Seriously Sirius 230th Anniversary on Norfolk Island

This is sponsored content for Norfolk Island Travel

March 19, 2020, will be the 230th anniversary of the wrecking of HMS Sirius on the reef at Norfolk Island.

She was the flagship of the First Fleet and her wrecking was undoubtedly the most serious event to occur during the early life of both the Port Jackson and Norfolk Island settlements.

This important anniversary in Australian history is one that the Norfolk Island Travel Centre is intending to mark and to do so they have organised an exceptional week of events with special guest presenter Graham Seal, author of Great Convict Stories and Professor of Folklore at Curtin University.

Graham will spotlight many extraordinary happenings and convicts, including those who lived through this tumultuous event.

Other honorary guests are history and folklore specialists Don and Sue Brian, who have uniquely collected the stories, songs and poems of convicts, whalers and others from this period.

This event offers the opportunity to honour a convict, marine and free settler ancestor heritage; delve deeper into the writing of convict lives and stories; plus increase understandings of the importance of this devastating event in the Nation's history.

It is highly recommended to take out the Optional 230th Anniversary Package that includes presentations and workshops by Graham, Don and Sue as well as a waterfront event under a marquee opposite the wreck site at Kingston, with a sumptuous luncheon, presentations, folk music and entertainment.

Dedicated tours of the Sirius artefacts and Norfolk Island Museum, together with special dinners are also part of the package.

This week will be of interest to those with a maritime or folklore interest, or any with an ancestry from the First Fleet, as well as those who simply dream of a Pacific Island holiday - with added interest!

You may not have realised it, but over recent years Norfolk Island has begun to be appreciated for features it has always naturally possessed, yet remained largely hidden.

Today, Norfolk is being appreciated as a fresh, seasonal foodie haven where food miles are counted in metres; as an unspoiled environmental playground with lush rainforests and coral filled waters; and for its unique community with mutiny on the Bounty ancestry.

Whether you visit Norfolk by yourself, with family or friends, or as part of an organised (or your own) group trip, make sure to use the knowledge available from local travel agents, tour operators and visitor information services all located on the island.

'Meeting the locals' really is part of a Norfolk Island experience, so make sure to do so even before you travel. You'll surely find much more than you expected on a Norfolk Island holiday!

For further details email Maria Massey at maria@travelcentre.nf or call 1800 1400 66 or visit www.norfolkislandtravelcentre.com