The +672 country code is for Norfolk Island, a tiny Australian external territory in the South Pacific, roughly halfway between Australia and New Zealand. With a population of about 2,000, it is one of the smallest places in the world with its own country code.
There is a complication: since 2016, Norfolk Island has been transitioning to Australian phone numbering under area code 6723. That means you can now reach Norfolk Island numbers using either +672 (the old code) or +61 6723 (the new Australian format). Both may work, but +61 6723 is the official standard going forward.
This guide covers both dialing methods, explains the numbering transition, and notes the quirks of calling one of the most remote inhabited islands in the Pacific.
Quick answer: Norfolk Island's historic country code is +672, with 5 or 6-digit local numbers. Since 2016, numbers are also reachable via +61 6723 XXXXX (Australian numbering). There is no trunk prefix when using +672. Example: +672 3 22123 or +61 6723 22123.
How to call Norfolk Island: quick reference
Norfolk Island numbers can be reached two ways. The traditional +672 route and the newer Australian +61 6723 route both connect to the same phones. From within Australia, using +61 is typically cheaper since it is treated as a domestic long-distance call rather than an international one.
| Calling from | Dialing format |
|---|---|
| US/Canada mobile | +672 [local number] |
| US/Canada landline | 011-672-[local number] |
| Australia (via +672) | 0011-672-[local number] |
| Australia (via +61) | 0-6723-[5-digit number] |
| New Zealand | 00-672-[local number] |
| CallSky app | +672 [local number] |
Understanding Norfolk Island phone numbers
Norfolk Island's numbering has gone through a transition. The old system used +672 with 5 or 6-digit numbers. The new system maps these into Australian numbering as +61 6723 XXXXX.
Old format (+672)
Under the traditional system, Norfolk Island numbers were 5 or 6 digits long, typically starting with 3 for landlines. The international format was +672 3 XXXXX. There were no area codes.
New format (+61 6723)
Since 2016, Norfolk Island numbers are part of the Australian numbering plan under area code 6723. The same number that was +672 3 22123 is now +61 6723 22123. From within Australia, you dial 0 6723 22123.
Mobile numbers
Norfolk Island did not historically have mobile phone service. Telstra has extended mobile coverage to the island, and mobile numbers follow Australian numbering conventions (04XX XXX XXX format).
Number examples
| Type | Old format | New Australian format |
|---|---|---|
| Landline | +672 3 22123 | +61 6723 22123 |
| Landline | +672 3 23456 | +61 6723 23456 |
| Mobile (Telstra) | N/A | +61 4XX XXX XXX |
Mobile carriers in Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island's telecom infrastructure has been integrated into Australia's network.
Norfolk Telecom / Telstra
Norfolk Telecom was the island's government-owned provider for decades. Following Norfolk Island's administrative integration with Australia (the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015), telecom services have been progressively brought under Australian regulation. Telstra now provides mobile coverage on the island, and landline services have been migrated to Australian infrastructure.
Internet
Internet on Norfolk Island comes through a combination of satellite links and limited submarine cable capacity. Speeds are slower and more expensive than mainland Australia. Norfolk Island Connect and other local providers offer broadband, but data caps are common due to bandwidth constraints.
Don't confuse +672 with nearby codes
The +672 code can be confused with a few nearby codes, and the +61 transition adds an extra layer of confusion.
| Code | Country | How to tell apart |
|---|---|---|
| +672 | Norfolk Island | 5-6 digit numbers, also reachable via +61 6723 |
| +673 | Brunei | One digit off, Southeast Asia, 7-digit numbers |
| +61 | Australia | Norfolk Island is now part of +61 (area code 6723) |
| +64 | New Zealand | Norfolk Island is geographically close to NZ but part of Australia |
| +674 | Nauru | Two digits off, different Pacific island nation |
The most practical confusion is between +672 and +61 6723 — they reach the same phones. If one does not work, try the other. The +672 vs +673 (Brunei) mix-up is rarer but would send your call to the wrong side of the world.
Time zone considerations
Norfolk Island follows Australian Eastern Time: AEST (UTC+10) in winter and AEDT (UTC+11) in summer. Daylight saving time is observed.
This was not always the case. Until 2015, Norfolk Island used its own time zone, NFT (UTC+11:30), a rare half-hour offset. The switch to Australian Eastern Time was part of the integration with Australia.
| Time on Norfolk Island | Sydney | Auckland (NZ) | US Eastern |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM (AEDT, summer) | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM (prev. day) |
| 9:00 AM (AEST, winter) | 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM (prev. day) |
Norfolk Island is now always the same time as Sydney, so there is no time zone math when calling from mainland Australia.
Communication in Norfolk Island
Business hours
Norfolk Island follows Australian business hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The commercial center is Burnt Pine, where most shops and businesses are located. Kingston is the historic and administrative center. Shops may have reduced hours and close for lunch.
Call quality
Since the Telstra integration, call quality to Norfolk Island has improved. Calls routed via +61 6723 generally have better quality than those via the old +672 code, since they travel through Australian domestic infrastructure rather than international routing.
Internet and connectivity
Internet access is available but limited. Bandwidth is constrained by the island's remote location, and speeds are slower than mainland Australia. Most residents and businesses have internet, but streaming and large downloads are impractical without patience.
The Norfolk Island diaspora
Who lives on Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island has a unique population. Many residents are descendants of the Bounty mutineers who were relocated from Pitcairn Island in 1856. They speak Norfuk, a creole language blending 18th-century English with Tahitian. The rest of the population is mainly mainland Australians and New Zealanders who have moved to the island.
Who calls Norfolk Island
Most calls to Norfolk Island come from mainland Australia. Family members, property owners, and businesses with ties to the island make up the bulk of phone traffic. Norfolk Island is also a tourist destination (especially for Australians and New Zealanders), so hotels and tour operators receive calls from prospective visitors.
Young Norfolk Islanders often move to mainland Australia or New Zealand for education and work, maintaining phone contact with family on the island. The time zone alignment with Sydney makes this easy — no awkward scheduling needed.
Dialing examples
Calling a Norfolk Island landline from Sydney
The number is 3 22123. Using the Australian format, dial 0 6723 22123 from any Australian phone. Alternatively, dial +61 6723 22123 from a mobile.
Calling Norfolk Island from the US using +672
The same number via the old code: from a US mobile, dial +672 3 22123. From a US landline, dial 011-672-3-22123.
Calling from New Zealand
From New Zealand, dial 00-672-3-22123. You can also try the Australian format: 00-61-6723-22123.
Calling within Norfolk Island
Locally on the island, just dial the 5 or 6-digit number directly: 3 22123. No country code or prefix needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not knowing about the +61 6723 option
Many people only know about +672 and do not realize Norfolk Island numbers are now part of Australia's +61 system. If +672 does not connect, try +61 6723 followed by the local number. From within Australia, the +61 route is cheaper.
Confusing +672 with +673 (Brunei)
One mistyped digit sends your call to Brunei in Southeast Asia instead of Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. If someone answers in Malay, you dialed 673 instead of 672.
Expecting cheap rates
Norfolk Island is one of the most expensive destinations to call internationally. With a population of about 2,000 and limited infrastructure, rates are high. CallSky's Premium rate is $5.08/min, and there is no Economy option. Budget for short calls or use internet-based alternatives when possible.
Using the old UTC+11:30 time zone
Some older references and websites still list Norfolk Island's time zone as NFT (UTC+11:30). This has not been correct since 2015. Norfolk Island now follows Australian Eastern Time (AEST/AEDT), the same as Sydney.
Prefer calling over WiFi? See our guide to the best apps for WiFi calling.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the +672 country code?
The +672 country code is for Norfolk Island, a small Australian external territory in the South Pacific. Since 2016, Norfolk Island numbers can also be reached via Australia's +61 code with area code 6723.
Can I call Norfolk Island using Australia's +61 code?
Yes. Norfolk Island numbers are now part of the Australian numbering plan under area code 6723. Dial +61 6723 followed by the 5-digit local number. From within Australia, dial 0 6723 XXXXX. This is often cheaper than using +672.
How many people live on Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island has a population of about 2,000. Many are descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers who relocated from Pitcairn Island in 1856.
What time zone is Norfolk Island in?
Norfolk Island follows Australian Eastern Time (AEST/AEDT) since 2015. It is the same time as Sydney year-round, including daylight saving time adjustments. The old NFT (UTC+11:30) timezone is no longer used.
Why is calling Norfolk Island so expensive?
Norfolk Island is extremely remote with about 2,000 residents. The small market and limited telecom infrastructure mean international call routing costs are high. CallSky offers calls at $5.08/min on the Premium tier, with no Economy option available.
Calling Australia or New Zealand instead? Check our guides for Australia (+61) and New Zealand (+64), or browse all country codes.