By Rama Gaind.
Norfolk Island is a pristine, petite island of 3,455 hectares sitting splendidly in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Australian mainland and 1,063 kilometres from Auckland
It’s time to ‘holiday overseas without leaving home’ – and go to Norfolk Island – which has opened its borders and is welcoming visitors. That’s the message from Norfolk Island Tourism.
The relaunch program showcases Norfolk Island as a safe, secure, virus prepared domestic destination offering a diversity of adventure and relaxation, nature and outdoors, food and wine, historical, cultural and community experiences and a range of accommodation tailored for all age groups and budgets.
An untouched and unspoiled island, Norfolk is rich in experiences, a destination where there’s more to do and see than people realise. Ideal for families and couples wanting to go on long weekend escapes, direct flights can get you there in just over two hours from Sydney and Brisbane. I have some fond memories of my Norfolk visits.
It’s a pristine, petite island of 3,455 hectares sitting splendidly in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Australian mainland and 1063 kilometres from Auckland. You’ll be amicably surprised by its amiability, warmth, openness and an appealing eccentricity.
Norfolk Island was where the “worst of the worst” convicts were sent, for this was an infamous prison in the British Empire in the 1800s. Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1774, the British used it as a penal colony, twice.
Take the time to unwind at Emily Bay situated in World Heritage Listed Kingston.
The island is inhabited by descendants of the original mutineers from Captain Bligh’s ill-fated voyage on the Bounty. The original township of Kingston, which is in the world heritage-listed Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic area, still stands guard on Slaughter Bay, and comprises a golf course and a cemetery where the headstone inscriptions impart unsettling stories.
Scenic views
There’s a wealth of balance in the 360-degree world on Norfolk Island. You’ll feel privileged as you stand at the summit of Mount Pitt and catch spectacular panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding ocean.
In the heart of the Norfolk National Park, this 318-metre-high peak is the highest point (together with Mount Bates). Savour the moment … as there aren’t many places in the world where you can observe the whole country from the one point.
Scenic views also abound from the top of Captain Cook’s lookout and marvel at Cyclorama, the 360-degree giant panoramic painting that follows the story of the Bounty and its crew.
Norfolk is eight kilometres by five kilometres with 170 kilometres of roads, no public transport and a surprising number of things to do for such a small place.
Norfolk Island is famous as the home of the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. It is also renowned for its remarkably preserved convict era buildings and ruins.
Relax at Emily Bay situated in World Heritage Listed Kingston. Go for a swim, walk along the beach or just sit on the beautiful white sand and admire the scenery.
Visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens that covers over five hectares on National Park grounds, and boasts a unique collection of endemic plants. Explore the park with its stunning scenery and rich diversity of bird and plant life. Walking tracks wind through lush palm forests, stands of Norfolk Island pine and along the coastal fringe. You can even walk beneath the tallest tree ferns on earth.
Explore the amazing convict ruins in World Heritage Listed Kingston. The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area is one of 11 historic sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2010.
High points
Walk to the highest point on Norfolk Island, Mount Bates. The best way to access Mount Bates is to drive to Mount Pitt, the second highest point on the island. Get up close with the amazing array of fish and coral, snorkelling at Slaughter Bay.
An untouched and unspoiled island, Norfolk is rich in experiences, a destination where there’s more to do and see than people realise.
Stroll through the Hundred Acres Reserve and enjoy a picnic, but before you leave you should experience a beautiful Norfolk sunset. The best vantage point is said to be on the west side of where Puppy’s Point has comfortable picnic tables with uninterrupted views.
A stroll through the Sunday Markets could b a rewarding experience. A must is watching a cargo ship unloading. Norfolk Island doesn’t have a harbour, so the cargo is bought ashore by traditional long boats towed by motorised launches. The island has two piers, both situated at very picturesque locations.
Driving is stress-free, with hardly any traffic, and you must not forget to practise your ‘Norfolk wave’ by acknowledging the passing driver with the gentle lift of the hand or one finger.
Watawieh from beautiful Norfolk Island; one of the most common words in Norf’k – along with whataway you. ‘How are you’ is one of the first phrases visitors learn.
Don’t forget to take your passport when you visit this self-governing, external territory of Australia. It’s a tax haven where tourism is the only source of income.
You’ll be bowled over by Norfolk’s sheer evergreen, sprawling magnificence!
DETAILS BOX
Norfolk Island
Telephone: Norfolk Island Visitor Information Centre, free call from Australia
1800 214 603.
By air: Air New Zealand will continue to operate one return domestic flight per week to Norfolk Island from Sydney on Mondays and Brisbane on Saturdays.
Customs and entry requirements: even though travellers from Australia depart from the international terminal, it is considered a domestic holiday. Passports are not required, but are the preferred means of documentation. Photo ID such as a driver’s license is sufficient.
Visitors must now complete and obtain an online Entry Pass 24 to 72 hours prior to flight departure via this link. Norfolk Island Entry Pass Application
