Norfolk Island

This island has always done things its own way, governing itself with its own legislative assembly for decades before rejoining the Australian system in 2015. Emily Bay offers the calmest swimming on the island, a shallow lagoon protected by reef just off Kingston's old convict grounds. Anson Bay holds a different mood further along the coast, clifftop views over open ocean with barely another visitor in sight. Norfolk Island National Park protects the island's last stands of native pine and palm forest.