remote place - you’re stuck on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere with 1500 other people. For some that will sound like heaven, but others may start to feel cabin fever creeping in.

The other consideration is cost - being so remote means that goods and services can be more expensive here than the already pricey Australian mainland. The flights to and from Norfolk aren’t particularly cheap either.

But once you see the island for yourself, the small drawbacks, if they even are drawbacks, can quickly seem insignificant.

So, is Norfolk Island worth a visit for a working holidaymaker? As a beautiful and perfectly unique part of Australia, with opportunities for specified work, it most certainly is. It won’t be for everyone, though.

But whether you stay for three days or three months, we’d definitely suggest that you check out Norfolk Island if you have the time, money and motivation.