Norfolk Island

(Territory of Norfolk Island, Teratri of Norf’k Ailen)

General Information:

Location: Southwestern Pacific
Capital: Kingston
Language(s): English, Norfuk
Population: 1,735
Total Area: 35 sq km
Currency: Australian Dollar
Curious Alcohol Fact: Wines and beers are imported from Australia and new Zealand while a single distillery produces spirits.
Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: Not available
Most Popular Drink(s): Beers (local and foreign), soft drinks

Norfolk Travel Video

Courtesy: Southpacificnorfolk

The Territory

Norfolk is an external territory belonging to Australia. In some other descriptions, it is referred to as a dependency of Australia. Norfolk is a single island and it lies at a distance of almost 1,500 km to the east of Australia and it has a rugged relief with Mount Bates being its highest point. Just about 8 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, Norfolk is a no doubt a small territory but is one that is very interesting to visit. However, in addition to this main island, there are two islets that you may also consider worthy of a visit. These are Nepean and Philip. The city of Kingston serves as the capital for the island in addition to being the main port and the number one destination for tourists. Kingston is also the largest settlement on the island and it comes as little surprise that it was chosen as the island’s center of administration. In many parts of the island, you will be impressed with the presence of imposing cliffs. Norfolk is known for its breathtaking physical beauty. There are countless seabirds, bats and plants, and that is not to talk of the numerous fish species found in the ocean.

The People

Many of the Norfolk islanders are involved in the territory’s tourism industry and I must confess that they are very good when it comes to receiving visitors and tourists with hospitality and warmth. You will find them in the island’s numerous hotels, inns, restaurants and stores. Many of the tourists coming to the territory come from the New Zealand which is often described as the ‘mother nation’. Many of the islanders who are not involved in the local industry are into subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Fishing is also an important economic activity.

Eating

While on Norfolk Island, I was able to enjoy some of the tastiest meals in the Pacific region. Understandably, many of the meals prepared on the island are made using various types of seafood –crabs, lobsters, shrimps, shellfish and prawns. I will never forget my regular plate of grilled fish and fruit juice. With numerous restaurants and eateries, Norfolk Island is a place to wine and dine to the fullest. Some of these eateries have outlets where you can enjoy indigenous delicacies like pilihai which is prepared using ripe bananas. There are also other local dishes made using corn, potatoes, wheat and vegetables. Once you are on Norfolk Island, there is always more than enough for you to eat –and be merry.

Drinking

Restaurants and eateries sell wines and beers imported from New Zealand and Australia. There is also a local distillery producing spirits and if you visit at the right time, you can sample fresh brews free of charge. In the rural areas of the island, fruit juices are widely consumed instead of alcoholic drinks in the urban areas. Soft drinks can also be easily purchased.

Interesting Facts

The island was once used by Britain as a center for dealing with convicts.
The Norfolk Island pine which grows on the island is a national symbol.
The island is volcanic in nature.
Just one mammal is native to this pristine island.

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Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria).