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Discover 1856: The Untold Story on Norfolk Island

Step into the stirring story of the 194 descendants who, on 8 June 1856, arrived aboard the Morayshire after a five-week, 6,000 km crossing from Pitcairn Island, landing in cold, wet, blustery conditions and confronting seasickness, homesickness and a vastly changed world; on this evocative tour through the World Heritage Listed Kingston area you’ll trace where families lived, learn how they adapted to life on Norfolk Island, and feel the atmosphere of a recently abandoned penal settlement once set aside for the “worst of the worst,” full of ghosts and memories-an immersive, informative experience ideal for history lovers, families and anyone booking tours, cultural Events or multi-day stays who wants to connect their accommodation with the stories and sights of this unique destination.

About this activity in Norfolk Island

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Trace the 1856 arrival of 194 Bounty descendants and relive their five‑week, 6,000 km sea journey as you explore Kingston’s World Heritage precinct.
  • Hear evocative family stories and see the places where settlers adapted to a recently abandoned penal settlement, bringing Norfolk Island’s layered past to life.

Important Information

  • Travel comfortably in an air‑conditioned vehicle with live onboard commentary that guides you through the Kingston area and its historic sites.
  • This tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants are expected to sit on an adult’s lap - please prepare for wet or windy conditions given the site's coastal exposure.

Meeting Point

Meet at the designated departure point in the Kingston precinct - check your booking confirmation for the exact location and arrival time before your Norfolk Island tour.

Includes

  • Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to stay comfortable while exploring Norfolk Island and the surrounding sites
  • Enjoy on-board commentary that guides you through the island’s highlights so you can learn as you go

Other

  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap for the duration of the activity
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels-this activity is accessible across the island for most guests

Customer Reviews

9/10
Based on 7 Reviews
U2430KMvickik
Apr 27, 2025 12:05:21 AM
Summary: Thoroughly enjoyed our adventure with the driver Brook. He was so informative, helpful and professional. Happy to answer our questions and so passionate about Norfolk's heritage.
Navigate147775
Feb 24, 2025 08:25:26 PM
Summary: It was ok. Interesting audio tour in the bus. The bus driver Brooke is fantastic and very knowledgeable. His commentary was the best part of the night
Kaye_F
Aug 3, 2024 02:30:49 AM
Summary: The whole tour was very informative and a big learning experience. The guide very knowledgeable and professional

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Know more about Norfolk Island

1856 - The Untold Story is an evocative Kingston tour that follows the arrival and resettlement of 194 Bounty descendants who came from Pitcairn Island aboard the Morayshire on 8 June 1856. On this cultural and historical walking and driving experience, you’ll hear stories of the families, see where they lived in the former penal settlement and learn how they adapted to life on Norfolk Island.
Yes. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels, making it a good choice for multi-generational groups interested in Art & Culture, Tours & Sightseeing and history. Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, and the experience is designed to be accessible while still delivering rich historical interpretation.
The arrival of 194 descendants on 8 June 1856 marked a major resettlement when people left Pitcairn Island and took up residence in a recently abandoned penal settlement. That five-week, 6,000 km journey and the difficult first landing shaped the community’s identity and is a central theme of this Kingston heritage tour.
You’ll be guided around World Heritage Listed Kingston locations tied to the 1856 arrival, encountering former family homes, historic ruins of the recently abandoned penal settlement and layers of memory and ghosts that shaped local life. The tour recounts where the Bounty descendants lived and how they rebuilt community here.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for parts of the journey and on-board commentary, so you can sit back and listen to the untold stories of the 1856 arrival and the descendants’ adaptation to island life while moving between Kingston sites on Norfolk Island.
This experience appeals strongly to Tours & Sightseeing, Art & Culture and history-focused visitors, as well as families, Workshops & Learning groups and anyone interested in Outdoor & Nature storytelling. It’s ideal if you want a historically rich, interpretive tour that connects you to the island’s unique past.