Norfolk Island National Park

Norfolk Island National Park Review

The park, which takes up almost one-third of Norfolk Island, is laced with walking trails. Most are graded easy to moderate, although a few have steep sections. The most rewarding is the Old Mountain Track, which is precipitous in parts as it leads to the island's second highest peak, Mt. Pitt, 316 meters (1,036 feet). Mt. Bates is only 2 meters higher, and the Summit track, an easy walk along the ridge top, links the two peaks. Motorists can also drive to Mt. Pitt's summit, soaking up the panoramic view of the island. You really sense the island's isolation from here—this little, eroded volcanic isle is hundreds of miles from its nearest neighbor. Other rambles include the Bird Rock Walk, a steep and difficult walk that winds through pine forest to a spectacular cliff overlooking Bird Rock, while the Palm Glen circuit track wanders through a small forest of marvelous tree ferns and dense strands of Norfolk palms (which are only found here). The reward is a magnificent view over the island's southern sections and out toward Phillip Island, some 8 km (5 miles) to south.