History
European Discovery
Norfolk island is a small volcanic island 8x5kms lying in the Pacific Ocean about 1,600km of Sydney Australia. There are 2 small islands to the South, Nepean (a limestone islet approx 4 hectares in extent) and Philip, a volcanic island 2 kms long.
Captain Cook discovered Norfolk Island on 10 October 1774 on his second voyage around the world on the HMS Resolution. He described the island as "paradise" and named it Norfolk Isle, in honour of that Noble family. Part of Cook's diary " we found the island uninhabited and near a kin to New Zealand, the flax plant, many other plants and trees common to that country was found here but the chief produce of the isle is spruce pines which grow here in vast abundance and vast size, different sort to those in New Calendonia and also to those in New Zealand and for Masts, Yards &ca superior to both"
Polynesian Settlement
Over 1000 years ago, there is now some evidence that Norfolk was settled by Polynesian people, sailing the Pacific, and who lived on the island prior to Cook's discovery. Excavation work was carried out near to Emily Bay during 1995-1999 and materials such as tools were discovered.
Convict Era's
In 1786 Lord Sydney, Secretary of the Home Office advised that because of over crowding in the English gaols it had been decided to rid that country immediately of prisoners under sentence or order of transportation. On the 6 March 1788 Phillip Gidley King Superintendent and commandant arrived on Norfolk Island on the Supply to begin the first European settlement. There were 7 free men, 9 male and 6 female convicts with six month's provisions. The group set about clearing the land, building houses, sowing crops and husbanding livestock. When King finally departed Norfolk island in 1796 he reported a population of 887, of whom many were free and land holders.This settlement closed in 1814 and it was eleven years later when in 1825 Captain Richard Turton established what was to be Britain's harshest Penal Settlement. Floggings, hangings and torture was part of the every day life. In 1855 this settlement was disbanded and many of the convicts were shipped off to Van Diemen's Land.
Arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders
In 1788 HMAV Bounty arrived at Matavai Bay in Tahiti under the command of William Bligh, bound for the West Indies with a boat full of bread fruit for the slaves. On the 28th April 1789, Captain Bligh was awakened and bound by the sailors, thus began the saga of the Mutiny on the Bounty. 28 persons landed on Pitcairn in January 1790, nine Europeans, six Tahitian men, 12 Tahitian women and a baby girl. The mutineers were Edward Young, William McCoy, William Brown, Matthew Quintal, Alexander Smith (John Adams) John Williams and Isaac Martin. 3 other Engishmen settled on Pitcairn a few years later, John Buffett, John Evans and George Hunn Nobbs.
The Pitcairners were the descendants of the Bounty mutineers (and late settlers Buffett, Evans and Nobbs) who under the command of Fletcher Christian had settled Pitcairn Island in 1790. By the 1850's Pitcairn had out grown their tiny island and Queen Victoria agreed to relocate the islanders to Norfolk Island. 193 men, woman and children arrived to Norfolk on 8 June 1856. The settling of the Pitcairners on Norfolk Island marked a complete break from the island's convict past, establishing new patterns of life, including unique traditions and culture such as the local language, weaving and cooking.
Culture
Since arriving on Norfolk Island from Pitcairn Island on 8th June 1856, the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers have continued to cultivate their distinctive culture and language, and preserved the rich history of the Island.
Island dancing, music, singing, basket weaving, and arts and crafts remain very important elements of the Norfolk Island culture. Norfolk Islanders also have their own unique cuisine and visitors can sample many tasty local dishes such as Pilhai (baked kumera), Mudda (banana dumplings), and Hihi Pie (made with periwinkles). The Norf'k language is a unique mixture of 18th Century English and Polynesian. While English is the most commonly used language on the Island, visitors frequently hear the Islanders talk to one another in Norf'k.
For many years agriculture formed the basis of the Island's economy. The majority of the Islanders lived a subsistence lifestyle, growing their own food. In later years their incomes were supplemented by exporting produce and by whaling.
Bounty Day, or Anniversary Day as is it more formally called, on 8th June remains the most significant date on Norfolk Island calendar each year and is a public holiday where the people of Norfolk Island celebrate the arrival of their forebears. Bounty Day has not altered over generations and even today the food, friendship and style of clothing still portray the traditions of yesteryear. One of the features of the day is the re-enactment of the landing of the Pitcairn people on Norfolk Island, and the procession march through the historic ruins at Kingston.
The Island is home to 1800 permanent residents, of which 40% are descendants of the most famous naval mutiny in modern history. With many shared surnames of the mutineer descendants, the local telephone book identifies many by their nicknames such as Lettuce Leaf, Spuddy, Bubby, Diddles, Loppy to name just a few.
During the Second World War an airstrip was built on the Island proving a catalyst for change. With easier access to Norfolk, tourism developed to the point where it became the mainstay of the economy. Tourism remains Norfolk's main industry, although farming and fishing are still important aspects of Island life.
General Information
Accommodation
There are over 60 properties on the island ranging from hotels and luxury cottages to self contained units and budget apartments. All visitors arriving on the Island must have prebooked accommodation or be staying with friends or relatives to be able to enter Norfolk Island through immigration.
Churches
These include Church of England, Uniting, Community Church, Jehovah's Witness, Bahai, Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist. Call into the Visitors Information Centre for service times.
Climate
Subtropical. Average rainfall 1328mm per year. Lovely summer days from 24 degrees but not exceeding 28.4 degrees, nights 19-21 degrees. Idylic days mid-winter, with temperatures ranging from 12 at night to 19-21 degrees during the day.
Clothing
Comfortable and casual day and night. It's wise to pack a sweater and light nylon jacket, strong shoes for walking and a torch for night outings. Remember a hat and sunscreen.
Communications
International Direct Dialing telephones, and facsimile services are available. Public IDD coin operated booths open 24 hours. Local calls free. Only Norfolk Island phone cards are accepted. Mobile phone service is available on Norfolk Island by purchasing a local sim card (this will not work if your mobile phone is 'locked' into a plan)Global roaming is due at the end of 2008. There are 2 internet cafes in Taylors Road. Radio Norfolk broadcasts daily FM89.9 and AM1566. There are 2 weekly local newspapers.
Currency
The unit of exchange is the Australian dollar. The Commonwealth Bank and Westpac have branches at Burnt Pine. The Commonwealth Bank has an ATM. Travellers cheques and most credit cards are widely accepted.
Customs
Imports of fruit, vegetables, flowers and seeds are prohibited. Pork and poultry from New Zealand are also prohibited. As of 1 August 2008 the duty-free allowance for passengers over 18 years of age is 2.25 litres of alcohol and 250 grams of tobacco products. As from 31 March 2007 all flights to Norfolk Island are affected by the new global airport security rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels onto international flights. The changes affect everything you can take on board, the quantity and how it must be packaged.
Departure Fee
All departing travellers must pay a $30 Departure Fee, payable at the airport on day of departure . Exemptions apply to those under 16 years and passengers in transit for less than 24 hours. To pay your departure fee you need to present your airline ticket or boarding pass and a completed departure card.
Driving
The general speed limit is 50km/hour, reduced to 40km/hour in the shopping centre. All livestock roaming the roads have the right of way. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and locals wave to all passing vehicles. This is called the "Norfolk wave" Visitors are encouraged to do the same.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50 cycles, three pin plug. As electricity is made locally by diesel generators, a power surge protection device is advised for electronic equipment, particularly computers.Back to Top
Entry/Passport Requirements
All visitors require a passport or Australian document of Identity that is valid for a period longer than their period of intended stay on NI, on onward/return airline ticket and proof of suitable accommodation on the island. Australian citizens can obtain a document of Identity from Australia Post, free of charge. Passports not issued by Australia or New Zealand must be valid for a period of at least 1 month beyond the intended stay in NI. All visitors require an Australian visa except for persons travelling on a current Australian or New Zealand passport or a persons holding a passport endorsed with a Permanent Resident of NI visa label. The required Australian visa must be valid for a period of 30 days beyond the period of intended stay on NI. If arrival to NI is via Australia, that visa must be a multiple entry visa.
Geographical Location
Norfolk Island is 1610kms ENE of Sydney, 1456kms ESE of Brisbane, 1063kms NNW of Auckland and 772kms SE of Noumea. Norfolk Island is a volcanic outcrop 8km long and 5km wide. Two smaller uninhabited islands, Nepean and Phillip, lie to the south at a distance of 1km and 6km respectively. Norfolk Island is 3855ha.
Language
The language spoken on Norfolk Island is English, but you'll hear the Islanders speaking Norfolk, a unique language derived from the speech of the Bounty Mutineers and their Tahitian wives and companions who settled Pitcairn Island in 1790.
Liquor
Generally cheaper than mainland prices. Spirits are 20-50% cheaper. The Government operated Liquor Bond Store supplies all liquor. A special concession for visitors entitles airline ticket holders to a once-only 30% discount off marked prices for a maximum of three litres of spirits.The Liquor Bond does not open on Sundays. Norfolk Island boasts its own distillery, manufacturing world class liqueurs and spirits. The distillery forms part of the local Soft Drink factory located on Cascade Road.
Medical
The Norfolk Island hospital provides a dental clinic, pharmacy and 24 hour emergency service. Private travel insurance is highly recommended, as Australian Medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island.
National Park
Norfolk Island National Park welcomes visitors to explore its stunning scenery and rich diversity of bird life. From bushwalks to barbecues, there is something for everyone. Experience natural Norfolk Island on the walking tracks in the national park. 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. Take in the incredible island views from Mt Pitt and Mt Bates, the two highest points on the island. Visit the Captain Cook monument and lookout platform for spectacular coastline views and make use of the picnic facilities and barbecues provided.
Norfolk Island Botanic Gardens
The botanic garden is a great place to explore and learn about Norfolk Island's plants and animals. Wander through the cultivated gardens to see a display of Norfolk Island's unique plants, and then take a stroll along some of the beautiful walking trails to see the plants in their natural environment and maybe even see some of Norfolk's amazing birdlife.A large aviary houses some of Norfolk Island's endangered green parrots - a species found no where else in the world. There is also an interpretive centre where visitors can find out more about the unique and fascinating plants and animals of Norfolk Island.
Predominant among its trees is the stately Norfolk Island Pine which can reach a height of 57m.
PopulationNorfolk has approximately 2,000 citizens with roughly equal numbers of Pitcairn descendants, Australians and New Zealanders.
Services
The Visitors Information Centre can provide a list of baby sitters and child care centres. Most accommodation places offer full laundry services and there is also a laundry service in town on Taylors Road. A faxing service is available at the Post Office. The local gym and fitness centre offers special rates to visitors. Petrol service stations are open daily until 6pm.
Shopping
Usual shopping hours are 9 am - 5 pm. Some shops are closed all day Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Supermarkets opens 7 days: Foodland Supermarket closes at 6pm, Marks Bakery closes at 8pm and Paw Paws mini mart closes at 9pm. The island markets are held every Sunday morning and offers local souvenirs, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. The Post Office and Philatelic Bureau opens Monday to Friday; NI has its own postage stamps and phone cards.
Time Difference
One and a half hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time, in summertime half an hour ahead of Sydney and one and a half hours behind New Zealand. Norfolk Island does not have daylight saving.
Transport
There is no public transport but a taxi service is available. A rental car is the most practical way to get around the island. Car hire is from approx. $30 per day, with a daily insurance cost payable direct to the car company. Some accommodation properties include a hire car (insurance and petrol extra cost) Mountain bikes can also be hired.
Travel Insurance
Australian Medicare does not extend to Norfolk Island. It is therefore highly recommended that ALL passengers travelling to Norfolk Island from both Australia and New Zealand obtain adequate travel insurance.
Weddings
You can hold your wedding or renew your vows on Norfolk Island and enjoy your honeymoon all in one! Choose from stunning outdoor scenic locations or from one of the many Churches including the beautiful historic chapel. The usual wedding services such as florist, hair and make up, cars etc are available on the island. Some accommodation properties offer wedding packages.
