The bubble-free Pacific Island open to Aussies
Pining for a TROPICAL getaway? With white SANDY BEACHES and a unique history and CULTURE all of its own, NORFOLK ISLAND beckons.
FROM THE MOMENT you’re welcomed to Norfolk Island with a cheery “watawieh!” it’s clear that you’ve landed somewhere that will intrigue and enchant.
That warm greeting is delivered in Norf ’k, a lilting hybrid of Old English and Tahitian. Developed by the Bounty mutineers, it’s still spoken by their descendants today.
Norfolk Island, which sits about 1500 kilometres off the east coast of Australia, is the only South Pacific island Australians can freely visit right now, courtesy of its status as an Australian external territory.
It has all the elements of a sub-tropical ‘overseas’ island holiday, including white sandy beaches, coral reefs, towering pine trees and a distinctive culture.
Polynesians were the first to live on this remote speck in the ocean, and after Captain James Cook claimed it in 1774, British convicts and soldiers landed between 1788 and 1855. Many reminders of the island’s rich history remain.
Descendants of the Bounty mutineers, their Tahitian wives and children came to Norfolk from Pitcairn Island in 1856. Their descendants now make up about one third of the island’s population of about 1800.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area encompasses many convict-built structures and ruins. Take a tour to learn more about the history of this unique island.
Make the most of the great outdoors with diving, snorkelling or glass bottom boat tours of the island’s extensive coral reefs. On land there’s also kayaking, bushwalking, mountain biking, surfing and 4WD tours.
Start a night out at the for SUNSET BAR cocktails and platters as you watch the sun go down, then choose from one of Norfolk’s excellent restaurants which feature fresh produce – paddock-to-plate is a common factor. Visitors can also sign up for a traditional ‘fish fry’ to sample Tahitian-influenced dishes.
Hiring a car is the best way to get around. Don’t forget to adopt the ‘Norfolk wave’ – just lift your index finger from the wheel to acknowledge other drivers.
Duty-free and GST-free shopping is a bonus on Norfolk, where you’ll find 50 or so stores selling everything from trendy homewares, cosmetics and imported shoes to handcrafted jewellery and local art.
The island has a range of accommodation options, including GOVERNOR’S LODGE, with 55 individual one-bedroom lodges, and
where self-contained WHISPERING PINES, two-bedroom timber cottages overlook a rolling green valley.
Norfolk Islanders will tell you this is “da bass side orn Earth” (the best place on Earth) and they’re confident you’ll agree.
Getting there: Qantas flies direct to Norfolk Island from Sydney and Brisbane. Average flight time 2.5 hours. All passengers travelling to Norfolk Island must apply for a Norfolk Island Entry Pass.