Raise a glass to craft beer, creative cocktails and coffee culture on Norfolk
Time to let you in on a little secret – you don’t have to head to a capital city or overseas to experience boutique vineyards, craft beer, cosmopolitan cocktails and coffee culture.
It’s all right here on Norfolk Island. The island may be small, but its big on flavour – especially in the drinks department.
Caffeine fix
Let’s start with the morning heart starter – coffee. You’re spoiled for choice on Norfolk Island – if it’s a European flavour you’re after, La Pérouse in Burnt Pine village is an intimate French café serving a velvety organic blend. Match that with a freshly baked croissant and voilà – the perfect start to your day on Norfolk.
For a coffee break that’s a little different, Rabbits Bikes and Brews is part espresso bar, part bicycle shop and a popular spot for a great coffee and, many say, the best hot chocolate on the island. If you’re a fan of Di Bella coffee, then look no further than The Lounge Bar and Café at Governor’s Lodge Resort. Here you can enjoy a quiet barista made brew alongside a slice of homemade cake.
Beers and wines
At Norfolk’s heart in Burnt Pine is Norfolk Island Brewing, the island’s first and only craft brewery. Established in 2019, the brewery’s range of hand-crafted beers and cider are poured exclusively at Castaway Norfolk Island – where you can enjoy a cold pint with a woodfired pizza or a cheese platter – and the Norfolk Island Golf Club. Norfolk Island Brewing produces five local beers – Golden Ale, Amber Ale, Pale Ale, Lager and Local Guava Cider – which can be enjoyed on tap or takeaway in a traditional growler – a nod to Norfolk’s rich history.
On the island’s eastern side at Steele’s Point, you’ll find Two Chimneys Wines – a boutique vineyard crafting award-winning premium reds, whites and special vintages. The first vines were planted over 20 years ago, thriving in the island’s rich volcanic soil to produce five varietals: Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Merlot and Chambourcin. At the cellar door, you can taste the wines while gazing out across the very vines that made them possible – and pick up a few bottles to enjoy back home.
Cocktail hour
A holiday in the South Pacific wouldn’t be complete without cocktails and Norfolk Island serves them with a twist of local flavour. The island produces a vibrant range of liqueurs, including the famous Maconochie’s Rum, named after an early settler whose family legacy still lives on today. On weekends, The Wanderer brings the cocktails to you, popping up at six stunning locations where you can sip island-inspired creations against a backdrop of breathtaking views.
Wherever you wander, you’ll find plenty of spots to enjoy Norfolk’s finest drops, always paired with a generous pour of local hospitality. One particularly unique location is Fitzy’s Farm, where you can indulge in seasonal cocktails and tap beer overlooking the Norfolk Island Lavender Farm. Fitzy’s is also popular for its homemade lavender scones, cronuts, small-batch gelato and signature baked potatoes. Cocktails and comfort food at its best!
From hand-crafted beers brewed with island character, to cocktails infused with local flair and coffee roasted to perfection, Norfolk Island serves its drinks with more than just flavour – it serves them with a story. Each sip reflects the island’s heritage, creativity and warm hospitality, inviting visitors to slow down, savour the moment, and taste a little of what makes Norfolk so unforgettable.