Norfolk Island, Austrailia

Where in the World Are We?

We are on Norfolk Island, Australia, in the South Pacific.

NORFOLK ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
Discovering Norfolk Island’s Story
Marooned between the Queensland coast and New Zealand’s North Island, Norfolk Island is a place of perfect isolation.

Once a remote penal colony feared for its brutality, it later became the sanctuary of the Bounty mutineers, who made the arduous journey thousands of miles from Pitcairn to start afresh here in 1856. Local guides – often direct descendants of the Bounty mutineers – share the island’s history firsthand. A stunning 360-degree painting tells the story of the Bounty in immersive detail.

The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area is a living museum, and between 1788 and 1855, the island was home to a notorious and brutal penal colony, first settled by the British in 1788. Earmarked for the worst of the worst, the sheer remoteness of the location was said to render any escape attempt impossible.

The same unique setting that made it such a notorious outpost also formed a remarkable island ecosystem. Birdwatchers can explore the subtropical rainforest and shores, home to 25 rare and endemic bird species sheltered by fragrant pine trees and lush gardens.

Discover the diverse coral lagoon with glass-bottom boat tours revealing coral gardens and colorful tropical fish. To the south of Emily Bay’s clear, tempting waters, the small Philip Island stands stark against the blue, with flashes of bright orange ochre and greenery painting its steep cliffs.

Today’s Excursion – The Journey of the Bounty Mutineers

Visit a Panoramic painting of the Journey of the Bounty Mutineers, ranked among the top attractions in Australia. Enjoy an audio tour that brings the past to life, following the journey of The Bounty Mutineers who arrived on Norfolk Island in 1856, recounting where they lived and how they adapted to their new life.

Cyclorama, Gallery Guava

Experience one of Australia’s top tourist attractions, the panoramic painting Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama transports you to the eighteenth century and immerses you in the dramatic story of the people of Norfolk, including the Bounty Mutiny. You will find Gallery Guava is like a little jewel box brimming with paintings, bone carvings, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and prints, all inspired by Norfolk’s natural beauty and mystique. This panoramic painting will transport you back in time, then hop back on the bus to finish the journey of the Bounty Mutineers.

Bounty Folk Museum, Journey of The Bounty Mutineers

Next, discover the amazing story of Norfolk Island in this museum. The Bounty Folk Museum is a treasure chest of history, an Aladdin’s cave full of fantastic collections and inspiring information stretching back to 1788. The Bounty Folk Museum is the people’s museum of Norfolk Island. The museum chronicles the history of the Island and its people, past and present, and then your bus will take you on your final Journey of the Bounty Mutineers. 

On 8 June 1856, a total of 194 people, descendants from the Bounty, arrived on Norfolk Island from Pitcairn Island aboard the Morayshire. This consisted of 40 men, 47 women, 54 boys, and 53 girls. They arrived in cold, wet, blustery conditions.  Few had ever been to sea before; they were seasick, homesick, and heartsick. The journey of 6,000 km (3,700 miles) took five weeks.  They arrived at a recently abandoned penal settlement set aside for the ‘worst of the worst’, it was full of ghosts and memories.  It was a large and frightening testimony of man’s inhumanity to man. We will bring the past to life with an audio aboard the bus, recounting stories of the families, where they lived, and how they adapted to their new life on Norfolk Island. We trust you enjoyed the Journey of the Bounty Mutineers.

4:00 Enrichment Lecture with William Lokey: “Typhoons, Cyclones, and Hurricanes – The Ocean’s Most Powerful Storms”
Explore how tropical cyclones are formed, how they are tracked, how they are named, and – with warmer oceans – will it get worse?

6:00 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner: “10 Pro tips for better Travel Photographs”.
In this lecture, you will learn ”secrets” that will make your photographs look like they were shot by a “pro”!

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant