Territory of Norfolk Island comprising Norfolk, Nepean and Phillip Islands, was formed from several volcanic eruptions between 2.3 to 3 million years ago.
Where is it
External territory, located about 1,412 km (877 miles) east of Australian mainland, Pacific Ocean … between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Pine trees … jagged cliff coastline … 36 sq. kms (13.4 sq. miles) size … 1,748 population … locals speaking English and ‘Norfuk’ – creole language blend of English and Tahitian.
What to expect
Marine subtropical, mild climate between 6° C (43° F) to 30° C (86° F); 1100mm (43 inches) rain usually around April to August. Together with rain comes unpredictable, inclement weather. Hence, it is no surprise on pending arrival, captain announced that he would make 2 attempts to land … otherwise plane would divert to either Auckland (New Zealand) or Noumea (New Caledonia) … Uhmmm.
Best bring your passports when you visit Norfolk Island.
Don’t forget raincoats or umbrellas … you will most probably need it.
Sandy beaches of Emily Bay – protected by small coral reef – only safe recreational area for swimming.
There are no safe harbour facilities except loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade Bay.
Things to see
Endless rugged coastline surrounding island … grazing cattle, sheep and assorted poultry in small farms … eco-friendly agriculture. Other essentials are shipped in and off-loaded via whale boats towed by launches, five tonnes at a time, at Cascade Bay. Interesting sight if you are lucky enough to meet ships during your stay.
By the way, livestock has right of way in Norfolk … best give way to them along the roads …
Do you know that world’s largest population of tiger sharks are found around Norfolk Island ? Always good to know …
Humpback, Minke, sei whales, dolphins are also frequent visitors along its shores.
Things to do
Murder Mystery Dinner at old government building, on No.10 Quality Row is a must !
Dress up as characters of old Norfolk Administrator or Commandant; treated to traditional dinner, recite script to determine ‘who dunnit’; and ultimately spot the murderer. Definitely not to be missed !
Most enjoyable evening – such memories to bring back to modern times !
Visit Botanical Gardens and Norfolk Island National Park, home to over 174 native plants, 51 are endemic (indigenous to area); with about 40 endemic snail species. Native Norfolk Island palm (Rhopalostylis baueri) and smooth tree-fern (Cyathea brownii) – world’s tallest tree-fern are scattered everywhere. Norfolk pine, unique to the island; stand majestically all over island, remnants of subtropical rainforests.
Haven for breeding seabirds including white-necked petrel, Australasian gannet, white terns; identified as ‘Important Bird Area’ by BirdLife International. Unfortunately, many endemic bird species and subspecies have become extinct.
Check out Cyclorama, multi-award winning 360° mural illustrating journey of HMS Bounty from England to Tahiti, Pitcairn and Norfolk Islands …
Gorgeous Polynesian-influenced 19th century St Barnabis Chapel, amazing ceiling timber work, leadlight windows above alter …
East Polynesian early settlers in 13th or 14th century; departed due to relative isolation, poor horticultural environment. Today, descendants of Bounty mutineers, relocated from Pitcairn Islands, settlers from whaling and farming industries forming unique community in this beautiful island.
Check out Kingston Convict Tour …
Two periods of penal settlement marks Norfolk Island’s history – first in 1788 to 1814, second between 1824 to 1856.
Hard, difficult conditions for convicts … remnants of buildings dotted foreshore of historical government buildings – together with historical graves in cemetery. Sad reminder of minor offenses being treated so harshly in 18th and 19th centuries.
The Celebrities
Norfolk Island is also home to several world-renowned celebrities –
Visit Collen McCullough, writer, whose works include ‘The Thorn Birds’ (mini-series staring Richard Chamberlain, Rachael Ward), movies ‘Tim’ (starring Mel Gibson, Piper Laurie), and ‘An Indecent Obsession’ (starring Gary Sweet). Magnum opus – seven novels on life and times of Julius Caesar, ‘Masters of Rome’ series, and ‘Morgan’s Run’ lived in Norfolk, her grave, now facing wild shores of island.
Actress/singer Helen Reddy also moved to Norfolk in 2002 and maintained a house there.
Ruth Park, notable author of ‘The Harp in the South’ and other fictional works, lived on Norfolk for several years.
American novelist James A. Mitchener, referenced a chapter of his episodic novel ‘Tales of the South Pacific’ on Norfolk Island.
Tiny island, huge personality – only couple of hours from Brisbane (weather permitting to land) … great place to unwind, relax and enjoy quiet village lifestyle in eco-friendly environment.
Or just appreciate wild beauty of rugged coastline, wild waves, dark skies, quirky personalities, Polynesian-influenced cuisines … just amazing !
