It's Official: Norfolk Island's Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) has been added to the World Heritage List, as part of the Australian Convict Sites inscription. This is an exciting step for Norfolk Island, in recognising the significance of our unique and fascinating heritage. KAVHA is also one of the best preserved historical sites in the Pacific, giving a real sense of connection to the past as you walk amongst the restored buildings and ruins. In fact, we don't just have one convict history - we have two. Firstly, Governor Arthur Philip established a prison colony here in 1788, but this was disbanded in 1814. The island then lay abandoned until a second, much harsher, penal colony from 1825 until 1856. Thankfully, things are much more peaceful now.
For more information about Norfolk Island's convict history, check out www.kavha.gov.nf