There’s More to Norfolk Island

By Unique Tourism

Explore the amazing Norfolk Island

A holiday destination which offers excitement, fun, relaxation, adventure, indulgence and surprise for everyone to experience and enjoy on a Short Stay break – There’s More to Norfolk Island.

This popular short-haul travel destination for Australians is the place where a rich history, fascinating culture and a warm, friendly community are very much in evidence in this relaxed and safe environment.

Voted in 2014 by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 10 South Pacific Islands and less than 3 hours flying time from Sydney or Brisbane, a short-break or extended holiday beckon on Norfolk Island.

Australians continue to take advantage of accommodation and airline specials as well as all of the benefits available through the duty-free options, plus enhancements and additions to the variety of accommodation, dining and activity offerings.

They flock to the island each year to visit the numerous historical sites and enjoy the array of family, romantic and special interest experiences, as well as participate in annual events including Bounty Day at Kingston, First Fleet Celebrations, Taste Norfolk Island Food Festival and Jazz in the Pines.

Captain James Cook was the first to officially discover and record Norfolk Island, describing it as ‘paradise’. From 1788 to 1854, this paradise became Australia’s harshest penal colony and home to hapless convicts. Today, it is home to the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers, whose barefoot manners, warmth and hospitality have been woven into the island’s unique and timeless rhythm – a special charm that draws visitors back time and time again. The islanders speak Norf’k, a mix of Tahitian and 18th century English which has been officially recognised for its distinctiveness by the United Nations.

Stunning swimming beaches and majestic coastlines contrast lush rainforests and bushland set against the backdrop of dramatic history and unique culture.

Norfolk Island offers beautifully-appointed hotels, cottages and self-catering villas for guests situated in stunning surrounds and presenting breathtaking island and ocean views. In 2014, The Tin Sheds, located close to the Burnt Pine Shopping district, received the accolade of Best Luxury Serviced Apartments for Australasia & Oceania at the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

There is so much for everyone to do and see including a visit to Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama mural depicting the story of the Mutiny on the Bounty and the World of Norfolk Exhibit, mini golf and giant chess, golf at a seaside course, bushwalking, glass bottom boat tours and ocean trips to Phillip Island, horse riding, snorkelling, surfing, fishing, fun at the Baunti Kids Club, arts and crafts and produce markets and an encounter with an amazing past at the cemetery by the sea.

For the active, one can take an ocean trip to Phillip Island – a National Park sea bird sanctuary – or a kayaking tour of the rugged coastline, head out on a deep sea fishing trip or wander along the many coastal bushwalks. There is horse-riding, bike riding, snorkelling and swimming in coral filled lagoons and golf on the World Heritage seaside course.

There are more than 35 restaurants and eateries on the island. Most use locally grown fruit, vegetables and fish. When these are used – they are fresh and in season. In 2008, two locals founded ‘Sustainable Norfolk’, an organisation committed to creating a 100% sustainable environment. Under this initiative and supported by the Norfolk Island Government, farmers were trained in sustainable agricultural techniques by world leader in agricultural sustainability, Graeme Sait of Nutritech Solutions. This means many local farmers have embraced nutrient-dense, chemical free growing as a result. The ‘paddock to plate’ approach to Norfolk Island dining means food tastes just as it should, full of flavour, grown in its natural season and rich with all the right nutrients. There is a winery on the island which welcomes visitors for informative wine tastings and guests can also do tastings of the finest locally produced cheeses.

Traditional dishes are influenced by the local mix of British and Tahitian cultures. This includes Pilhai (baked kumera), mudda (banana dumplings) and hihipie (made with periwinkles).The abundance of fish in the commercially untouched waters makes for an ideal fishing experience. Fish is a regular on menus and the focus of cliff-top fish fries. It offers a banquet of traditional meals with the fried fish as the focal culinary piece. The event is hosted atop a cliff where visitors can enjoy the dramatic and breath taking sunsets as they enjoy the freshest food. Norfolk Blue is a unique heritage herd, produced on a 100 acre farm which has evolved on the island over many years. Norfolk Blue Restaurant is the only place in the world where you can enjoy this beef. Great for a fix of island culture and food are the progressive dinners where visitors meet islanders in their lovely homes for a fantastic home cooked meal. One can try a different course at a different home, and get a real insight into life on Norfolk Island.

In August 2010, Norfolk Island’s history became universally renowned through the World Heritage listing of Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. Norfolk Island joined 850 of the world’s most special places given this prestigious international recognition. Today Norfolk Island’s many museums include treasures from every period in our islands settlement, as well as HMS Bounty, HMS Sirius and Pitcairn Island. The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) Public Research Centre (Salans Riiserch Sentain Norf’k language) at No 9 Quality Row opened in 2011. Its focus is on historical records about the heritage buildings in Kingston, the decades of conservation work since 1962, and personal histories and genealogies of the several thousand convicts sent to Norfolk Island.

To get the best out of your Norfolk experience book through Oxley Travel, who specialise exclusively in creating Norfolk Island getaways. 

www.norfolkisland.com.au

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