What is Norfolk Island famous for?

What is Norfolk Island famous for?

There is no doubt that Norfolk Island is a unique destination and aside from its incredible beauty, there are a number of interesting reasons Norfolk Island stands out from the rest.

1. Descendants of the Bounty Mutineers

More descendants of Fletcher Christian than anywhere else in the world 

Norfolk is home to the famed descendants of the Polynesian women and Bounty Mutineers who originally settled on Pitcairn Island. After outgrowing Pitcairn, the community made up of 8 family groupings relocated to Norfolk in 1856. Owner of NITC, Mat Christan-Bailey, is a seventh-generation descendant of Fletcher Christan.

NorfolkIslandTravelCentre Bounty Day Mutiny HMS Bounty
Norfolk Island Travel Centre Heritage Convict Sunset

2. Convict Colony

The resting place of Australia’s most important shipwreck, flagship of the First Fleet HMS Sirius

Norfolk was home to two penal settlements. During the first, the Island became home to many ‘First Fleeters’. Then, after 1825 the poor convict souls living here endured ‘punishment just short of death’ simply trying to survive life.

3. Norfolk Island Pine

Home to endemic Araucaria heterophylla, or as you may know it, the Norfolk Pine 

Norfolk Island Pine's were sighted by Capt. James Cook in 1774 when he noted they would be perfect for masts and yards for sailing ships. It was later found that they were not resilient enough for this use. Today, the Norfolk Pine can be found around the world, particularly coastal areas, due to its ability to grow in sand and high tolerance for salt and wind - making it the perfect seaside tree.

IMG CREDIT Ian Rolfe Arthur's Vale 190919 Norfolk Island 039
IMG 4446 Cows At Kingston IMG CREDIT Julie Hartwig

4. Norfolk Cows

Moooove over because the free-range cows on Norfolk Island have right of way

These friendly four-legged grass-mowers have been an integral part of Norfolk’s culture and also add to a relaxed atmosphere as you drive around the island. Sightings of young calves are delightful with their doe long-lashed eyes!

5. Colleen McCullough

Colleen McCullough and her convict ancestor “Morgan’s Run” both lived here

The world-renowned author Colleen McCullough, made Norfolk home in 1979 and stayed until her passing in 2015. Here you can book an exclusive guided tour to the author’s magnificent property.

Nrfolk Island Travel Centre Tours And Activities Colleen McCullough Home Tour Baunti Escapes
Blessing 89 NOC 2019 Zack Sanders

6. Emily Bay

The very same one named in Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Top 10 Beaches

Summer + Norfolk Island = Emily Bay. This stunning beach has it all. Emily Bay is a unique gem. This is the perfect place for families to safely and easily enjoy a Norfolk Island summer holiday.

7. Unique Phone Book

Where you can search by nick-name in the local phone book

Check out the The Faasfain (fast find) section of the Norfolk Island phone book. Islanders are so much more familiar with each other’s nicknames rather than their long forgotten birth names. Updated every three years.

Norfolk Island Phone Book 2018
Norfolk Island Travel Centre Norfolk Island Food Festival 2

8. Thanksgiving

The only place in the South Pacific that celebrates Thanksgiving Day

Norfolk Island is one of the few places outside of America to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, an influence left from the American whaling ships who would frequently visit during the late 1800’s. Families traditionally attend a Church service followed by a family lunch full of traditional Norf'k wetls (local food).

9. Fishing

Fishing, or as the locals call it ‘catching’

With a 50sq Norfolk Marine Park seclusion zone around the Island, no commercial fishing allowed and deep water right at our doorstep, Norfolk Island is an undiscovered game fishing paradise.

Norfolk Island Travel Centre Couple Fishing Catch Couple
Julie Hartwig Norfolk Island April 2019 Golf Cropped

10. Norfolk Island Golf Course

As seen in Golf Australia’s 60 best 9-hole courses in Australia

Play golf on Norfolk Island and you’ll find one of the most friendly and social clubs with a course bordered by the South Pacific Ocean and set within historic Kingston, a World Heritage listed site. Often described as one of the most beautiful locations for a course, its not hard to understand why its such an attraction.

Whether you visit Norfolk by yourself, with family or friends, or as part of an organised (or your own) group trip, make sure to use the knowledge available from local travel agents, tour operators and visitor information services all located on the island. ‘Meeting the locals’ really is part of a Norfolk Island experience, so make sure to do so even before you travel. You’ll surely find much more than you expected on a Norfolk Island holiday!

By booking your Norfolk Island holiday package, events, accommodation, tours and attractions with us, you are assured expert advice and a great deal from a passionate local. Contact us today

Hot Deals - valid for selected travel dates up until 31 March 2025

Country-style Cottages

Trade Winds Country Cottages

Country-style cottages sit on extensive gardens that grow fresh produce available for guest use, Trade Winds Country Cottages offer the perfect island and country escape combined.

From $2639 pp twin share
ON SALE - Self-contained Apartment

Crest Apartments

SAVE $680 per couple if booked by 31 March 2024. The Crest Apartments occupies a prime position on an elevated 3 hectare block, looking out to Phillip Island and the Pacific Ocean. 

From $1799 pp twin share
5 Star Adults Only Luxury

Glencar Luxury Villas

Glencar Luxury Villas is the ultimate 5 star adults only property on Norfolk Island. With awe inspiring views over the countryside towards Mount Pitt and the ocean, these One Bedroom Villas are perfect for relaxation and escape from the every day.

From $4089 pp twin share
ON SALE - Self-contained House

Christian’s of Bucks Point

SAVE $1,770 per group of six if booked by 31 March 2024 and discover the rich history of this 3 bedroom heritage house.

From $2099 pp six share
ON SALE - Resort-style accommodation

Governor’s Lodge

Discover resort-style accommodation at Governor’s Lodge. Close to town and the sights of Kingston, yet set on 12 acres of subtropical gardens offering the perfect Norfolk Island escape.

From $2889 pp twin share
ON SALE - Stay 7 Pay 5!

Ocean Breeze Cottages

SAVE $560 per couple with this stay 7 nights, pay for 5* for travel between 01 June to 31 August 2024. Ideally located high in the centre of the island, these self-contained cottages have broad panoramic views.  The property also has a tennis court and barbecue area and transit lounge for guests use.

From $2129 pp twin share
Hillside Ocean View Spa Villa

The White House

Located in the prestigious Buck’s Point area, this Presidential, 5-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom hillside ocean view spa villa is for your Exclusive Indulgence – no other guests or neighbours.

From $2029 pp eight share
Centrally located

Aloha Apartments

Stay 7 nights at centrally located Aloha Apartments Norfolk Island. Relax and unwind in a fully self contained apartment that offers all the comforts and conveniences of home.

From $2229 pp twin share
Private & Peaceful

Whitewood Sea

Beautiful newly renovated holiday cottage with magnetic views of majestic Phillip Island.

From $2109 pp twin share