Free Steels Point Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Steels Point with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Steels Point
Steels Point photo 2
Steels Point photo 3
All photos

Steels Point on Norfolk Island offers wind-shaped cliffs, South Pacific views and easy access to Kingston’s convict heritage and coastal landscapes.

Steels Point is a coastal headland on the southern side of Norfolk Island, a small Australian external territory in the South Pacific. It is not a town or separate administrative district, but a geographical place valued for its open ocean outlook, rugged shoreline and proximity to the island’s principal historic landscape around Kingston. The setting is shaped by dark volcanic rock, steep coastal slopes and grass-covered ground exposed to strong trade winds and shifting weather.
Read more about Steels Point
The point is best understood as part of Norfolk Island’s southern coastal belt rather than as a self-contained destination. Nearby Kingston contains the remains of the island’s principal convict settlement, while Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay provide more sheltered coastal scenery to the east. Westward, the coast becomes more rugged, with cliffs, headlands and wide views across the Tasman Sea. Distances on Norfolk Island are short by international standards, but roads, tracks and viewpoints have distinctly rural characteristics, so a visit to Steels Point is usually combined with a wider exploration of the island by car or organised excursion.
The surrounding landscape carries several layers of history. Norfolk Island was first settled by Polynesians before becoming a British convict colony in the late eighteenth century. Kingston and Arthur’s Vale later became the centre of a second penal settlement, whose buildings, roads, cemetery and waterfront structures now form one of the most important historic areas in the South Pacific. Following the arrival of Pitcairn Island settlers in 1856, the island developed a distinctive community descended largely from the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian companions. That heritage remains visible in local traditions, place names, family histories and the Norfolk language.
Steels Point is primarily a place for coastal observation, photography and quiet appreciation of Norfolk Island’s volcanic scenery. Conditions can change quickly, and exposed cliffs require sensible distance from edges, particularly in strong winds or wet weather. Visitors should not expect a line of cafés, shops or formal facilities at the point itself. The appeal lies in its position within a compact but historically dense island, where a short drive can connect sea views with convict-era architecture, subtropical vegetation, small farms and the cultural traditions of Norfolk Island’s present-day community.

When is the best time to visit Steels Point?

Best: January–March · 25–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)25100
February (best)2690
March (best)2595
April23105
May21110
June19115
July19120
August19115
September20110
October22105
November23100
December25105

Getting to and around Steels Point

How to get there

Steels Point is reached through Norfolk Island rather than by a separate transport connection. Visitors normally fly to Norfolk Island Airport, which lies away from the headland, using scheduled services from mainland Australia or New Zealand when available. Air services can change seasonally, so confirm current routes before booking. There is no international cruise, ferry or commercial air service directly to Steels Point. After arrival, the point is generally accessed by road as part of a wider southern-coast itinerary.

Transportation

A hire car is usually the most practical way to reach Steels Point and combine it with Kingston, Emily Bay, historic sites and other coastal viewpoints. Roads are often narrow and winding, and visitors should drive cautiously, particularly in rain or at dusk. Taxis and guided island tours provide alternatives, but rural access is not comparable with public transport in a large mainland city. Walking may be suitable for sections of the southern coast, although exposed weather, uneven ground and cliff edges require appropriate footwear and care.

Top city travel guides in Steels Point

The cities of Steels Point, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Steels Point

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Steels Point

Steels Point’s principal attraction is its open coastal setting: a windswept headland with views over Norfolk Island’s southern waters and a strong sense of geological exposure. It is best included in a wider circuit rather than treated as a conventional visitor precinct. Nearby Kingston and Arthur’s Vale provide the island’s most substantial concentration of attractions, including convict-era buildings, ruins, a historic cemetery, churches and the waterfront landscape associated with the former penal settlement. Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay, east of the headland, offer more sheltered coastal scenery and are closely connected with Norfolk Island’s early Polynesian archaeology. Across the wider island, visitors can add subtropical forest, rural roads, seabird habitats, walking routes and viewpoints over steep coastal valleys. Guided heritage tours are particularly useful because the surviving buildings and ruins make more sense when connected to the stories of convict labour, Pitcairn settlement and later island life. Steels Point itself has little commercial infrastructure, so bring water, sun protection and appropriate footwear and regard the coast as a place for careful observation rather than informal cliff-top access.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Steels Point

Steels Point itself is the defining landmark of this small coastal area: a bare, ocean-facing promontory whose significance is geographical rather than architectural. Its value lies in the contrast between open South Pacific horizons, dark volcanic shorelines and the cultivated slopes inland. The most important built landmarks near the point are concentrated around Kingston and Arthur’s Vale, outside the headland itself but close enough to form part of the same southern-coast itinerary. These include the remains of the second penal settlement, the convict-era waterfront, historic church buildings, cemetery landscapes and surviving administrative and domestic structures. Together they explain why southern Norfolk Island is one of the territory’s most historically resonant areas. Emily Bay, nearby to the east, is also a significant natural and archaeological reference point because of evidence for the island’s earlier Polynesian settlement. At Steels Point, however, the coast, wind and volcanic landform remain the central visual markers.

Show more landmarks

Explore Steels Point on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Steels Point

There is no restaurant quarter at Steels Point, and dining is concentrated in Kingston, Burnt Pine and rural accommodation venues elsewhere on Norfolk Island. Local menus commonly draw on the island’s maritime setting, home gardens and small-scale agricultural production, with fish, seafood, pork, seasonal vegetables, fruit and baked goods appearing alongside familiar Australian dishes. Norfolk Island pine is culturally significant but should not be assumed to be a standard food ingredient; ask about local produce and preparation rather than relying on generalised descriptions. Cafés, pubs, takeaway counters, markets and accommodation kitchens are useful for practical meals before or after a southern-coast drive, while more formal dining tends to be found away from rural viewpoints. Visitors staying in self-catering accommodation can look for locally produced eggs, fruit, vegetables and preserves when available. Book ahead for organised dining during busy travel periods and remember that supply, menus and service arrangements can reflect the island’s remoteness.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Steels Point

Steels Point has no nightlife venues, and the coastal headland should be visited in daylight with a safe route back. Evening activity on Norfolk Island is generally centred on pubs, restaurants, hotel bars, community events and occasional live entertainment rather than a dense nightclub district. Burnt Pine provides the broadest choice of places to eat and drink, while Kingston and other settlements offer a quieter setting connected with historic buildings and local community life. Some venues may feature Norfolk Island stories, music or local produce, but programmes and opening arrangements can change. A guided evening heritage activity may provide a more distinctive way to understand the island than simply seeking late-night entertainment. Visitors should drink responsibly, arrange transport in advance and avoid driving on unfamiliar rural roads after consuming alcohol.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Steels Point

Steels Point has no nightlife venues, and the coastal headland should be visited in daylight with a safe route back. Evening activity on Norfolk Island is generally centred on pubs, restaurants, hotel bars, community events and occasional live entertainment rather than a dense nightclub district. Burnt Pine provides the broadest choice of places to eat and drink, while Kingston and other settlements offer a quieter setting connected with historic buildings and local community life. Some venues may feature Norfolk Island stories, music or local produce, but programmes and opening arrangements can change. A guided evening heritage activity may provide a more distinctive way to understand the island than simply seeking late-night entertainment. Visitors should drink responsibly, arrange transport in advance and avoid driving on unfamiliar rural roads after consuming alcohol.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Steels Point

Steels Point has no shops, so shopping should be planned in Burnt Pine, Kingston or other established island settlements. Retail on Norfolk Island is small-scale and practical, with local produce, preserves, baked goods, crafts, artwork, books, clothing and souvenirs commonly more relevant than large commercial brands. Items connected with the island’s convict history, Pitcairn ancestry, maritime setting and Norfolk Island pine may provide more meaningful mementoes than generic beach merchandise. Galleries and craft outlets can offer locally made work, while food shops and markets may stock island-grown or island-produced goods when supplies permit. Availability varies because Norfolk Island depends on freight from Australia and New Zealand, and visitors should not assume that every product will be available throughout the year. Buy responsibly, respect cultural and environmental rules, and avoid removing shells, plants, stones or archaeological material from the coast.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Steels Point, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Steels Point essentials

Currency and Payment
Norfolk Island uses the Australian dollar, coded AUD, as part of its status as an Australian external territory. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established businesses, but visitors should carry some Australian cash because connectivity, payment terminals and services can be less predictable than on the mainland. Advance planning is sensible for car hire, tours and accommodation, especially during busy periods. Foreign visitors should notify their bank that they will be travelling to Norfolk Island and check any international transaction charges.
Safety
The main concerns around Steels Point are environmental rather than urban. Stay well back from cliff edges, avoid unstable ground and take particular care in strong winds, wet weather and poor visibility. Wear sun protection and carry water, as there may be no facilities at the viewpoint. Drive slowly on unfamiliar roads and watch for livestock and wildlife. Mobile coverage can be variable in rural parts of the island, so do not rely on a phone as the only preparation for a remote coastal walk.
Emergency Situations
The Australian emergency number, 000, is used on Norfolk Island for police, fire and ambulance assistance. State the location clearly and explain that the incident is at or near Steels Point, including the nearest road or recognisable landmark if known. For a coastal injury, keep away from unstable edges and send someone for help only if it is safe to do so. Visitors undertaking longer walks should tell their accommodation or tour provider of their plans and carry essential medication with them.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private property, historic sites, cemeteries and local religious places, and follow signs protecting archaeological remains and coastal vegetation. Do keep dogs controlled where restrictions apply and take all rubbish away from rural viewpoints. Do drive patiently and give local traffic space on narrow roads. Do not climb on ruins, remove stones or artefacts, or approach cliff edges for photographs. Norfolk Island’s customs are part of a broader Australian setting, but its small community makes courtesy, privacy and respectful behaviour particularly important.
Local Tips
Plan Steels Point around the weather rather than treating it as a fixed-timetable attraction; the headland is more rewarding when visibility is clear and winds are manageable. Pair the visit with the Kingston historic area, where the island’s convict and Pitcairn histories can be understood in context. Ask local tour operators or accommodation hosts about current road conditions and access arrangements, since minor repairs, weather or land management can affect rural stops. Early or late daylight usually gives softer light for the southern cliffs, but do not remain after dark without a dependable route back.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloG'day[g'day]
GoodbyeSee ya[see ya]
YesYeah[yeh]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo worries[no worries]
Thank youCheers[cheers]
Excuse me/SorrySorry mate[sorry mate]
How are you?How ya going?[how ya going]
Fine. And you?Good, you?[good, you?]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[you speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI’m a vegetarian[I’m a vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill?[can I get the bill?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Get lost![get lost]
Call the Police!Ring the cops![ring the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doctor]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m not well[I’m not well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just browsing]
How much is it?How much?[how much?]
That's too expensiveThat’s too pricey[that’s too pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you make it cheaper?[can you make it cheaper?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What’s the time?[what’s the time?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one[it’s one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonArvo[arvo]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[what’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[can you show me on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[when’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a ticket to...]

History of Steels Point

Polynesian Settlement before European Contact

Norfolk Island was settled by Polynesian voyagers centuries before European colonisation. Evidence of this community is concentrated around Emily Bay and nearby parts of the southern coast, where archaeological remains indicate houses, gardens and food-processing activity. The settlement did not continue into the period of European arrival, but it established the island’s first known human history and demonstrates that Norfolk Island formed part of wider movement across the southwestern Pacific. For visitors near Steels Point, this earlier layer of history is especially relevant because the southern coastal landscape contains several of the island’s most important archaeological associations.

Cook’s 1774 Encounter and European Mapping

Lieutenant James Cook sighted Norfolk Island during his second Pacific voyage in 1774 and named it in honour of the Duchess of Norfolk. European mapping introduced new names and a strategic interest in the island’s tall native timber and remote position. Although Cook did not establish a settlement, his report helped bring Norfolk Island into British imperial planning. The island’s precipitous shores, including the exposed southern coastline around Steels Point, later influenced where landing places, roads and settlements could safely be developed.

The First British Convict Settlement, 1788–1814

Britain established its first settlement on Norfolk Island in 1788, only months after the foundation of the colony at Sydney Cove. The island supplied timber and flax and served as a remote penal outpost. Agriculture expanded around the southern valleys, while the settlement developed buildings, roads and waterfront infrastructure. Difficult communications, isolation and shortages shaped daily life. Much of the first settlement was abandoned in 1814, leaving archaeological traces and altered landscapes that form an important precursor to the later historic district around Kingston.

The Second Penal Settlement, 1825–1855

Norfolk Island was reoccupied as a more severe penal settlement from 1825. Kingston and Arthur’s Vale became the centre of an expanding complex of barracks, works buildings, stores, roads, churches and administrative structures. Convict labour transformed the southern landscape, and the surviving buildings and ruins are now recognised for their exceptional historical importance. The exposed coast near Steels Point forms part of the wider setting of this heritage area, although the principal surviving structures are concentrated around Kingston rather than at the headland itself.

The Pitcairn Settlers Arrive in 1856

When the second penal settlement closed, Norfolk Island was transferred to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian companions from Pitcairn Island. In 1856, almost the entire Pitcairn community moved to Norfolk Island, bringing established family networks, Christian traditions, agricultural knowledge and a distinctive form of English influenced by Tahitian and Pitcairn usage. Their descendants remain central to Norfolk Island’s cultural identity. The community’s history is visible in local churches, family associations, oral traditions and the continued importance of Kingston as a place of collective memory.

Modern Australian Administration and Island Life

Norfolk Island’s constitutional arrangements changed several times before it became an external territory of Australia in 1914. Its economy has depended on agriculture, fishing, government services and tourism, with the island’s heritage and landscapes becoming increasingly important to visitors. Australian administrative reforms in the twenty-first century altered local governance and public services, while residents continued to negotiate the practical challenges of living on a small, remote island. Steels Point today belongs to this contemporary landscape: a quiet coastal place within a territory where environmental limits, heritage protection and community life are closely connected.

Steels Point in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Steels Point

The closest regions to Steels Point, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Norfolk Island
More of the region

Explore more of Norfolk Island

Discover Norfolk Island, a serene and historic gem in the South Pacific, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant natural beauty.

Explore Norfolk Island
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Steels Point, Norfolk Island

Discover Steels Point with Evendo - your 100% free app-based travel guide packed with attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive guides on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Detailed information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Steels Point like never before with Evendo, the free app that offers detailed guides on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Download now!

  • History of Steels Point and travel essentials.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city.
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and dining options.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Steels Point, Norfolk Island, a hidden gem bursting with stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Make the most of your trip with Evendo, the comprehensive travel guide app that puts the best of Steels Point at your fingertips. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Captain Cook Monument, explore the beautiful Emily Bay Lagoon, or dine at the renowned Hilli Restaurant & Cafe, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you can easily discover and book hotels, tours, tickets, and unique local experiences without any hassle. Our detailed information includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making your travel planning a breeze. Plus, our 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions and dining options, no matter where you are.

From the historical Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area to the serene Anson Bay, and the delectable dishes at The Olive Cafe, Evendo provides curated local tips so you can experience Steels Point like a local. And the best part? The app is entirely free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and embark on an unforgettable journey through Steels Point and beyond.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.

Select Currency

Choose the currency you want prices to display in.