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On Any Weekend
One of the best kept secrets about Norfolk Island is that there is so much to do here. With wonderful scenery, amazing and intriguing history, and great outdoor pursuits in abundance, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning and active visitor.
While the island’s tour companies offer a smorgasbord of experiences each week, the weekends might be the time to experience Norfolk Island on your own terms. There is no doubt that ‘self-discovery’ will leave you with wonderful memories of this place.
If you like being out and about in the great outdoors then you can’t go past a walk through the National Park. There to be seen is native flora and fauna, and amazing views of Norfolk’s stunning coastline and offshore islands. Or try a walk through 100 Acres Reserve at Headstone, or privately owned Simon’s Water out Steele’s Point way. For the fitter amongst us a walk down to the beach at Anson Bay is one of our real pleasures.
If you are into history then Kingston is the place for you. There are interpretative walks through the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. It is the place first settled by Polynesians 700-600 years ago; it was the site of the first European settlement in 1788; the place for a penal settlement for the “very worst of felons” from 1814; and finally the arrival place of the Pitcairn Islanders in 1856. In many respects, KAVHA is the jewel in the island’s tourism offering. You can pick up a map (Monday to Friday), with interpretative notes, of the walks by visiting the house museum at No. 9 Quality Row. There are four walks up to three hours in duration which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the island’s four settlements.
If you are keen on learning about the history of the modern Norfolk since the Mutiny on the Bounty, then the Pitcairn Settlers Village is a must with tours conducted by those of Pitcairn descent on Saturday morning and afternoon. And then you can enjoy Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama on Queen Elizabeth Drive.
It is an amazing, unusual attraction and one of only a handful of paintings of this type in the world. Conceived by Marie Bailey, the gigantic panoramic painting vividly illustrates the story of ancestor Fletcher Christian, the mutiny, and the history of the Norfolk people. And co-located with the Cyclorama is one of the island’s leading art galleries, Gallery Guava.
Do yourself a favour and take a drive out beyond picturesque Anson Bay and you will discover an Aladdin’s cave of magnificent locally thrown and designed pottery at Alison and Steve Ryves’ place. For unique mementoes of Norfolk Island, from platters and jugs, to urns and bowls, there seems to be a piece for every occasion and more. Pineridge Crafts Cottage on Ferny Lane is open on Saturdays and offers locally made Norfolk Island pine products like hot pot stands, drink coasters, bread boxes, key racks, country spice racks, candle settings, bread boards of various sizes, children’s puzzles, toilet roll holders, door stoppers, and loads more – a wide variety of gift souvenirs for every taste.
And if this is not enough, try lazing about at beautiful Emily Bay, or enjoy a picnic and a glass or two of wine somewhere that tickles your fancy. And don’t forget the Sunday Markets where local produce, clothing, books, mementoes, and much more is on show.
