Captain James Cook Discovered Norfolk Island 249 years ago

On Captain Cook’s second great voyage, he was the first recorded European to sight Norfolk Island, while sailing in command of the HMS Resolution from New Caledonia to New Zealand. Cook took possession of the Isle as he had done with all the others he had discovered and named it “Norfolk Isles” in honour of that noble family. Next morning Cook came ashore and gave his first detailed description of the Island. The tall Norfolk Pine was of value to England and needed for the ship building and flax plants for sails for the English ships.

In 1974, the bicentenary of Norfolk Island’s discovery saw the first monarch to visit Norfolk Island, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips arriving on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Also attending the celebration was the Australian Prime Minister EG Whitlam and his wife. The Queen attended a traditional island picnic and other functions.

Next year, October 2024, will be 250 year anniversary of Captain James Cook discovering Norfolk Island. It will be interesting to see what celebrations will be organised, it would be wonderful if tall sailing ships visited for this special anniversary.

How long is it since you have been out to the northern end of Norfolk Island? Out to beautiful Captain Cook Lookout Memorial Reserve in the National Park? At present, the roadway is closed for maintenance, but here is a description of the area. Hopefully the road will reopen in the next few months.

At the Captain Cook Lookout Memorial Reserve in the National Park there are picnic tables and a BBQ area, a fantastic boardwalk and toilet facility, these were built a couple of years ago. The area is not just the start of the National Park Bridle Track, it is the famous landing place and monument to Captain James Cook.

The viewing areas next to the car park have excellent information signs and show where Captain Cook anchored, which is known as “The Cord”, looking towards Duncombe Bay. If you wander down the grassy slope you will come to a stone cairn which was erected in 1953. The plaque reads:

“Captain James Cook, RN, on his second voyage around the world discovered and named this island, Norfolk Isle, landing in the Vicinity of this point on October 10, 1774.”

If you stroll down to the lower viewing area you have a stunning view towards Bird Rock, Elephant Rock, Cathedral Rock and more. This is a lovely place to watch the sea birds, have a nice afternoon break looking for passing whales or trying to spot a turtle in the lovely clear blue water. Don’t forget to take your camera, and if it is windy hold onto your hat.

The roadway entry to Captain Cook Reserve along Duncombe Bay Road is temporary closed to all traffic for maintenance at present, check for updates for when the road will re-open again.

Duncombe Bay Road will be temporary closed to all traffic until future notice due to apparent sub-surface pavement failure which is considered a risk to public safety. An engineering assessment has been undertaken and determined the extent of the damage and to identify required repairs.

Any inconvenience to the public is regretted. For further information contact Norfolk Island National Parks office on 22695

If you wish to view the coastal area, you can enjoy the vista of the cord from Fisherman’s Lane. Please park with care as there is limited vehicle parking in this area.

The other option if you feel energetic and fit, you are welcome to explore the coastal tracks in the Norfolk Island National Park. The Norfolk Island National Parks walking tracks start at Mt Pitt, Red Road or Palm Glen Reserve. If hiking, please take refreshments, water, food, check weather conditions and be mindful of your fitness and allow time for the return walk, plus, remember your sun protection.

When the road maintenance is completed, we will be able to drive out to the Captain Cook Lookout Memorial Reserve. Fingers crossed the road will be open next year, and we will all appreciate the work involved in repairing sections of this park’s roadway.

The history of Norfolk Island is so interesting, this week is 249 years since Captain James Cook first discovered this small island in the Pacific, the Rock we call home – Norfolk Island.

Betty Matthews

7 October 2023