If you like delving deep into the past, the musky smell of a book from the 1800s, or the riveting tales of the trials and conflicts of a bygone era, here are some of the best Norfolk Island holiday ideas for you!

Norfolk Island’s history is fascinating, and it is easy to be swept away. Their history and culture are entwined and you will see how the past affects the traditions and values of everyday life.

A little history lesson…

The Convicts

The British arrived to Norfolk Island in 1788 and created a penal colony. Known as Hell in the Pacific, this island paradise became a place of nightmares for the convicts. Today, you can see the buildings they worked and lived in as well as walk in their footsteps through the ruins of this era in the 250-acre Kingston World Heritage Site.

The Pitcairn Culture

Today many Norfolk Islanders can trace their ancestry back to one significant event – the Mutiny on the Bounty. Mutiny befell the HMS Bounty in 1789 where Fletcher Christian led a group of mutineers to commandeer the vessel. The mutineers settled on Pitcairn Island for some 60+ years until Queen Victoria granted them land on Norfolk Island in 1856. Bounty Day is still celebrated on Norfolk Island, and is a celebration not to be missed.

History Tours

There are so many Norfolk Island holiday ideas to choose from as a history buff, but a tour is the best way to do it. Below are some of our must-do tours, and what's better is that these three tours are all included in our Norfolk Island packages!

Island Orientation Coach Tour

A good place to start your Norfolk Island holiday is with an orientation tour. Not only is it a great way to get your bearings of the island, but you will see some historic sites along the way and hear tales of the past, like the gruesome story of the aptly named Bloody Bridge.

History in the Making

Do you want to see what life was like way back when? Then this is the tour for you! On the History in the Making tour, visit convict work sites in historic Kingston and a small working museum set in the grounds of an island home. See demonstrations of hands-on activities such as shingle and rope making. You'll be thankful for your local Bunnings after seeing the enterprise and ingenuity of previous Norfolk Islanders!

World Heritage History Norfolk Tour

Did you know there is a World Heritage Listed site on Norfolk Island? The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) holds ruins and museums from Norfolk Island's colonial and penal history. Walk through the ruins with a guide and hear the history of these relics.

Attractions, Museums & More

Are you looking to add more to your Norfolk Island package? Here are some fantastic extras that will connect you to the island's past.

• Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama: an amazing 360° panoramic painting bringing to life the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty with realistic 3D effects.
• The Bounty Folk Museum: a treasure trove of history where you can browse through handwritten research books, open a trunk dating back to 19th century Pitcairn Island, trace the family trees of Norfolk Islanders, and more! You could spend days exploring this incredible museum, and the best part is, you can too. Your ticket includes unlimited entry during your visit (plus free Wi-Fi!)
• Dine at Bailey's Restaurant: once the home of Herbert and Clara ‘Settie’ Bailey, children of arrivals from the Bounty, this old island home now caters for dinner guests at Governor's Lodge.
• Norfolk Island Cemetery: the place for a who's who of Norfolk Island history! Find First Fleet convicts, soldiers, sailors, descendants of Bounty mutineers and other island residents, including beloved novelist Colleen McCullough. For the adventurous try a lantern lit ghost tour!
• Dinner Theatres: for a light-hearted, fun and sometimes cheeky take on Norfolk’s history, try an interactive dinner tour. Some of our favourites are Commandants Dinner, Murder Mystery Dinner, and Night As A Convict.

Attn all History Buffs: Let’s Discuss Your Norfolk Island Holiday Ideas!

There is so much history and many stories to discover – which means you won’t run out of Norfolk Island holiday ideas. Why not give one of our Norfolk Island experts a call on 1800 800 722 so they can assist you with curating the perfect Norfolk Island holiday jam packed full of history experiences.

Photos credit of Norfolk Island Tourism