Mount Bates at a Glance
About Mount Bates
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Mount Bates
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 19° - 24° | 21° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 20° - 24° | 22° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 19° - 24° | 21° | 129 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 18° - 22° | 20° | 135 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 20° | 18° | 112 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 15° - 19° | 17° | 167 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 14° - 18° | 16° | 137 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 18° | 15° | 118 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 18° | 16° | 114 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 15° - 19° | 17° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 16° - 21° | 19° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 18° - 22° | 20° | 93 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
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.