Baie De La Moselle
Sheltered by the southern cliffs of Norfolk Island, Baie De La Moselle is a serene coastal pocket where turquoise water laps against volcanic rock and the air smells of saltbush and pine. This secluded bay offers a glimpse of the island’s raw beauty and its layered history — from early Polynesian visits to convict-era landings. It’s a place to slow down, listen to the waves, and feel the rhythm of the South Pacific.
Highlights & What to See
- Snorkel the clear shallows — the protected bay is home to colourful fish and coral, with easy shore access for a quick dip.
- Walk the coastal path — a short trail from the car park hugs the cliff edge, offering dramatic views of the bay and the neighbouring islet of Phillip Island.
- Picnic under the Norfolk pines — a handful of shaded tables make this a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch with a view.
- Explore the historic jetty ruins — remnants of a 19th-century whaling station hint at the bay’s industrious past.
- Watch for seabirds — the cliffs provide nesting sites for red-tailed tropicbirds and noddies; bring binoculars.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Baie De La Moselle, combining a snorkel or a short walk with a picnic. If you’re keen to linger, bring a book and enjoy the solitude — the bay rarely feels crowded. It works well as a half-day outing when paired with a visit to nearby Kingston or a drive around the island’s southern loop.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kingston — the historic settlement with its convict ruins, museums, and the iconic Kingston Pier, just a 10-minute drive north.
- Emily Bay — a sheltered swimming beach with calm waters and a grassy foreshore, perfect for families.
- Mount Pitt — the island’s highest point offers panoramic views and walking trails through subtropical rainforest.
- Phillip Island — visible from the bay, this uninhabited nature reserve is a haven for seabirds and endemic plants; boat tours depart from Kingston.
- Anson Bay — a rugged, less-visited beach on the west coast, great for those seeking solitude and dramatic surf.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Kingston — charlotteinaustralia / CC BY 2.0
- Emily Bay — denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Mount Pitt — CaretoLearn / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Phillip Island — matteoartizzu / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Anson Bay — Graeme Bartlett / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Norfolk Island National Park — Steve Daggar / CC BY 3.0