Norfolk Island

In December 2022, Bron, Lal and I spent a great week on Norfolk Island.

Approximately 1000 kilometres east of Australian, Norfolk Island is a fascinating and beautiful place.

Archaelogical evidence shows that the island was inhabited by Polynesian seafarers between the 13th and 15th centuries.   

Then in 1788 Norfolk Island became the second European settlement in Australia after Sydney.  

The settlement was chosen as the Norfolk Island pines were believed to be good for making ship masts and the flax could be used for sails.   Also, there were concerns that the French were sniffing around and might make a settlement there.

The settlement of convicts and free settlers remained there until 1814 when the island was abandoned due to its perilous landing sites, isolation and settlement in Tasmania.   

However, a second convict settlement was established in 1825,   The settlement became infamous for the harsh treatment of prisoners.   The settlement was once again abandoned by 1856.

It was then that the island was handed over to the Pitcairn Islanders.   The descendents of the Pitcairn Islanders now make up about half of the island's population.    

Check out some photos of our trip.

Alison, Deb and Bob’s Coorong Adventure

 

In November 2023 Deb, Bob and I explored the Coorong.   The continuing La Nina result in strong winds and some rain but we managed to have a great time exploring the area.   We saw lots of birds, found several bakeries and understand a lot more now about the Aboriginal and settler culture of the area.

We based ourselves in Clayton Bay (a big thank you to Cathy for the use of the family holiday house when the thought of tenting it lost its attraction due to the weather).

Day 1 was spent exploring around Clayton Bay on foot and in kayaks.   

Pat impressed us with her knowledge of birds and her ability to keep the spray off Bob when paddling!

For Day 2 we headed east to the Coorong National Park and Parnka Point.

Day 3 we visited Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island

Day 4 was a paddle from Hindmarsh Island to Godfreys Landing

And our final day was at Victor Harbour.

Here’s my best bird photo!

And check out some of the other photos from the trip.

 

Thanks Bob for looking after us!