Emily Bay is Calling

Aside from playing at the waters edge or a swim to the raft, Emily Bay is the beginning point for snorkelling over fish filled corals that extend around the point and along the Slaughter Bay reef. From standing on the sand you’ll be over the reef within a few minutes and as it’s protected is perfect for even young swimmers. Some accommodation properties have snorkel gear you can use, bring your own, or hire it from the Land and Sea shop in town. Snorkelling just doesn’t get any easier.

At low tide a walk around the reef provides endless pools to gaze into filled with all wonder of sea life. When the tide is really low you can walk on both the inner and outer reefs. On the surf side of the outer reef you’ll be passing the best classroom for a history lesson for primary aged kids as they’ll be on the site where the flagship of the First Fleet, HMS Sirius was wrecked. In midday heat, a visit to the Sirius Museum located just behind Slaughter Bay will reveal her artefacts including a 1.7-ton anchor and carronades.

Some days you’ll see the local Norfolk Island Wa’a Outrigger club members out for a paddle in their 6-man outriggers. If they can, the club welcomes teenage and adult visitors who are competent swimmers to ask to have a go for a paddle up to Slaughter Bay and back. With some quick instructions you’ll experience the Bay and reef in a whole new, stunning and exhilarating way.