Discovered in 1774 by Captain James Cook. Used by the British as a Penal Colony from 1788 – 1854. Queen Victoria gave Norfolk Island to the people of Pitcairn Island and they settled here on 8 June 1856.
Norfolk Island, a pristine volcanic island measures 8 klm by 5 klm and is happily situated in the Pacific Ocean 1600 klm from Sydney. A unique natural environment, Norfolk Island is absolutely stunning. Rainforest delights to gorgeous beaches and secluded bays.
The 8 acres of land on which “By the Bay” is situated was an original grant to the Pitcairn Islanders and is now held by Norfolk Islander – Noelene Buffett and her husband Roderick McAlpine. Noelene is a direct descendant from the Pitcairn Islanders that arrived on the Morayshire in 1856 and her ancestry goes back to Midshipman Young from the Bounty. Noelene and Roderick also hold Buffett family land at Steeles Point where both Noelene and their daughter Sarlae enjoyed their youth. Part of this family land is where they have developed their boutique vineyard and winery known as “Two Chimneys Wines”.
Norfolk Island has so much to share, see and do. Many visitors express “we wish that our stay had been for longer!”