Mount Bates

Mountain Highest point of Norfolk Island, rocky summit

Mount Bates is the highest point on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, rising to about 319 metres above sea level. It is part of the island’s central highlands formed by volcanic activity.

The summit area is vegetated and forms part of the island’s natural interior rather than a developed viewpoint. Mount Bates is commonly referenced as the island’s topographic high point and feature of the central ridge.

Mount Bates is located inland on Norfolk Island, within the island group in the southwest Pacific Ocean.

  • Elevation: Highest point of Norfolk Island, with an elevation of approximately 319 metres above sea level.
Mount Bates
-29.0112, 167.9401

How to Get to Mount Bates #

Mount Bates is the high point of Norfolk Island. The island is served by regular flights (Norfolk Island Airport, NLK) from Australia (for example Brisbane and sometimes Sydney). From Burnt Pine or the island’s main settlements it is a short drive to the Mount Bates area (typically under 10-15 minutes by car from central Burnt Pine); a short walk from the nearest local road reaches the summit area. Local rental cars or taxis are the usual way to move around the island once you arrive.

Tips for Visiting Mount Bates #

  • Mount Bates is the high point of Norfolk Island (the island's summit elevation is modest), so plan for clear weather-early morning gives the best long-distance views across Norfolk and to nearby Phillip Island.
  • You can reach the vicinity of the summit by road and finish with a short walk; because facilities are minimal, factor in a short on-foot section from the nearest roadway and expect simple, unmarked tracks at the top.

Best Time to Visit Mount Bates #

Visit Mount Bates on Norfolk Island in the local summer (roughly December-April) for the warmest, most pleasant conditions and easiest access.

Summer (best access)
December-April (Southern Hemisphere) · ~17-25°C
Warm, mild weather and calmer seas make island access and outdoor exploration easiest on Norfolk Island (Mount Bates).
Winter
June-August · ~12-18°C
Milder but cooler and wetter conditions; fewer visitors and quieter experience.

Weather & Climate near Mount Bates #

Climate

Mount Bates's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 13°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1391 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
19° 24°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
20° 24°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
19° 24°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
18° 22°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
16° 20°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (167 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
15° 19°

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
14° 18°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
13° 18°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
14° 18°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
15° 19°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 21°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
18° 22°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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