Dec2010 TRAVEL TOPIC
Just returned from Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a dot in the Pacific Ocean, some two hours (depending on the prevailing winds) flying time east of Brisbane.
A holiday on Norfolk Island provides many opportunities for enjoyment, but one which is immediately evident on arrival is the considerably slower and relaxed pace of life there.
Travelling about the Island’s 174 kilometres of roads takes place at the most leisurely of speeds (max 50km/h and 40km/h in the main township) with not one set of traffic lights; an absolute treat for a city worker who commutes by vehicle on a daily basis. Moreover, it is virtually impossible to get lost, even without the readily available maps.
On arrival, our hire car (which was included in the travel package) awaited us at our accommodation, Islander Lodge. The accommodation was comfortable and clean but most importantly had one of the most commanding aspects on the Island, with views to the south overlooking the uninhabited Nepean and Phillip Islands and the original convict settlement at Kingston.
Not only is the pace of life on the island the perfect antidote to the workaday world from which most of us rarely escape, but to travel there is to take a step back in time to our colonial past. Remnant buildings of a bygone convict era dot the landscape, while many restored convict constructions provide a glimpse of the trials of life experienced by those condemned to, generally, appallingly cruel existences until they died.
Museums, plaques and organized trips conducted by knowledgeable locals relate the stories of the various settlements, including a recent archaeological discovery of a Polynesian settlement some 700 hundreds years prior to the first British occupation in 1788. One can explore these at one’s leisure and/or choose one of the many organized tours and or performances that cover every aspect of the Island’s past and present and provide a context for the present culture.
Even if you don’t go on any others (I suggest you should, however,) I would certainly recommend the introductory tour (Travelscene had included this as part of our package). It provided us with an overview of the history, culture and places of interest on the Island. We chose to revisit many of these places during our stay.
Everyone’s interests are catered for through the many organized tours on offer. These are conducted by local residents, many of whom are the descendants of the Pitcairn Islanders (themselves descendants of the Bounty mutineers) who settled on Norfolk in 1856. They are not just proud of their independence and heritage, but equally as keen to impart this knowledge to all visitors.
We participated in a progressive dinner (involving visits to separate, locals’ residences for each of three courses), “Fish Fry” meal, held at a spot to watch the sun set over the ocean, Wonderland by Night (bush poetry in a garden setting) and a tour to visit the workshops of, and meet with, the Island’s resident artists. Many and varied others are available to book prior to getting there or when you arrive. For those so inclined, duty free shopping is easily accessible.
A week’s sojourn on Norfolk is a relaxing, informative but, most of all, thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Travelscene Samford would like to thank our client for this lovely travel article. Don’t forget that only Travelscene American Express lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points so contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.
Travelling about the Island’s 174 kilometres of roads takes place at the most leisurely of speeds (max 50km/h and 40km/h in the main township) with not one set of traffic lights; an absolute treat for a city worker who commutes by vehicle on a daily basis. Moreover, it is virtually impossible to get lost, even without the readily available maps.
On arrival, our hire car (which was included in the travel package) awaited us at our accommodation, Islander Lodge. The accommodation was comfortable and clean but most importantly had one of the most commanding aspects on the Island, with views to the south overlooking the uninhabited Nepean and Phillip Islands and the original convict settlement at Kingston.
Not only is the pace of life on the island the perfect antidote to the workaday world from which most of us rarely escape, but to travel there is to take a step back in time to our colonial past. Remnant buildings of a bygone convict era dot the landscape, while many restored convict constructions provide a glimpse of the trials of life experienced by those condemned to, generally, appallingly cruel existences until they died.
Museums, plaques and organized trips conducted by knowledgeable locals relate the stories of the various settlements, including a recent archaeological discovery of a Polynesian settlement some 700 hundreds years prior to the first British occupation in 1788. One can explore these at one’s leisure and/or choose one of the many organized tours and or performances that cover every aspect of the Island’s past and present and provide a context for the present culture.
Even if you don’t go on any others (I suggest you should, however,) I would certainly recommend the introductory tour (Travelscene had included this as part of our package). It provided us with an overview of the history, culture and places of interest on the Island. We chose to revisit many of these places during our stay.
Everyone’s interests are catered for through the many organized tours on offer. These are conducted by local residents, many of whom are the descendants of the Pitcairn Islanders (themselves descendants of the Bounty mutineers) who settled on Norfolk in 1856. They are not just proud of their independence and heritage, but equally as keen to impart this knowledge to all visitors.
We participated in a progressive dinner (involving visits to separate, locals’ residences for each of three courses), “Fish Fry” meal, held at a spot to watch the sun set over the ocean, Wonderland by Night (bush poetry in a garden setting) and a tour to visit the workshops of, and meet with, the Island’s resident artists. Many and varied others are available to book prior to getting there or when you arrive. For those so inclined, duty free shopping is easily accessible.
A week’s sojourn on Norfolk is a relaxing, informative but, most of all, thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Travelscene Samford would like to thank our client for this lovely travel article. Don’t forget that only Travelscene American Express lets you travel anywhere, any time and pay with your membership rewards points so contact us on 3289 3700 and let us help you turn your American Express membership rewards points into your next trip.
