A Norfolk Island holiday isn’t complete without a trip to Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA). This popular tourist location holds major cultural and historical significance to the island and is filled with sites that echo Norfolk’s rich past. With a heritage that links back to the Bounty Mutineers, the Pitcairn settlers, and so much more, every holiday on Norfolk Island deserves a deeper dive into the island’s fascinating history, and you won’t find a better place to do it than KAVHA.

At Spacifica Travel, we provide a range of exciting Norfolk Island holiday packages that ensure you enjoy a holiday you will never forget. Let’s take a look at where you should go and what you should do when you visit Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area on Norfolk Island.

Sites to Explore in Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area

Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area is a must-visit location during any Norfolk Island holiday. The area is dotted with sites that hold a historical importance to the people of Norfolk Island and are absolutely worth visiting the next time you spend a holiday on this beautiful island.

Government House

This striking building has been standing for nearly two hundred years and is in remarkably good condition given how much time has passed since it was built. What is perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Government House is still the official residence of the Norfolk Island administrator - carrying on a proud tradition that dates back to 1829.

Old Military Barracks

Almost as old as the Government House and surrounded by a high compound wall, the Old Military Barracks are an impressive collection of buildings that include officers’ quarters, a guard room, military hospital, and so much more. Stepping inside this complex feels like walking into an old military fortress and certain buildings are still in official use (albeit as a courthouse) to this day.

The Commissariat Store

Today, the Commissariat Store is used by the Norfolk Island Museum to exhibit archaeological discoveries from across the island. The building itself is a relic of the past, having been constructed in 1835 and having been used as an engineer store, a grain store, a church, and more in the decades since.

Bloody Ridge

Despite its bloody name and even bloodier rumoured history (apparently holding the bones of the abusive overseer from Norfolk’s convict past), this bridge is undeniably picturesque and well worth a visit during your time exploring Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. Bloody Ridge is even prettier after some rainfall when Music Creek rushes underneath towards the waters of Cemetery Beach.   

Preserving The Past

Norfolk Island’s fascinating history is being kept alive through the preservation efforts at Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area. The site is World Heritage Listed, meaning its buildings and other locations are given the appropriate protection to continue long into the future.

While exploring KAVHA, why not take some language classes to learn some words and sayings in Norfuk. This unique language is an amalgamation of English and Polynesian and was brought to the island by the Pitcairn Settlers.

Here are some words to get you started:

• Suff - waves or the sea
• Nawe - to swim
• Ho-ya - peculiar
• Dar-de-way - that’s the way
• Whatawee - how are you?

By visiting the museum and taking tours in Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, you will be directly contributing to the ongoing preservation of these culturally significant sites.

Visit Norfolk Island with Spacifica Travel

If you want to spend some time exploring the beauty of Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, then browse our range of Norfolk Island packagesl. Contact us today to find out how we can help you plan and book your next holiday to this one-of-a-kind island.