Discover Norfolk Island: The Paradise Between Australia and New Zealand
Norfolk Island lies in the Pacific Ocean over 1,500 kilometers east of Sydney and is located between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia; its 34 square kilometers of surface make it one of the few territories outside mainland Australia.
Historical Background
Norfolk, understood as a nation, comprises three islands—two of which are uninhabited—sighted for the first time by a European (the famous navigator James Cook) in 1774 and occupied by a group of British soldiers. Before this event, Norfolk had probably already been inhabited by Polynesian traders around the 14th century, who, however, did not settle there for a long time; in fact, it seems that their stay lasted only for a few generations. The remains of a village from that time are still visible in Emily Bay, in an enchanting location on an idyllic beach.
The great natural wealth of the islands is also given by the lush native vegetation, in particular the Norfolk Island pine, so symbolic that it is also represented in official iconography, such as the national flag. Already in the 18th century, a prison had been built on the then virgin territory, and that was the main function of the colony for a long time. Currently, about a third of the current inhabitants are descendants of the famous Bounty rebels, who, after the legendary mutiny, found refuge first in the Pitcairn Islands and then in Norfolk itself. In the 20th century, the small Australian possession came to prominence as an important tourist destination, and the income from this activity represents the main economic resource of the country. The approximately 1,800 permanent inhabitants of Norfolk Island enjoy a fantastic subtropical climate all year round, in which the average temperatures in summer are around 25°C, while in winter they rarely fall below 17°C during the day. Equipped with a monsoon regime, the dry season is between the months of November and January, while the wet (or rainy) season is concentrated between May and August.
Main Towns
The capital of the country is Kingston, a town founded by the first settlers and which has remained the main town on the island ever since—the historical and administrative heart of the nation built on the only flat space available in the territory, right at sea level. Burnt Pine, on the other hand, is the main commercial center of Norfolk.
Places of Interest
Among the most interesting places in the capital is undoubtedly Flagstaff Hill, which rises behind the village and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the beach, the boats, the old penal colony, Slaughter Bay, and Emily Bay. From the Queen Elizabeth Lookout, you can also see the old military barracks and the current police station as well as, in the distance, Philip Island.
The ruins of the Governor’s House and the Civil Hospital can still be visited today, but what most attracts the attention of tourists is undoubtedly the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area (known by the acronym KAVHA), recently included (in 2007) in the list of World Heritage sites under the aegis of Australia. This is one of the best-preserved historical sites in the entire Pacific. Here, events and peoples have followed one another, from the first Polynesian settlements to the mutineers of the Bounty with their Tahitian wives, passing through the prisoners of the late eighteenth-century prisons.
Nature and Leisure
Nature lovers should not miss the Botanical Garden or an excursion on the trails of Mount Pitt and Mount Bates, which, however, are not the only possibilities for trekking on the island. For those who go to Norfolk with the aim of enjoying a bit of sea and relaxation, it should be noted that the aforementioned Emily Bay is by far the quietest and safest place to swim in the country, thanks to the natural protection offered by the coral reef; this is also one of the main places of social activity on the island, always very busy.
The island—almost goes without saying—presents itself as a tropical paradise from many points of view. There is no pollution or crime (the inhabitants usually leave their houses and cars unlocked, even with the keys in the ignition), there are no traffic lights or queues to access services. The Pacific Ocean expands all around with its enchanting colors, and even the night sky, thanks to the very limited public lighting, offers a unique show every night. One of the most striking activities you can imagine is a game of golf in a breathtaking setting, an activity that is also very popular since a hole of the local course was voted the best in the entire Pacific.
Travel Information
To be able to enter the country, you must have a valid passport and a return or onward flight ticket to another destination. A receipt for a local hotel reservation and an Australian visa valid for at least thirty days beyond the period of your visit are also required. Those reaching Norfolk Island via Australia are reminded that this visa must be of the “multiple entry” type. There are air connections between the island, New Zealand, and Australia itself, but for those who wish, there are also connections by sea, although not frequently. Once there, as there is no public transport network, it is common for tourists to rent a car or take a taxi to reach their desired destinations, but many also rent a bike or scooter to move around freely.
