Pacific Island Paradises

Anson Bay Mount Pitt Mount Bates Cascade Bay Steeles Point Burnt Pine Airport Middlegate Rocky Point Sydney Bay Kingston Ball Bay Unique and beautiful One of the most unique and beautiful places on earth, Norfolk Island carries a special mystique that distinguishes it from everyday life. Steeped in a wealth of history, culture, stunning scenery and tranquillity, Norfolk Island will delight your senses and deliver an unforgettable experience. Ideal for families and romantic getaways, visitors can laze under the majestic pines, snorkel in the lagoons, kayak the coastline or trek on one of the secluded outer islands. Norfolk Island offers the chance to discover the beauty of nature at its finest. This island is different to most others in the Pacific. Instead of palm trees, Norfolk's spectacular cliffs are topped with the island's famous pines, and its rolling green hills are reminiscent of England. Several sandy beaches offer access to the surf and there is a wonderful lagoon with a coral reef that offers excellent diving. Located approximately 1600 kilometres east-north-east of Sydney, Norfolk Island was formed from volcanic activity and has a total area of 3455 hectares, one-third of which is national parks and reserves. There are two smaller islands that lay to the south called Nepean and Philip, both of which are uninhabited. Capital and major centres Norfolk is home to around 1800 permanent residents. The main administrative centre is the former penal colony of Kingston, which 192 www.paradisesonline.com is situated by the sea. Most of the town's shops, cafés and restaurants are situated at Burnt Pine, on top of the ridge. People Historical evidence suggests that Polynesians lived on Norfolk Island centuries ago. Today however, most of the residents are descendants of Fletcher Christian and The Bounty mutineers. English is the official language, but the locals also speak Norfolk, a mixture of 18th century west country English with a dash of Tahitian and Gaelic, developed on Pitcairn Island so the English rebels could converse with Tahitian women and men. History Discovered in 1774 by Captain James Cook, who described the island as 'paradise', the island was named after the ninth Duchess of Norfolk. With the foundation of Sydney Cove in 1788, Norfolk became the second oldest British settlement and was set up as a penal colony. By 1810, more than a quarter of the island had been cleared but because it lacked a suitable safe harbour, it was abandoned in 1814 and its convicts sent to Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). In 1825, Norfolk Island was resettled as a penal colony and became renowned for its brutality. Convicts laboured to establish the colony, building the prison, military barracks, boat sheds, crank mill, salt house and official residences which still stand today and have been beautifully restored. This second

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