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 change rooms and toilets.

Protected Beach Good for All Ages

“This gorgeous little bay has the only decent beach on Norfolk Island. It is terrific for all ages as it gently slopes out to the reef. Snorkelling is a good activity as there is a reef nearby. Water is warm and welcoming. Toilets and parking are close by. Great place to picnic as it is protected from wind. Just a great location”. ( Tripadvisor Deborah D )

Reputation well deserved

“This is an amazing still-water swimming location. Perfect for wallowing around in the warm crystal-clear waters, perfect for families and perfect for adventurous teens. There is a pontoon in the centre. It is a great for kayaking, snorkeling or relaxing on the sandy beach. Plenty of picnic areas, loads of parking, easy access to change-rooms / toilets. The bay is protected by a natural reef a short distance offshore. I believe this is what the local school uses for its swimming carnivals etc as there is no public pool on the Island. Make sure you visit no matter what”! ( Tripadvisor Danielkayelene)

Lives up to the reputation as one of the best swimming and snorkelling locations in the world

“Visited Emily Bay over 5 days of a 9-day visit to Norfolk Island. Lives up to its reputation as one of the best beaches in the South Pacific. Despite it being quite windy in the township of Burnt Pine, always found the waters of Emily Bay to be calm due to its amazing protection from dual peninsulas and twin reefs that surround it. Incredibly safe beach to swim at. No sharks can enter it due to the reefs that surround it. Water is incredibly clear and calm which makes it a snorkeler's paradise. Was a lot more coral and fish varieties than I had anticipated. The coral reefs have formed on limestone which make it very different in colour and coral types than I've experienced on the Great Barrier Reef, Mauritius or in Fiji. There are warnings though of potentially high bacteria rates in Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay after rain resulting from runoff from the convict-built stormwater drains which should be considered when swimming or snorkeling”. (Tripadvisor klewi)

Credit : Australian Traveller Magazine

Photo : Norfolk Island Tourism