Norfolk Island also holds important biological significance as its flora and fauna are derived from the chance dispersal of plants and animals over vast distances of ocean. Many species have evolved into unique, or endemic, forms due to isolation from other populations and having different evolutionary pressures.

Discovered by Captain James Cook, it was claimed by him for Great Britain and named in honour of the Duchess of Norfolk. Cook’s crew were struck by the island’s rugged beauty and the abundance of flax and pine.

Cook sailed on, and the island was to remain uninhabited for a further 14 years. Since then the island has seen two penal settlements come and go, the second of which was the most brutal ever established by Britain.

In 1856 the island received those who call it home to this day – the Pitcairners, descendants of the Bounty Mutineers. During the intervening 140 years these people have nurtured the island to make it a prosperous, tranquil and beautiful place. Thousands of people from all over the world now come to experience the history, beauty and unique Pitcairn culture that make Norfolk Island a paradise on Earth.

However, paradise is threatened…

This site, created by Norfolk Island’s Society of Pitcairn Descendants and jpwebworks, explores the history of Norfolk Island from its formation millions of years ago to its beauty today, and outlines the struggles of its indigenous population – fighting against a bloodless genocide.

Holidays on Norfolk Island feel like you have been isolated from the rest of the world. The buildings have colonial architecture, a heritage from its English ancestors.

On Norfolk Island you will not find any railways, port or harbours, or even any busy roads for that matter. There are eighty kilometers of lane ways across the island and cows still have the right of way. When supplies come by ship, jetties on either side of the Island are used to send small boats out to the bigger ships to ferry in 5 tonnes of supplies at a time.

Located between Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand, the symbol for Norfolk Island is the pine tree and this features on the territory’s flag. Visitors to Norfolk Island can find ruins left over from convict settlements, over 170 native plants and ferns, and several types of sea birds that come to the island to breed.

Traditional Norfolk clothing has a colonial theme and most family names are English. Not all ancestors of the current Norfolk people are English, some ancestors were Polynesian. Visitors will notice a strong Polynesian influence on Norfolk Island, as seen in the local cuisine and the hula dance.