Norfolk Island, a captivating destination in the South Pacific, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural experiences for anyone seeking a memorable escape. From the island’s convict history to its tranquil beaches and endemic flora, a Norfolk Island holiday provides a chance to explore the island’s many hidden gems. Here are some highlights that make your holiday packages to Norfolk island mesmerizing.
Descendants of the Bounty Mutineers
Norfolk Island is home to the descendants of the Polynesian women and Bounty mutineers that initially established themselves in Pitcairn. Mat Christian-Bailey, the current owner of the Norfolk Island Travel Centre, is a seventh-generation descendant of Fletcher Christian, the leader of the mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty.
Colonial History
Norfolk Island was once the site of two significant penal settlements. The first settlement housed many of the convicts who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788. In 1825, the island became notorious for its harsh conditions, with convicts enduring severe punishment in one of the most brutal penal settlements in Australia’s history.
Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island Pine, first officially recorded by Captain James Cook in 1774, is an iconic symbol of the island. Cook believed in the tree’s potential for use as masts and yards for sailing ships, despite soon discovering that their wood was unsuitable for this use. Today, the Norfolk Pine is found worldwide, particularly in coastal areas, due to its ability to thrive in sandy soil and its high tolerance for salt and wind.
Norfolk Cows
The free-range cows of Norfolk Island have become an integral part of its culture. They are often seen grazing by the side of the road with their young calves. The cows are an iconic sight, reflecting the island’s rural charm and creating a peaceful environment as they roam freely across the landscape.
Colleen McCullough
In 1979, author Colleen McCullough moved to Norfolk and resided there until her passing in 2015. Her connection to the island is celebrated with exclusive guided tours through her uniquely Norfolk property, where she found both inspiration and solace.
Emily Bay
Emily Bay is a pristine beach that perfectly encapsulates the essence of a Norfolk Island holiday. Its calm waters and sandy shores make it a great place for families to have a safe and scenic summer getaway.
Unique Phone Book
The Norfolk Island phone book features a distinctive “Faasfain” (fast find) section, where residents are more likely to be listed by their nicknames than their longer, formal birth names. This unique aspect of island life is updated every three years and reflects the close-knit nature of the community.
Thanksgiving
Norfolk Island celebrates Thanksgiving Day — as one of the only places that acknowledge it outside of the United States. This tradition dates back to the American whaling ships that frequented the island in the late 1800s. The day is marked with a church service followed by a family meal that includes traditional Norfolk Island dishes, known as “Norf’k wetls.”
Fishing
Norfolk Island is renowned for its game fishing, a popular local pastime known as “catching.” The island is surrounded by a 50-square-kilometer marine park where commercial fishing is prohibited, creating a perfect, uncompetitive environment for recreational fishing enthusiasts.
Norfolk Island Golf Course
The Norfolk Island Golf Course, located within the historic Kingston World Heritage site, is listed among the 60 best 9-hole courses in Australia by Golf Australia. With its stunning location overlooking the South Pacific Ocean, the course is a popular destination for golfers and an attractive social hub for visitors.
The Infamous Norfolk Island Experience
Norfolk Island offers a truly unique and enriching experience for those seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural charm. With its serene atmosphere and array of activities, Norfolk Island holidays provide the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the ordinary and discover a hidden paradise in the South Pacific.
Norfolk Island accommodation caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets, from cosy cottages and boutique guesthouses to luxury resorts and self-contained apartments, ensuring every visitor can find the perfect place to relax and enjoy their stay.
