Less than 3 hours flying from Sydney, Brisbane or Auckland, the island boasts a pristine environment with beautiful beaches, a rugged coastline, World Heritage convict site, National Parks and Reserves dotted with the iconic Norfolk Island pines and a sub-tropical climate.
Norfolk island is the only non-mainland Australian territory with its own democratically elected parliament.Sadly, the territory is bankrupt, and as I write, a move by the Australian government to remove the island's self governance is being strenuously fought against by Norfolk's Chief Minister with the whole population behind him. Increasing tourism could help them retain their autonomy!
I think the Norfolk Island flag is very cool:
History
Another southern hemisphere spot where convicts had a really bad time. In fact, the most notorious of the Australian penal stations has long been represented as a ‘hell-on-earth’.
This is a great story:
When the first fleet arrived in Botany Bay, carrying 759 motley persons Lieutenant Philip Gidley King was given the task of colonising Norfolk Island, and selected what he called "the best of a bad lot". He chose six female and nine male convicts, and eight free men. They were aged between
16 and 72.
The 72 year old, Richard Widdicombe, had been a farmer and had been convicted for `stealing one wooden winch and other goods, value four guineas'. for that crime, he got 7 years transportation.
The 16 year old, a boy named Charles McLennan, had been given seven years for `stealing a bladder purse, value one penny, one gold half-guinea, one half-crown, and six pennies' when he was just 14.
So together, they were sent off to create a new territory. It was hard, horrible and all the stories. probably don't really do the convict's suffering justice.
Since 1856 it has been home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers.
Read the whole fascinating history HERE.
Population is just under 2,200. The sub-tropical climate is tempered by the surrounding sea. Average temperatures range from 13C to 19C in winter and between 18C and 25C in summer. It can get down to 6C, although the last time was in 1953.
What to do, where to go:
If you are over 50, consider this holiday:Fun Over 50 Tour- it looks great! Departing from Brisbane on the 18th April, for 8 days, the itinerary covers pretty much everything you can do and see on the island.
And in March 2015, for history lovers, the 225th anniversary of the Sirius being shipwrecked is being celebrated. It looks to be a great trip and you can book it here: Sirius shipwreck anniversary tour
Lawn bowls and snooker or darts
Diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing
Shooting, equestrian sports,
Golf and mini golf
Visit the museum
I found all these images in the web. thanks to the photographers for posting them and allowing me to use them.
No comments:
Post a Comment