Our Norfolk Island

A short flight from Australia’s east coast or from New Zealand’s north lays beautiful Norfolk Island, a magical isle bathed in sunshine and steeped in history. The historic former penal colony was home to two of Australia’s most brutal convict settlements. Today’s visitors to the tranquil isle are more likely to be carrying golf clubs than iron shackles but the island’s sinister past enthrals visitors who come to discover the rich heritage, peaceful lifestyle and duty free shopping!

Bathed in sunshine, the island is blessed with a mild climate that has neither extreme heat nor cold, so makes a great year round destination. Many unique species of flora and bird life thriving in isolation can still be seen in the National Park and Reserves which make up one third of the island. The pristine coastline has abundant sea life and the island’s reefs are great for snorkelling, diving, swimming, surfing and fishing.

All the ingredients of a great holiday are right there on your doorstep only a few hours away. Whatever your interests Norfolk Island is a great place to relax and discover Australia’s convict past.

History

Norfolk Island is a semi autonomous territory of Australia and dominated both by its history and the ubiquitous Norfolk pine trees. Captain Cook discovered the uninhabited island in 1774 and the first penal settlement was established only two months after Sydney’s in March 1788. So extreme were conditions that in 1814 the convicts were transferred to Tasmania and the island abandoned. Norfolk Island was again selected as “a place of the extremist punishment, short of death” in 1825 but again abandoned in 1855. The third and permanent wave of settlers were the colourful descendents of mutineers from Capt Bligh’s HMS Bounty, stepping ashore in 1856. Their language, a mixture of 18th Century English and Tahitian can still be heard.

Islanders take great pride in their history and there are numerous tourist activities which will bring the past to life from convict re-enactments to guided tours. The convict era buildings and relics have been lovely maintained and if you listen carefully you might very well here the ghostly clink of chains from convicts past.

Perhaps the island’s most famous living legend is Colleen McCullough, the internationally acclaimed author of the landmark Australian novel ‘The Thorn Birds’.

A third of Norfolk Island has been reserved for the environment and scenic walkways through the island’s rainforest are a must. 178 species of plants grow on the island, 40 unique to Norfolk Island! Some of the pine trees reach 48 metres and an abundance of birdlife will enthral. Tracks can be enjoyed by foot or mountain bike.

Norfolk Island boasts more than 35 restaurants and eateries, several museums, golf course and sporting activities, numerous guided tours, a vibrant social calendar, tax and GST-free shopping and a wide selection of accommodation to suit any budget. Norfolk Island is a great and safe place to enjoy the charms of a less hurried era and the unspoilt beauty and purity of the South Pacific.

Murders

Norfolk Island made headline news in 2002 when it experienced its first murder since 1893. 28 year old New Zealand born chef, Glen McNeill was found guilty of murdering Janelle Patton a 29 year old Sydney born local. He confessed to hitting her with his car, but could not explain the victims 64 stab wounds. Worthy of a Miss Marble special, the murderer escaped the death penalty when Norfolk Island repealed it in 2006. Hot on the heals of this drama followed the sensational murder of the island territory's Deputy Chief Minister, Ivens Buffett by his deranged son who believed his father was an agent of the Devil. Mr Buffett's death made history in being the first political 'assasination' of a serving official.

Economic Decline

Norfolk Island is a semi-independent territory of Australia and receives limited financial help from Canberra. As the Australian Dollar has increased above parity with the US Dollar, it has become cheaper for Australians to travel overseas for an exciting and cheap holiday. As a result, Norfolk Island's biggest industry, tourism, has suffered enormously. The island economy has few other assets so in recent years the island's government has seriously debated relinquishing their autonomy and integrating into Australia. Islanders are not keen on the idea but see little alternative. However they aren't rushing into anything and the debate has been going on over the kitchen tables since 2008.

Things you should know

 

• The Australian Dollar is used in Norfolk Island
• Australian Medicare does not cover Norfolk Island, so if you think you might be needing medical treatment consider Travel Insurance
• Norfolk Island is super safe and clean so no need for health precautions and instead of boiling the water you might be wanting to bottle it!
• Norfolk Island uses the same electrical plugs as Australia and New Zealand
• Driving is on the left hand side of road but cattle have right of way!
• English is the official language but the curious Norfuk language can be heard, a mixture of old English and Tahitian dating from the mutiny on the Bounty
• Norfolk Island has a departure tax of AUD$30 which is collected at the airport
• Norfolk Island has no income tax so if you’re looking for a tax haven inside Australia, you’ve found it!

 

More Information

For further tips contact Norfolk Island Tourism