Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island
Highlights
- Immersive journey through time
- Insightful and captivating stories
- Exploring various historical sites
- Lovely morning or afternoon tea
- Deep understanding of Norfolk Island's history
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Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
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Expert guide included
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Morning or afternoon tea
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Wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all fitness levels
Step back in time and experience the captivating history of Norfolk Island's Convict Settlement on this immersive tour. Led by expert guides, you'll explore the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), a World Heritage Listed Georgian settlement. As you wander through this colonial-era site, you'll be enthralled by the stories and tales of the past, gaining a deep understanding of the island's convict history. Discover the only place in Australia with evidence of early Polynesian settlement and the fascinating stories of the Pitcairn Island descendants. Along the way, you'll visit the Norfolk Island Cemetery, the remains of the Crankmill, and the historic Pier Store. Don't miss the chance to relax with a delightful morning or afternoon tea and reflect on the historical significance of each site. For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, this educational and engaging tour is an absolute must-do experience on Norfolk Island.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours 30 minutes
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Norfolk Island's convict history on a 3.5-hour guided tour of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area, including tea break.
Included
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Professional guide
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Tea
Meeting Point
Opposite our Office.
77 Taylors Road Burnt Pine NF, 2899, Norfolk Island , Norfolk Island
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area
The Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), is of outstanding significance to the nation as a convict settlement spanning the era of transportation to eastern Australia between 1788 -1855. It is also significant as the only site in Australia to display evidence of early Polynesian settlement, and the place where the Pitcairn Island descendants of the Bounty mutineers were re-settled in 1856. In 2010 the Australian Federal Environment Protection and Heritage Minister, Peter Garrett, and Norfolk Island Chief Minister, David Buffett, welcomed an announcement by the World Heritage Committee that Norfolk Island's Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area has been included on the WORLD HERITAGE LIST as part of the Australian Convict Sites inscription.
Norfolk Island has one cemetery, located at Kingston, on the shores of the aptly named Cemetery Bay. Burials have taken place here from the period of the first settlement to the present day.
The Crankmill
A witness to the horrific past of the now idyllic Norfolk Island, The Crankmill served as a facility for convicts from 1837 to 1855. Originally built as a store in 1827, the building changed its purpose several times before it was consumed by fire in the late 19th century. Today, you can see only the moss-covered walls and remnants of the old whaling boat, which survived from the period when the building was used as a boat shed. The remains of the crank mill mechanism are kept in the Norfolk Island Museum.
Pier Store Norfolk Island Museum
The Pier Store was originally known as The Beach Store and was built in 1825 as a Commissariat (a Government or Military store). Located at the end of Kingston Pier, it was the most efficient and suitable place to unload goods to. After a tsunami hit the building in 1834 it was converted to a mill where corn was ground by use of hand-mills. In 1841 the upper storey became a guard-room and the lower continued to be used as a store. After the arrival of the Pitcairners in 1856 the lower floor became a customs shed and the upper storey was also used as a coffin room. A complete renovation of the building began in 1977 and it was then used as a store for lighterage gear, old crankmill machinery and pallets of beer. In 1988 the building became available for use by the Norfolk Island Museum.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Wheelchair accessible
What our experts say
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Visit the Norfolk Island Museum nearby.
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Try local cuisine at the nearby Hilli Restaurant.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Explore the beautiful Cemetery Bay post-tour.
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Check out local shops for unique souvenirs.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island takes visitors on a captivating journey through time, immersing them in the colonial era of Norfolk Island. Led by expert guides, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA), a World Heritage Listed Georgian settlement. With each historical site unveiling its own fascinating story, visitors are sure to be enthralled by the rich history that surrounds them. From evidence of early Polynesian settlement to the re-settlement of the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Norfolk Island's past comes alive during this immersive experience.What to expect?
During the Convict Settlement Tour, visitors can expect a total duration of 210 minutes, filled with captivating stories and intriguing historical sites. The typical itinerary includes:Step 1: Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (120 minutes)
Step 2: Norfolk Island Cemetery (60 minutes)
Step 3: The Crankmill (30 minutes)
Step 4: The Pier Store (duration not specified)
The tour starts and ends opposite the tour office.
Who is this for?
The Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island is for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone seeking an educational and engaging experience. Whether you are a curious traveler, a student of history, or simply someone who appreciates the stories of the past, this tour will captivate you. The tour is designed for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, welcoming anyone with a desire to delve into the intriguing history of Norfolk Island.Why book this?
This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the World Heritage Listed Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area and gain a deep understanding of Norfolk Island's captivating history. Led by expert guides, the Convict Settlement Tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of those who once inhabited this colonial settlement. From the evidence of early Polynesian settlement to the stories of the Pitcairn Island descendants, this tour brings history to life. The morning or afternoon tea included in the tour provides a moment of relaxation and reflection, allowing visitors to truly absorb the historical significance of the sites they have explored. Book this tour to embark on an educational and captivating journey through Norfolk Island's convict past and Georgian settlement.Good to know
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore various historical sites, including Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area, Norfolk Island Cemetery, The Crankmill, and The Pier Store. It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for walking and exploring historical sites. The exact duration of The Pier Store visit is not specified in the provided information. The tour starts and ends opposite the tour office, making it easy to find and join. Prepare to be enthralled by the intriguing stories and rich history that awaits you on the Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island.Reviews
Unfortunately, no reviews or feedback have been provided for the Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island. However, previous visitors have mentioned the expert guidance and immersive experience as highlights of their visit to Norfolk Island's historical sites. Others have expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the island's convict past and its impact on the present. The lack of specific reviews for this tour suggests that it may be a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is