Norfolk Island has a fascinating history of settlement. East Polynesians were the first to settle on the island around the 14th Century. However they had left by 1774 when Captain James Cook first sighted the island. Two years later the American Revolution began and Britain had to find new territories for the deportation of convicts.
Drawing on Cook’s discoveries, Australia and Norfolk Island were selected and the First Fleet was sent off to them in 1787. Convicts and free settlers lived on the island until it was abandoned in 1814.
The Second Penal Settlement established itself from 1825 – 1855 and Norfolk Island was once again transformed into a prison isle.
Meanwhile, events were unfolding eastward in the Pacific which would eventually link to this small isle. In 1788 HMAV Bounty left England on a mission to gather breadfruit trees from Tahiti for the West Indies planters.
A startling turn of events including love affairs with Tahitian women and a mutiny on the Bounty saw Fletcher Christian and his crew create a new life for themselves on Pictairn Island with Tahitian women and men. They burnt the Bounty and remained undetected until an American whaling ship discovered the hideaway in 1808.
In 1854 Queen Victoria gave approval for Pitcairn Islanders to move to Norfolk Island. In June 1856 a community of 194 arrived on Norfolk Island and the descendants of those settlers still inhabit this beautiful idyllic retreat today.
Some of the must do activities to enjoy while you’re on the island: Stroll along Cemetery Bay and in the local cemetery and be transported back in time amongst the remarkable gravestones. Visit the restaurant called Dino’s for a unique dining experience. Explore St Barnabas Chapel built in 1882 as the headquarters for South Pacific Missionaries. And make sure you take your walking shoes as there are a number of scenic tracks to wander along.
If you would like more information on holidays on Norfolk Island speak to a consultant who has travelled there personally. Call Omniche Holidays on 1800 111 653.
