Anson Bay and the Coastal Cliffs

Beyond its pines and pastures, Norfolk Island is ringed by a dramatic and beautiful coastline of rugged sea cliffs plunging to the surging Pacific, offering some of its finest scenery. On the northwestern coast lies Anson Bay, a pretty cove of golden sand tucked beneath green cliffs, reached by a steep path and a lovely, more sheltered spot than the island's wilder shores. Nearby and around the island, clifftop lookouts such as Captain Cook Monument, marking where the explorer first sighted the island, and Puppy's Point offer spectacular panoramas over the ocean, crashing surf and offshore islets, and are famous for glorious sunsets. Wild, scenic and invigorating, Norfolk's cliffs and coves are a highlight for lovers of dramatic coastal beauty.

What you actually see

• Anson Bay - the pretty golden beach beneath green cliffs.
• Captain Cook Monument - the lookout where Cook sighted the island.
• The sea cliffs - the rugged cliffs and crashing surf.
• The sunsets - the glorious clifftop sunset views.

When to go

September to May, the warmer months, bring the most pleasant weather for the coast and beach, though Norfolk's mild subtropical climate makes the lookouts rewarding year-round; the clifftop viewpoints are famous for sunset in any season. Clear evenings offer the finest sunsets.

Honest expectations

Norfolk's coast is rugged and its beaches, like Anson Bay, are reached by steep paths and subject to surf and currents, so care is needed, and the appeal is scenery and sunsets more than easy swimming. As a dramatic coastline of sea cliffs, a pretty golden cove and spectacular sunset lookouts, though, Norfolk's shores are a genuinely beautiful and invigorating highlight.

Nearby

Kingston, Emily Bay and the pine-clad hills lie around the island.