NORFOLK ISLANDS
The island lies in the South Pacific Ocean, on the Norfolk Ridge which runs from New Zealand to New Caledonia. The Territory of Norfolk Island is located in the eastern region of the Australian continent and is the territory of Australia. Norfolk was formed from the lava ejected by an undersea volcano More than two and a half million years ago. Norfolk Island has two uninhabited neighbors just off its southern shore.
CAPITAL
Kingston is the capital of Norfolk Island and it is located on the island's S coast, on Emily Bay. Kingston is the administrative and historic center of Norfolk Island, and its commercial center is nearby Burnt Pine. Support to the local economy is provided by tourism. Citrus and passion fruit are the popularly grown fruits. The by Polynesian explorers were the first settlers on the island, later coming to the attention of Europe when it was discovered by Captain Cook. Used as a penal colony, the island was infamous for its brutal treatment of prisoners. Times have changed, and the peaceful island is now popular with nature and sport enthusiasts interested in bushwalking, hiking through the rainforest, or diving in the reef.
CURRENCY
The unit of exchange is the Australian dollar.
CLIMATE
The climate of Norfolk Island varies between tropical and subtropical. With the change of seasons the temperature does not change very much. Usually it remains above 12ºC. The months between October and March are summer months and they are warm. In summer the temperature remains 24ºC. On the other hand the months between April and September are winter and the winter months are relatively cooler. In winter, the temperature remains 17ºC.
LANGUAGE
English is the common language on Norfolk Island, but between them the Islanders use their own patois - a mixture of Platt Deutsch, 18th Century English and Tahitian, brought to the island by the Pitcairner.
Not usually written, this local language does not have any formal rules regarding spelling.
COMMUNICATIONS
International Direct Dialing telephones and facsimile services are available. Public IDD coin operated booths open 24 hours and local calls free. Norfolk Island phone cards are the only ones that are accepted. You can purchase a local sim card and avail the facilities of mobile phone service. There are only 2 weekly local newspapers in the country.
THINGS TO DO
There is a great range of things to do on Norfolk appealing to all manner of interests. From the less strenuous activities such as lawn bowls and snooker or darts to fun filled sporting activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling or fishing, one can indulge in whatever one fancies.
Lawn Bowls
The Norfolk Island Bowling Club has a heritage going back to the First Settlement, when a club was established before any existed in Australia. Visitors are made very welcome all year round at the rink in the main street of Burnt Pine and bowls and shoes can be hired.
Golf
On the ocean-side Point Hunter Reserve and alongside the sweeping gardens of Government House, is situated a superb nine hole course that has an 18 hole par of 72. Conditions are good all year round due to the mild climate. Clubs and buggies are hirable and green fees are extremely moderate.
Mini Golf
A well lay out and maintained mini golf course is located about half a km up Grassy Road, the one leading from the western end of Burnt Pine up towards Mt. Pitt. Check out the amazing array of toys while you're there at the adjoining shop.
Athletics
Norfolk is very active in all aspects of athletics. It has an 8-lane track and has successfully staged the Pan-Pacific Veteran's Games. And a host of activities like triathlons, Summit (Mt. Pitt) to Surf take place year round and visitors are encouraged to take part.
Squash
Two new glass-backed courts are for hire at the Leagues Club in Ferny Lane. It is open daily and rackets, shoes, etc. are available for hire.
Equestrian
Horse-racing is held twice a year on Easter Monday and on Boxing Day.
Gymkhanas, Dressage and Cross-Country events are held through the year and the Pony Club meets weekly
Shooting
You can enjoy Clay Target Shooting at the picturesquely-sited club at Anson Bay each Saturday. There is also a Pistol Shooting club at the same scenic site.
Tennis
If tennis is your sport, you can play tennis night or day at the Cheryl Tennis Club in Queen Elizabeth Avenue. Six all-weather courts are available and visitors are most welcome. You can relax and enjoy a drink or light refreshments at an excellent club-house there. Need some coaching? A resident coach is available for the uninitiated and racquets can be got for hire.
Snooker & Darts
Drop in to any of Norfolk's licensed clubs and you're welcome to play, free.
Surfing/Swimming
Best surfing is outside the reef at Slaughter Bay. Anson Bay and Cress well Bay too are used by the locals for surfing but they can be dangerous. One of the prettiest beaches in the world, Emily Bay is the ultra-safe swimming beach. Cemetery Bay, Slaughter Bay and off the Salt Mill provide the best snorkeling. Crystal Pool is tough to reach and can be dangerous at high tide but it is magic.
Scuba Diving
Over 30 first-class dive sites make Norfolk a scuba destination that divers return to often. Tuition is supplied through a half day course, along with all gear, and a dive on your first day in the safety of the lagoon with chances for photography. Or, in just 7 days, you can do a professional course which will earn you international diving qualifications.
Fishing
Trips can be arranged with professional local fishermen on very well equipped boats. A feed of the magnificent "Trumpeter" (otherwise known as Red Emperor) is almost guaranteed and others often caught are Kingfish, Grouper, Snapper, Trevally and Rock Cod. You can give trolling for Kingfish and Tuna a try.
THINGS TO SEE
Norfolk Island Museum
Located in the former settlement of Kingston, the Norfolk Island museum complex comprises three extraordinary buildings, which are worth a visit:
1. A Second Settlement Georgian styled home built in 1844 for the Foreman of Works- the No 10 Quality Row House Museum.
2. The Commissariat Store, which shows one of the largest collections of China from the Colonial era and also displays an incredible collection of artifacts excavated from the island.
3. The Pier Store, exhibiting the tragic history of HMS Sirius wreck through fascinating objects recovered from the depths.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical garden displays the beauty of Norfolk Island wildlife; listen to birds and contemplate native flowers, plants and trees. The garden adds to our knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of Norfolk Island's plant heritage.
Anson Bay
Anson Bay is a picturesque bay also known as the location where the Australia, New Zealand and Canada cable came ashore. With an interesting Cave and Rock called the Pulpit, the small reserve is a scenic picnic site.
Captain Cook Monument
The stone Captain Cook Monument with views of Cape Howe and Duncombe Bay is inscribed "Captain James Cook, on his second voyage around the World, discovered and named this island Norfolk Isle, landing in the vicinity of this point on October 10, 1774".
Mount Pitt
Volcanic Mount Pitt in Norfolk Island's beautiful National Park was named after William Pitt, a Prime Minister of England. It is 316 meters above sea level and visitors can access the well signposted walking tracks from four main points. It would be advantageous to have proper walking shoes.
GETTING AROUND
There is no public transport system on Norfolk Island and taxis are available only on request.
Several hire car companies are available on Norfolk Island and prices are inexpensive. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 years and a current driver's license is required. The country has a stretch of 170km of road around it. In the town the speed limit is 40km/h, 25km/h in the National Park and along the waterfront at Kingston Everywhere else it is 50km/h.
WHERE TO STAY
The list of accommodation styles is exhaustive and it ranges from traditional home-style guesthouses to self-contained cottages, apartments and resort hotels. Many of these are run by Norfolk families making it an excellent way to experience some real Norfolk culture. Norfolk Island forms an ideal, tranquil holiday destination, whether for a long holiday or a short break.
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