Untold Norfolk Island Travel Podcast

Genre Fusion & Norfolk Island's Musical Melting Pot -    Let’s explore how Norfolk Island’s unique musical heritage has evolved showcasing various genres and the integral role music plays in our community gatherings, fundraisers, and celebrations. As global communication improved in the mid-20th century, Norfolk Islanders gained increasing access to musical influences from all around the...

The mystery of unspoken meanings in our Norf’k Language -    In this episode, let’s explore a little more of our rich linguistic heritage in Norfolk Island, focusing on proverbs, idioms, and metaphors in the Norf'k language. When travelling to and visiting a new place, a new community, you may find an unfamiliar language is spoken there. Perhaps there’s a sense that something meaningful remai...

The Sacred Gift of Family Stories -   There is something profoundly moving about sitting with an elder family member as they share stories from their past. When a grandparent, parent, aunt, or uncle opens up about their childhood experiences, historical events they witnessed, or family traditions they remember, they're offering you more than just information—they're entrusting you with t...

Education tradition & a Norf'k Language Camp! -  AUDIO>> You have just heard the late Archie Bigg reciting his poem about the Year 9 Norfolk Language camp  In this episode, let’s explore the foundation of our Norfolk Island education from our Pitcairn origins. The educational tradition on Norfolk Island extends back to the Pitcairn Islanders. In 1835, the community on Pitcairn insti...

The Norfolk Island pine, fibonacci & heritage shingle-making -   In this episode, let’s explore our iconic Norfolk Island Pine, its ecological and historical significance, and the traditional craft of making roof shingles as a part of our island's cultural heritage.  I would like to share this overview from a chapter entitled; ‘Norfolk Island’s trees’ by Kevin Mills. Kevin is a botanist a...

Our sporting legacy of watershed moments -  In this episode, let’s explore the athletic excellence in our Norfolk Island community as we delve into our participation in the South Pacific Games and Commonwealth Games and exceptional achievements despite our small size and isolation.  Norfolk Island has cultivated a remarkably strong sporting tradition that forms another pillar of our community iden...

Pacific Cable Station and the road to Kingfisher! -   In 1902, Norfolk Island took a monumental step into the modern age with the establishment of the Pacific Cable Station at Anson Bay. This facility marked the island's first telegraphic contact with the outside world, ending centuries of relative isolation. Prior to this development, communication with the mainland required physical transpo...

Chickens, chooks, fowls, in all their Norfolk glory! - Upon arriving at Norfolk Island, visitors are immediately struck by an observation which can often catch you by surprise – the numerous broods of feral chickens freely roaming the island. These colourful birds can be spotted going about their daily business of scratching and pecking against virtually every picturesque backdrop the island has t...

A tribute to those who chose Norfolk Island as their home -  In this week’s episode I would like to pay tribute to the women and men who chose Norfolk Island as their home. They often married islanders of Pitcairn descent, had families and it is through their dedication, love, and countless contributions, that these women and men have helped shape the Norfolk Island we cherish today. For those who...

Foraging local produce as shared in the words of our Norf'k language -   The remoteness of Norfolk Island has fostered a spirit of resourcefulness and innovation in its culinary practices. We adapt to the seasonal availability of local produce, creatively using unripe fruits and planning ahead to ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year. This adaptability is a hallmark of our Norfol...

Lower Lights, Whaling & Scrimshaw -   I, like many today, hold a deep reverence for whales. I am captivated by their sounds, their movements, and their majestic presence in the ocean. The idea of harming such creatures is, to me, deeply unsettling. However, as a descendant of Norfolk Islanders, I must also confront the reality of our whaling history, a heritage that includes my own great-grand...

Anniversary day, children, education and a youth assembly! -  On June 8, 1856, one hundred and ninety-four souls arrived on Norfolk Island, marking this current significant chapter in Norfolk Island’s history. These individuals, descendants of Tahitian foremothers and the HMAV Bounty mutineers, embarked on a gruelling 33-day sea journey aboard the naval vessel, Morayshire , from Pitcairn Island. T...

Sun, Soil and Sea. Rockmelon, tarla and hihi! -  Our Norfolk Island’s rich volcanic soil, abundant sunshine, and surrounding sea is a wonderful environment for cultivating distinctive produce. Let’s explore our agricultural landscape, the history and cultivation of local crops like rockmelons and taro/tarla, and one of our all time favourite traditions that is deeply intertwined with our island fo...

Horses as an integral part of the fabric of early Norfolk Island life -  How can we put ourselves into the shoes of 104 children under the age of 16, seeing, for the very first time, four-legged creatures on rugged hillsides?  They had never seen a horse before, let alone ridden one.  It was in 1856 that our community of 194 people arrived here in Norfolk Island, a tiny isolated isle, after a sea...

Surf Norfolk Island where your perfect wave awaits  - In this episode we’ll be touching upon the many physical, mental, social, and emotional benefits of participating in ocean activities, with a focus on surfing; from the therapeutic effects of blue spaces, to the unique benefits of surfing as exercise and meditation, and the importance of responsible ocean conservation through active participati...

The enduring legacy of fishing on the island from one generation to the next - Norfolk Island offers exceptional fishing experiences - whether it’s catching fish from a boat or tasting the deliciously fresh fresh at a restaurant or evening tour, as caught only hours before! Fishing on the island is way of life that deeply connects us to the ocean, fosters a sense of community responsibility, and e...

'In the Sweet By & By' and the story behind this cherished hymn -  The comforting melody and hopeful lyrics of ‘In the Sweet By and By' have always resonated with us on the island.  For our Norfolk Island community, hymn singing was traditionally a comfort that transcended the immediate moment, linking us to a shared heritage. Often, this intrinsic beauty of the hymn itself supe...

Our traditional gardening practices -  Our traditional gardening practices on the island were born from necessity and isolation. For generations, the Norfolk Island community mastered the art of self-sufficiency, adapting to the island's distinctive and often changing climate and seasons with limited resources. Our geographical isolation fostered innovative farming methods with a deep connect...

Norfolk Island's Music Heritage: The Art of Playing by Ear - This week we are going to uncover a musical snapshot  focusing on the custom of 'playing by ear,' a tradition deeply ingrained in our island's music heritage. Many Norfolk Islanders developed the ability to pick up and play traditional songs and melodies without the need for sheet music or formal training. This skill...

Our Island Tapestry of Names and Places -  In this episode we are going to journey through the captivating linguistic and cultural landscape of Norfolk Island, unraveling the rich history embedded within our unique placenames and naming customs. To touch upon the stories behind these names, we’ll discuss how they reflect the island's complex past, its sustainable practices, and the enduring s...

Our social customs & children's stories in the Norf'k language -  In this episode, let’s explore some of our social customs, our bonds of kinship and family ties, to the deep respect shown towards elders and the way in which we bring up our children on the island.  The late Miss Bataille, was the Kindergarten teacher at the school for many years and in her Norf’k language lessons she...

A culinary insight and what on earth is a ‘plun pilhi’? -   This week, have you ever thought about embarking upon a culinary journey that transcends mere eating; a journey to experience a destination’s essence through its flavours.  Imagine savouring dishes passed down through generations, each bite whispering tales of history, tradition, and local life.  On Norfolk Island, you can have a holiday...

Contemplating grief travel & musical tributes as a pathway to healing -   With the festive season upon us as a time of joy and celebration, I’d like to pause and acknowledge in this episode that this time of the year can be particularly difficult for those who may be grieving. The festive atmosphere and expectations of merriment can make grief feel even more acute, while the absence of a loved...

Our Norfolk Island Thanksgiving -   As an audio prelude to a potential holiday experience to Norfolk Island where you can immerse yourself in the remarkable sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of our island home, I’d now like to share with you one of our unique island traditions: Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving takes place on the third Wednesday of November each year - that’s been this week o...

Language & Education - In this week’s episode we recognise the symbiotic relationship between work and travel even if you are now enjoying retirement. Whether you're an analytical thinker, a creative soul, a service-oriented individual, a leader, an educator or an entrepreneur, there are countless ways to create travel experiences that resonate with your unique professional identity. The...