3 million year old volcanic outcrop. A time of beauty, snow white terns fly against an azure sky. The young learn to fly from the old. The babies are learning to fly.
Plants are blossoming, the vegetation is shining emerald d green in the lush spring sun. People emerge and are walking along the tracks in the magnificent pine and oak forests.
The Norfolk Island pine feeds parrots with its seeds. Proud and tall, symbolic of an independent island. Bastard oaks stand solo guard over their domain, keeping to themselves while wild wisteria share flowers creamy blue within the canopy of trees.
Norfolk Island palms keep green parrots busy with bright red fruit while sharkwood seeps its garlic aroma for all to adore or repel .White oak up to 20 metres stare down through pink flowers at the lush forest floor.
Ironwood fruit blend yellow, red and purple fruits to keep the local birds happy. Peach trees blossom, as evergreens with small white flowers do their impersonation of frangipani. Pepper trees spice up their surroundings. Tea trees crimson fruits sit closely to the Devils guts whose thorns are its weapons. Bloodwood bleeds its dark red tonic sap through its outer bark. Nettles and Popwood spread throughout the Botanic Garden. The Norfolk tree fern here it is the tallest in the world.
See plants and animals that are only found here. Only here. Nowhere else on planet earth. Over the years of isolation, this subtropical rainforest island flourished. Away from everyone. Away from everything.
Growth from seeds blown by persistent winds from faraway lands, propagated the island.
Unique species were bor. More than 40 plants can only be seen here on this ancient pacific isle.
The subtropical climate gets its boost in spring, you can feel everything enlivening. You become alive again in the freshest air in the southern hemisphere. http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/norfolk/
On an island so blessed by natures beauty it is great to know that spring on Norfolk Island is as active as it is scenic. Water temperatures are a treat for surfing, fishing, snorkelling. You can go on bush walks, climbs, marathon treks, play golf, bowls, visit historical landmarks, eat and drink at the many café, resorts, hotels and restaurants or just take in the spectacle that is Norfolk in springtime.
If you’re planning a shopping holiday, Norfolk Island is just the place to visit. It is exempt from duty and federal Australian tax, but you will need a passport to enter. The Norfolk Island currency is the Australian dollar, so bring along a few bucks to take advantage of the great bargains.
The main shopping strip in Norfolk Island is on Taylors Road in the area known as Burnt Pine. With low tax shopping on the island, shoppers will be in their element hunting for fabulous deals. This is where you will find Craig’s Knitwear with classical & fashion knits from around the world, with the bulk of their stock being imported from Europe & the United Kingdom & North America.
Another famous spot for shopping is the Norfolk Island Markets. The Sunday morning outdoor markets are run at the Bicentennial Complex. Local artwork is worth checking out, including hand-made baskets and wood carvings of ships.
Springtime is Selwyn Cottage…perfect for that special occasion and for those who enjoy comfort in tasteful surroundings. This private one bedroom luxury appointed cottage is set in a lovely garden overlooking a peaceful valley of Norfolk pines and close to the National Park sub-tropical walking tracks yet only 5 minutes to town.
After you have rested up the great outdoors awaits you. Take your pick from any number of sports; golf, tennis, squash, fishing, yoga, snorkelling sea kayaking, edible gardens & eco tours, art galleries, bushwalking and let’s not forget all the water sports available in some of the clearest waters around. There are more than 30 dive sites ranging from the safety of the lagoon to the thrill of open water.
Bowlers in springtime are well catered for at Norfolk Island Bowls Club with its bistro serving top quality meals open daily from 5.30pm. Why not settle in for a meal and a drink after a round of bowls, where bowls are played all year round.
Many springtime visitors stay at the Polynesian Hotels and Apartments in their one, two bedroom apartments or studio units. You can rent your own car from here or if that is too past for this spring break, grab a mountain bike and peddle around. Relax by the pool or enjoy a meal in the licensed Asian style restaurant.
If it’s the gateway to the world heritage historical areas you need to stay on the 8 acres at the Crest Apartments where a rental car comes with each apartment, a perfect place for a springtime relax.
3 million years old and as original as its inhabitants Norfolk is the rea taste of spring.
NORFOLK ISLAND EVENTS
Hardy’s Wine Pro-Am Golf Classic
Sunday 24 Aug – Friday 29 Aug
Amateur and professional golfers not only play for an attractive prize pool every August, they experience golf Norfolk Island style. The only course located within an historic world heritage listed area players can be challenged on their focus, they play on an extremely beautiful course bordered by the crystal clear South Pacific Ocean and surrounding historic restored convict buildings, including the golf club house. The tournament is challenging yet highly friendly and social, local players join visiting pros and amateurs to compete in the four day comp. Most years are a sell-out.
Red Hatter’s Gathering
26 Aug – 2 Sep
Women younger than 50 are also welcome, but they must possess a fun-loving streak, don pink hats with lavender attire. Look-at-me accessories like a red feather boa are encouraged. The leader of the local Red Hat chapter is known as the Queen, and members refer to each other as Red Hatters. Events vary from chapter to chapter, but most Red Hatters favour attending parties, fun outings and get-togethers for any reason, or just for no reason at all! Your hosts will be the Norfolk Island Red Hatter Chapter with Queen ‘Her Royal Highness Queenalee and her ‘Bounty Babes’!
Government House Charity Open Day
Wed 24 Sep, Wed 29 Oct
Norfolk Island’s historic Government House – built in 1829 and handsomely restored – is generally not open to the public. However, on a number of occasions each year, its formal rooms are open for the afternoon – 1pm – 3.30pm – for public inspection.
Theatre Festival
Sat 27 Sep – Fri 3 Oct
Norfolk Amateur Theatrical Society invites you to join us in 2014. The competition is open to all amateur theatrical companies, or groups of amateur players, who are required to perform a one-act play or an excerpt from a full-length play. An amateur actor is one who does not derive his principle source of income from the performing arts.
Gardeners & Gourmet Delight tour with Adam Woodhams
Fri 10 Oct – Fri 17 Oct
Adam first visited the island reporting for Garden Australia magazine and has been under its spell ever since; “The Island presents so many wonderful and truly memorable opportunities so close to home something for every taste; fabulous gardens, the natural environment, history and heritage not to mention the wonderful local food.” Timed to coincide with the annual Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Show the tour takes in some of the islands finest gardens, areas of stunning natural beauty as well as enjoying some of the many gastronomic delights the Island has to offer.
Show Day Royal Agricultural & Horticultural
Monday 13 Oct
Rawson hall
Quilters Getaway
Mon 20 Oct – Fri 24 Oct
Four renowned instructors give students their undivided attention for the full week on Norfolk Island. Teamed with the island’s picturesque setting, conditions are perfect to inspire students and instructors alike creating pieces to exhibit and new quilting themes and designs.
Golf Governor’s Cup Tournament
Mon 3 Nov – Thur 6 Nov
Governor’s Cup is a three day tournament; 4 ball best ball Stableford, 2 person Ambrose and 4 ball aggregate Stableford. Teams of two can be womens, mens or mixed. With overall prize pool of AU$10,000 up for grabs visitors could be rewarded in more ways than one. Although really everyone’s a winner because they enjoy a holiday in the South Pacific whilst playing on one of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.
Food Festival – Taste of Norfolk Island
22 Nov – 29 Nov
The organisers of Norfolk Island’s inaugural Food Festival have confirmed that celebrity chefs Fast Ed & Dominique Rizzo will be the guests chefs during this foodie week! It will showcase the wide variety of produce & promote the Island as a taste sensation with a rich history in food and tradition. You will experience & learn about traditional dishes as well as the real paddock to place experience offered by our amazing local chefs. The festival is the same week of Thanksgiving Day, a celebration with some of the focus on food & fresh produce.
Thanksgiving Day Public Holiday
Wed 26 Nov
Norfolk Island is one of the few places outside of America to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. This is a legacy left by the American whalers who worked on Norfolk Island during the whaling industry in the 1960’s. The day is celebrated at all of the churches to give thanks the churches are decorated with produce and island cooking. After the service the goods are auctioned off.
Jazz Festival – Norfolk jazzes it up!
Sun 30 Nov – 4 Dec
The very popular Jazz festival is on again in December 2014! Combine your holiday with the wonderful sounds of traditional & modern jazz! The line-up of artists for 2014 will be announced soon.
For more information on any of the above events visit the Norfolk Island Information Board