Formed from lava around 3,000,000 years ago, and discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, Norfolk Island has many stories and a fascinating history. Located around two and a half hours to the east of Sydney and Brisbane, this small 8km by 5km island has more than its fair share of intrigue, beauty and culture.

If the phrase, “Mutiny on the Bounty” means anything to you, you’ll be interested to know that many of the settlers on Norfolk Island are actually descendants of the famous mutineers, who cut Captain William Bligh adrift on April 28, 1789. This famous mutiny on the H.M.S. Bounty was led by Fletcher Christian in response to Bligh’s tyrannical approach to his crew. Christian and nine of his shipmates later settled on Pitcairn Island. In 1856, 194 men, women and children from Pitcairn – including the mutineers, their Tahitian wives and their families - chose to travel the 3700 miles to settle in Norfolk Island, as Pitcairn could no longer support their growing numbers.

Today, Norfolk Island has around 1800 citizens, with a near-equal mix of Australians, New Zealanders, and Pitcairn descendents. They have great pride in their history, and are very happy to share their stories with the many visitors who arrive each year. In fact, tourism makes up 90 percent of Norfolk Island’s economy.

Things to do
There’s plenty to do on Norfolk Island, here are some of our favourites:

National parks make up one third of the island, and reward mountain bike riders and bushwalkers with stunning views. Botanists will marvel at the rainforests and 178 species of native plants, with 40 unique to the island. The Norfolk Island Pine (proudly displayed on Norfolk Island’s flag) stands tall and majestic and is one of the reasons for Cook’s initial interest in the island (he envisaged their long trunks as masts on ships).

Historical and cultural tours abound, with locals sharing their stories and artifacts. One example is the “History in the Making” tour, which explores the 150-year-old stone quarries, grain mills, and farmland. It discusses the history of both the convicts and the settlers, and includes a museum with convict tools. If you prefer to tour around on your own, you’ll enjoy the museums and galleries on the island, including the Norfolk Island Museum and No.10 Quality Row – a house built in 1844 for the original settlers, and restored to its original style.

SCUBA divers will be enthralled by the caves, tunnels, chasms, and spectacular fish to be found in 30 different world-class diving sites around the island. For those who want to give swimming or snorkelling a try, Emily Bay offers a safe beach with colourful fish and reefs. Equipment can be rented on the island, and diving courses are available.

Horse riders will enjoy a trek to the National Park with a billy tea and damper, or you can choose to tour by horse and carriage. 
 
When to go
If you plan to laze on the beaches and swim in the ocean, summer is a great time to go. The days are warm, but rarely above 30 degrees Celsius. If you prefer to spend your time exploring the rich history of the island, or its other land attractions, you’ll enjoy Norfolk Island year-round.

How to get there
There is only one way to get to Norfolk Island, and that is by air. But happily, it is only a short flight of around two and a half hours out of Sydney, Brisbane or Newcastle, with several flights per week. Check out Norfolk Air for details.

Don’t forget your passport! To enter Norfolk Island, Australians will need a valid passport or Document of Identity (available through Australia Post, but a similar process to getting a passport). Non-Australians will need a passport with a valid entry visa for Australia.

Accommodation
Choose from a range of quaint accommodation options, for example the 13 Fletcher Christian apartments set on a six-acre estate owned by a “Bounty” descendant. There are also the Cumberland Holiday Apartments, which each boast verandahs overlooking their tropical gardens, or the newly renovated Cascade Garden Apartments with decks and verandahs offering views of Cascade Valley and the Pacific Ocean. If you prefer resort-style accommodation, the All Seasons Colonial Hotel Norfolk Island is an excellent choice, with a pool and all the luxuries you could want when you take a break.

Ideal length of visit
A week is a typical break on this lovely island – there is plenty to see and do, but it is also a great place to unwind and enjoy the tranquility. Norfolk offers a range of great restaurants and the shopping is excellent, so make your break long enough to enjoy all the joys of the island.

Important bits and pieces
There is a mix of Australian and non-Australian things to consider, given Norfolk Island’s unique position. Firstly, Australia’s Medicare system isn’t valid on Norfolk Island, so you’ll need to arrange coverage before you go. Yet the Australian dollar is their currency, even though you can purchase duty-free goods before you head home. It’s a good idea to plan as though you are going on an international voyage, but then relax when you get there because you’ll feel right at home.

Further information
The official website of Norfolk Island Tourism offers loads of great tips, history and maps. You will also find booking information for the tours and activities listed above.