Beauvoir Sur Mer

Perched on the rugged Norfolk Island coastline, Beauvoir Sur Mer offers a rare blend of history, dramatic seascapes, and unhurried island life. This tiny settlement, named after a French shipwreck, feels worlds away from modern Australia — its grassy cliffs, turquoise coves, and remnants of the island's convict and whaling past create a landscape that begs to be explored on foot or by four-wheel drive. For travellers seeking solitude and a tangible sense of the past, Beauvoir Sur Mer is an essential detour.

Highlights & What to See

• Beauvoir Sur Mer Cliffs – Walk the windswept headlands for panoramic views over the Pacific, where humpback whales can sometimes be spotted during migration season (June–October).
• Shipwreck Remains – Explore the scattered iron relics of the Beauvoir, a French vessel that ran aground in 1845; the site is a poignant reminder of Norfolk's treacherous reef.
• Emily Bay – A short drive south, this sheltered sandy cove is perfect for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear water, with coral gardens just offshore.
• Kingston & Arthur's Vale Historic Area – A UNESCO-listed convict settlement nearby, with restored buildings, a cemetery, and the island's best museum.
• Bird Watching at Mount Pitt – Hike through Norfolk Island National Park to spot the endemic Norfolk Island green parrot and other rare birds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to soak up the coastal views, explore the shipwreck site, and enjoy a picnic on the cliffs. If you're a keen walker or photographer, allow a full day to combine a visit with a hike along the Norfolk Island Coast Track, which passes through this area. Most visitors rent a car for 2–3 days to cover the island's highlights; Beauvoir Sur Mer can easily be paired with a morning at Emily Bay and an afternoon in Kingston.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kingston – The historic heart of Norfolk Island, with convict ruins, the Pier Store Museum, and the lovely Emily Bay.
• Norfolk Island National Park – Home to Mount Pitt, towering Norfolk pines, and walking trails through subtropical rainforest.
• Anson Bay – A wild, reef-fringed beach on the western coast, popular for surfing and sunset views.
• Burnt Pine – The island's main settlement, with cafés, galleries, and the local produce market (Wednesdays).

Please check official sources for current details.