Island idyll

Centuries old traditions have shaped Norfolk Island into one of the most interesting convention destinations in the region.
An exotic Pacific Island destination doesn’t have to be about sun and sand. Norfolk Island lies 1,610 kilometres east of Sydney and 1,060 kilometres north of New Zealand. It is serviced by regularly scheduled flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.

Much of Norfolk’s appeal is that it is part of Australia yet, in many ways, vastly different. It measures just 3,850 hectares and is perched on high rugged cliffs – except for Emily Bay, which has fine sheltered beaches. It became a territory of Australia in 1914 and is administered by its own nine member parliament.

It has a permanent population of 1,800 people, with about one third being descendants of mutineers from the HMS Bounty. It is this remarkable history, along with the island’s earlier history, that makes a visit to Norfolk Island so compelling.

>> Conference & meeting venues in Norfolk Island

Early days
Isolated though Norfolk may seem these days, even with its regular air services, TV and Internet links, it was even more so two centuries ago. In 1788, soon after the foundation of the NSW colony, a group of settlers and convicts came to Norfolk. Although at its peak the population reached 1,100 people, the high cost of maintaining the settlement eventually led to it being abandoned in 1814. A second attempt was made in 1825, and this time it was strictly as a penal settlement, with its reputation for harshness and cruelty unrivalled throughout the colony.

The population reached 2,000 people by the time it was closed down in 1855. A legacy of this period was the many graceful colonial buildings left behind. In recent years, they have been carefully and sensitively restored. Many now serve as official buildings, including the meeting place for the local legislative assembly, as well as Government House, residence to the Administrator, the Australian Government’s representative on Norfolk.

In 1856, Norfolk became the home of descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers. In 1789, Fletcher Christian and the crew of the ship cast adrift their captain, William Bligh, and 18 crew loyal to him, following a mutiny near Tahiti. With their Tahitian wives and some local men, they set sail for Pitcairn Island, where they settled.


The modern era
Pitcairn soon grew too small, and the British Government allowed them to inhabit Norfolk. Almost 200 men, women and children made the journey, arriving on 8 June 1856. This day is now commemorated as Bounty Bay, the major public celebration on the island.

Norfolk is well suited for small to medium-sized conferences. The island’s accommodation is mostly gathered around the township. The Colonial of Norfolk Island has two conference rooms, the largest of which can seat 160 people theatre style.

Group activities are numerous. A fish fry, a traditional Norfolk custom that combines fresh seafood and convivial surroundings on a cliff overlooking the sea, is a popular activity. Other options include picnics and watersports at sheltered Emily Bay, with its graceful curve of beach. The Norfolk Island Golf Course, abutting Parliament House and with a gracious colonial building as its clubhouse, is truly one of the most beautiful in the world. And there are plenty of soft adventure activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, mountain biking, abseiling, and deep-sea fishing for marlin, tuna, kingfish and bonito.