Cascade Bay and Pier

Norfolk Island has no harbour, so cargo ships stand offshore and everything is brought in by lighter to one of two piers, and Cascade on the north coast is the one used when the swell makes Kingston impossible. On unloading days the whole operation runs off the pier with a crane and open boats. The rest of the time it is a quiet spot with a cliff-backed bay and good water.

What to look for

• The lighterage - cargo brought ashore in open boats from ships offshore.
• The pier - the northern landing used when Kingston is closed.
• The cliff backdrop - the wall behind the bay.
• The swimming - clear water off the pier when the sea is down.

When to go

September to May is warmer. Which pier is in use depends entirely on the swell direction that day. Unloading days are unpredictable.

Things to know

The pier is working infrastructure and access is restricted while cargo is being handled. Swimming here depends on conditions and there is no beach. There is little to do beyond watching.

Nearby

St Barnabas Chapel is southwest, and Ball Bay is southeast.