Norfolk Island Located midway
between New Zealand and New Calendonia, Norfolk Island was discovered by Captain James
Cook in 1774. Cook noted the coral reefs, precipitous cliffs and towering Norfolk pines.
For over sixty years the island was a convict settlement, populated by chain-bound
hardened criminals, their gaolers and a handful of tree settlers. Stamps of New South
Wales were in use on the island from the late 1890s until Australian Commonwealth stamps
were introduced in 1913. In 1939 permission was granted for Norfolk to issue its own
stamps, but the war intervened and it was not until 1947 that stamps bearing the Norfolk
Island name were issued. Norfolk Island now has full control of its own postal affairs and
stamp issues. Stamp subjects present a kaleidoscope of Norfolk flora, fauna and
breathtaking scenery, interspersed with aspects of the Island's fascinating history.
and New Calendonia, Norfolk Island was discovered by Captain James
Cook in 1774. Cook noted the coral reefs, precipitous cliffs and towering Norfolk pines.
For over sixty years the island was a convict settlement, populated by chain-bound
hardened criminals, their gaolers and a handful of tree settlers. Stamps of New South
Wales were in use on the island from the late 1890s until Australian Commonwealth stamps
were introduced in 1913. In 1939 permission was granted for Norfolk to issue its own
stamps, but the war intervened and it was not until 1947 that stamps bearing the Norfolk
Island name were issued. Norfolk Island now has full control of its own postal affairs and
stamp issues. Stamp subjects present a kaleidoscope of Norfolk flora, fauna and
breathtaking scenery, interspersed with aspects of the Island's fascinating history.