Norfolk is an Australian island, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is only around 34.6 square kilometres in area, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in character! It has a rich history with many interesting things to learn and places to explore.
So, Norfolk Island may not be at the top of your trivia list, but it’s certainly worth learning about. Norfolk is an Australian island, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is only around 34.6 square kilometres in area, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in character! It has a rich history with many interesting things to learn and places to explore. Here are some things that you might not know about Australia’s very own Norfolk Island.
Australian citizens don’t require a passport to travel to Norfolk Island
Yep, it’s true! If you are an Australian citizen that doesn’t hold a current passport, but you want to travel to Norfolk Island, then you are in luck! Technically, because Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia, although you travel through the international airport, you won’t be asked to present a passport upon boarding the plane. You will need, however, any current form for photographic identification such as a driver’s license or proof of age card.
Traffic laws require you to give way to cows
It’s a little bit of an odd law, however, it is actually classed as an offence under the general traffic regulations to interrupt the free passage of cattle or horses. Along the public pasturage on Norfolk Island, cows are used to provide cost-effective mowing services to the roadside verges. This is why cows form a lot of the imagery on Norfolk Island’s souvenirs!
Norfolk Island was settled (and resettled) many times throughout history
One of the most important cultural aspects of Norfolk Island is its rich history. Originally settled by East Polynesian seafarers, it is estimated they arrived in the thirteenth or fourteenth century and most likely survived for several generations before disappearing.
Captain Cook was the first known European settler to have sighted and set foot on Norfolk Island land on the 10th October 1774. Shortly after in March 1788, a group of fifteen convicts and seven free men were sent to Norfolk Island to develop it for use as a penal settlement. The island was then abandoned from 1814 to 1825, because it was deemed too remote and therefore costly to maintain.
It was in 1814 that the Governor of New South Wales was instructed to send the ‘worst of the worst’ convicts to Norfolk Island. This settlement then wound down again by 1855. In 1856, the next settlement began, forming a great deal of Norfolk Island’s history: the descendants of Fletcher and Christian. There are multiple museums on the island that you can explore to learn about the rich history of the island!
Norfolk Island is the definition of ‘paddock-to-plate’ food.
On Norfolk Island, fruit and vegetables are grown locally and picked daily. You’re always getting the freshest of the fresh home grown produce there! Further to that, fresh fish is also locally caught, coffee, honey and cheese is locally made and beef is locally reared! There are many local restaurants to enjoy the delicacies of Norfolk at – a food enthusiast will never be disappointed!
Norfolk Island is truly a unique and majestic place to visit. There are so many quirky, interesting facts that can be added to this list. The only way you’ll truly find them all out is to plan a trip to Norfolk and see for yourself.
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