Norfolk Island

NORFOLK ISLAND: A destination for the newlyweds and nearly dead. Whatever the age, the island is a rewarding and relaxing getaway in the heart of the South Pacific ocean. Not too far from New Zealand or Australia, it is worlds apart in lifestyle.

The town resembles a 1950s country community where everyone is friendly and trusting of each other. It is customary to wave to every driver upon passing. No one locks their doors or worries about their belongings being stolen.

All 1200 local folk know everything about each other so an islander committing a crime would be difficult to hide. Crime was prevalent in the past with many convict hangings inspiring beach names such as Slaughter Bay and Headstone.

You certainly feel safe here these days and completely with nature. Roaming roosters, cows, bright red Rosellas, playful birds, glowing frangipani, blooming hibiscus, moody ducks, fresh pine trees and tropical fish all pervade the island.

Picture a meal at a table embedded in a rainforest with spiders spinning magical webs amongst the branches.

A cliff-top ‘Fish Fry’ is an island tradition complete with Tahitian dancers as  entertainment while you devour grinners and trumpeters.

If cultural cuisine isn’t your preferred holiday past time, delve into the island history at the many museums full of ship wreck pieces, archaeological artefacts, hand-written letters from descendants and other remnants of the past.

Creative theatrical displays of history are on offer such as the ‘Trial of Fifteen’ play performed in a court-house by the beachside. Tourists can get involved in the drama and participate in the murder mystery dinner. Step into a period costume and solve the puzzle behind Commandent Price’s death.

The rolling hills of Norfolk are picturesque surroundings for cows nestled in between pine trees. Apparently, cows eating grass on cliff-tops sometimes slip off the edge and land on cars. But don’t let this stop you from visiting paradise.