Yeah, the title is a little wanky but it's really quite the truth. Norfolk Island straddles the 29th parallel south, meaning it's right on the border of the Tasman and Coral Seas. And although the island is part of the Commonwealth of Australia, it's largely self-goverened and also considered somewhat of a tax haven.

This, along with moderately pricey airfares and accomodation, may be some of the reasons for Norfolk Island's popularity with older tourists on package holidays rather than travelling surfers. But make no mistake - the waves on Norfolk Island are very good. There's a handful of quality reefs and points that fire up under typical winter frontal patterns through the lower Tasman Sea, with most sessions lucky to see more than a handful of people in the water.

Local photographer Matt Fieldes - now living in Perth - recently returned to his island home and put together this tidy gallery for your viewing pleasure. You can see more of Matt's work here. //BEN MATSON