Captain James Cook Discovered Norfolk Island 250 years ago

The history of Norfolk Island is so interesting, this week is 250 years since Captain James Cook and his crew on-board HMS Resolution, arrived on Norfolk Island, 10 October 1774. They were the first Europeans to discover, map and document this small island in the Pacific on Captain Cook’s second great voyage, (1772-1775), and they sighted 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 Duchess of Norfolk, from that noble family. Cook along with members of his crew including botanists, came ashore for one day 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.

This week on 10 October 2024, is the 250^th Anniversary on Captain James Cook discovering Norfolk Island. There are many special celebrations organised including a play written and acted by talented Norfolk Islanders as a tribute to this special anniversary. There is also tour groups organised especially for the 250^th anniversary, including many visitors traveling to Norfolk Island.

During 2023, there were postage stamps issued for Norfolk Island lookouts featuring the Captain Cook Memorial Lookout. Also, another interesting set of stamps commemorating Cooks Southern voyage navigation of Antarctic and First crossing the Antarctic Circle. This set of stamps featured the HMS Resolution and the K1 which was the navigation equipment, which came to Norfolk Island on-board the HMS Resolution in 1774 and 14 years later on-board the final voyage of HMS Sirius in 1788.

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 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.

If you feel energetic and fit, you are welcome to explore the coastal tracks in the Norfolk Island National Park, which 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 driving out to Captain Cook Lookout Memorial Reserve, take care on the roadway, drive slowly, and enjoy your visit.

I also look forward to visiting the reserve during the week and will celebrate the 250^th Anniversary along with our wedding anniversary, which is also 10^th October. Another good reason we call Norfolk Island our home

Betty Matthews

4 October 2024