Norfolk Island – a small island with a big history

Norfolk Island

– a small island with a big history

Norfolk Island is a unique and tiny South Pacific island. At around 5km by 8km, it’s a tiny dot in the Pacific which is rich in culture and history, making it the ideal place for a holiday.

Norfolk Island Regional Council, Tourism and Economic Development team leader, Rose Evans, says it started with the Polynesian settlement. After that the island housed two convict settlements. Once those were closed down, the island was granted to the Pitcairn Islanders. “Back in the day, there was a ship called the Bounty. There was a mutiny and the captain was thrown off the ship to a smaller boat. “The leader of the mutiny, Fletcher Christian, took control of the Bounty and they sailed off. They stopped by Tahiti and picked up 12 local women and six men. They took the Tahitians with them and eventually found Pitcairn Island.” The story continues that they set up camp on Pitcairn Island. They built a village, developed a language and had children with the Tahitian women. However, the island soon became overpopulated. Because Norfolk Island was a British ruled island from the convict days, Queen Victoria granted the people from Pitcairn Norfolk Island. So, they sailed off to Norfolk Island and have been there ever since. “Basically, the locals on Norfolk Island are the descendants of that mutiny on the Bounty,” says Rose. These days, the locals celebrate the arrival to Norfolk every year. In fact, Rose says they celebrated it just last week. “Not only is the history and culture rich but the island itself is amazingly picturesque,” says Rose. Because it’s a volcanic island, it’s actually pretty high. There are a few low areas where beautiful beaches can be found but it’s mostly rolling green mountains. “You kind of feel like you’re in the country sometimes because the cows roam freely and have right of way.” But the ocean backdrops remind you you’re on a remote island. “Also, because of the subtropical climate, everything here is green and lush.” Rose says there’s a few must dos on the island. “You have got to drive to the summit of Mount Pitt. From there, you can get a 360-degree view of the island and it feels like you’re at the top of the world.” She says the Captain Cook lookout is pretty awesome too. “Captain Cook landed on the eastern side of the island. Unfortunately, he pulled up where there are some sheer cliffs. They somehow scrambled up these cliffs to get onto the island.” Around that area are some pinnacle rocks that draw people from all around the world to compete in an outrigger event every year.

Explore The World Of Norfolk Island

Baunti Tours welcomes you to beautiful Norfolk Island. We are Norfolk’s premier Tour Company and Booking Agent. Emily Bay is a horseshoe shaped bay on Norfolk Island which is full of coral and quirky fish. It’s a great swimming spot too - with a permanently anchored pontoon in the middle that you can swim to and dive off. The snorkeling is pretty good too.

“They have to paddle right around the island and through this amazing rocky area.” Norfolk Island is also a natural paradise as it’s home to over forty endemic species of plant. They also have five species of bird that can only be found on the island. Visitors to Norfolk Island have a real variety of activities to choose from. From snorkeling in the coral filled bays to scenic boat cruises around the island to hiking in the mountainous terrain, there’s really something for everyone. If you’re into history and culture, you can become entrenched in the Tahitian influences. “There’s their dancing, cooking and weaving which you can become involved in on some of the tours,” Rose says. The locals, very proud of their history, are constantly celebrating their heritage. For example, Norfolk Island has their own flag and language which is still taught in school. And, even though Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia, their national anthem is “God Save The Queen”. This has continued, showing respect for their British connection. Rose says Norfolk Island really is a holiday destination, neatly summed up by their visitors’ survey. “The top three things that visitors enjoyed was the beauty of nature, the friendliness of the locals and the culture and history.” For more information like how to book flights and accommodation, go to www.norfolkisland.com.au.

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You can also contact the Norfolk Island Visitor Information Center via phone at 0800 667 365.

You can fly to Norfolk Island from Auckland, New Zealand and Brisbane and Sydney, Australia. Located north of New Zealand, Norfolk Island is roughly two and a half hours flight away.