The View From My Beer
The fourth day of my five-day stay in Norfolk Island. Each day I enjoyed the same view from my balcony overlooking Slaughter Bay and the original settlement of Kingston. I am enjoying a Boags Premum as I reflect on the lives on my fifth great grandparents who were part of the original landing party back in 1788 before they later moved to play a role in pioneering Tasmania.
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is eight kilometres long and six kilometres wide, almost walking distance. It’s origins are volcanic, with rugged cliffs rising out of the Pacific Ocean creating a spectacular coastline. In addition to the main island, there are two other islands – Nepean Island, and Phillip Island just off the coast of Slaughter Bay. The other two islands are distinct because the have no trees. The trees were cut down during the first penal settlement to stoke the fires used to boil sea water for salt.
My Walk
I had done some research yesterday, while checking in to a local pub for WiFi connectivityI (why else would I visit a pub?). I put together a list of places I wanted to visit in my remaining time I have. Today I would focus on the west and northern parts of the island.
Kingston Pier
When I woke up this morning I noticed some activity down at the Kingston Pier. The original settlement of Kingston had been chosen because it was about the only place on the island that was safe for boats to land. This continues to this day. In fact, I had been told that watching the ships unload was an interesting event. I was lucky. Today the first cargo ship for 2025 was unloading its containers. Not the normal way… The ship was anchored out in the Pacific Ocean and a barge was used to transfer the contents of the containers several pallets at a time. The pallets were then lifted by crane onto the dock where trucks were waiting to transport them to their final destination. While the crane was operating, several boat owners also took the opportunity to have their boats lowered into the water.
Southwest Corner
My next series of stops were along the southwest corner of Norfolk Island. Here I found old ruins from the early settlements, a grove of Moreton Bay Figs, and some awesome coastlines.
Norfolk Island National Park
I then headed north to the northwest corner of the island and the Norfolk Island National Park. I ws able to enjoy a 4 km hike along the coastline that offered some amazing panoramic views.
Hundred Acres Reserve
On my return home, I decided to stop at the Hundred Acres Woods. I had noticed a sign yesterday but hesitated. Robin Williams words from ‘Dead Poets Society’ – “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary” kept running through my head ever since…. I am so glad I decided to stop this time as I got to enjoy a walk through an amazing forest and some stunning coastline. I have decided to adopt Robin Williams words from now on! Some stops may be ordinary, but some will prove to be sensational.
Emily Bay
Each evening I usually return to the Slaughter Bay and Emily Bay area for a walk to reflect on my day. I stop by the various markers left to commemorate the live of my ancestors and then I enjoy the beautiful views and the sound of the ocean as the waves crash on the rugged coastline. It is a very peaceful existence here, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In some ways it has proven a bonus to be out of touch from the rest of the world.
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