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Historically, Norfolk Island, just a 2-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, has relied on shipping (and later air) to supply the island with items that were not readily available, such as processed foods and building materials.
While the island’s remote location necessitates the importation of many goods, there are still many businesses and institutions on the island that produce and supply the local market, supporting a unique island lifestyle. Long before “sustainability” became a buzzword in environmental policy, “sustainability” was a norm necessary for the island’s small, remote location in the Pacific Ocean. As a result, the fresh food visitors see in the produce section, local supermarket or roadside stand was most likely picked fresh that morning, allowing our cafes and restaurants to serve delicious, fresh, seasonal food.
However, due to the remote location of our islands, if ships are delayed for any reason, supplies such as flour, grains, alcohol and other processed foods may become insufficient.
Visitors are allowed to bring unopened processed food in their luggage, as long as it complies with the strict biosecurity laws enforced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Environment to protect the island.
You need to be aware that the fruit, vegetables and honey grown locally on Norfolk Island are free from many of the diseases found on the Australian mainland. It is vital that you do not carry fresh food, including fruit and vegetables, in your luggage as this may compromise the health of local crops.
Measures have recently been taken to protect Norfolk Island’s bees. If you bring a jar of honey it must not weigh more than 750g, must be commercially prepared and packaged, and must originate from Australia or New Zealand.
Remember that you must declare certain foods, plant materials (including wood products) and animal products on your incoming passenger card. Vegetables, fruit, plants and seeds are prohibited from being imported as they have a high risk of introducing exotic diseases to the island. New Zealand pork and poultry are strictly prohibited. On arrival at the airport, if you have items you do not wish to declare, you can dispose of them in the bins provided. If all items are declared, you will not be penalised, even if they are not allowed into Norfolk Island. If you are unsure what you can bring, speak to a biosecurity officer.
For more information on what you can bring to the island, visit Biosecurity Australia website Or send an email to norfolk.island@agriculture.gov.au.
**Image courtesy of Norfolk Island Food Festival
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