Cascade, Norfolk Island, Australia

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Tour Day 25, Cruise Day 25 – Day At Sea

Tour Day 26, Cruise Day 26 – Day At Sea

Tour Day 27, Cruise Day 27 – Cascade, Norfolk Island, Australia

Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia located in the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and New Caledonia, about almost 1000 miles northeast of Sydney. Together with the neighboring Phillip Island and Nepean Island, the three islands collectively form the Territory of Norfolk Island. At the 2021 census, it had 2,188 inhabitants living on a total area of about 14 square miles. Norfolk Island is one of Australia's most isolated communities and one of its oldest territories, having been settled six weeks after Australia's founding settlement at Sydney. The first known settlers in Norfolk Island were East Polynesians but they had already departed when Great Britain settled it as part of its 1788 settlement of Australia. Reestablished as a penitentiary (1825–55) for the reception of the most desperate criminals from the British convict settlements in Australia, Norfolk Island became notorious as a place of merciless discipline and punishment, holding an average of 1,500 to 2,000 convicts. On 8 JUN 1856, permanent civilian residence on the island began when descendants of the Bounty mutineers were relocated from Pitcairn Island. In 1914, the UK handed Norfolk Island over to Australia to administer as an external territory. Norfolk Island is a quiet paradise, often overlooked yet unforgettable once found. Discover for yourself why visitors return time and time again. Take a short flight from Sydney or Brisbane and you will find yourself in one of Australia's most fascinating and historical destinations.

The Bounty Mutineers Scenic Drive (1.5 hours) – In 1856, 194 seasick, homesick and heartsick descendants from the Bounty mutiny crew arrived on Norfolk Island. They had sailed from Pitcairn Island aboard the Morayshire. The journey of 3,700 miles took five weeks and they arrived to find a recently abandoned penal settlement. Set aside for the 'worst of the worst' the convict village was a large and frightening testament to man's inhumanity to man. Today's panoramic sightseeing drive is focused on the mutiny settlers and their families -- where they lived, and how they adapted to their new life on Norfolk Island. Notes: This tour involves only sightseeing from the coach. There are no stops and no walking required other than to board the transportation.

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Photos

Misc. Pictures Around the Dock at Norfolk Island, Australia
Not a Bad View from the Breakfast Table

Misc. Pictures Around the Dock at Norfolk Island, Australia
Despite the Deceptive Tranquility …

Misc. Pictures Around the Dock at Norfolk Island, Australia
… Boarding the Tender Was Precarious at Best

Misc. Pictures Around the Dock at Norfolk Island, Australia
The Tenders Did Not Come from ms Noordam but Were Provided by the Norfolk Island Government …

Misc. Pictures Around the Dock at Norfolk Island, Australia
… And Were Manned by Crew Members Experienced in the Ways of a Tumultuous Sea

Misc. Pictures Around the Dock at Norfolk Island, Australia
The Queue for Passengers Without a Shore Excursion

Bounty Mutineers Scenic Drive
Queen Elizabeth II Lookout

Misc. Pictures Around Norfolk Island, Australia
Back in Town, It Was …

Misc. Pictures Around Norfolk Island, Australia
… Time for Australian Tacos and an *&^% IRISH #*% Beer