Australians Going Bananas on Norfolk

The cheapest bananas in Australia have joined pine trees, convict ruins, soaring cliffs and the Mutiny on the Bounty tale as one of the biggest attractions on Norfolk Island.

Local farmers are struggling to keep up with demand from banana-deprived mainlanders who can't believe Norfolk's home-grown bananas are retailing for just A$2.05kg in local shops or just 50 cents each at the weekly produce market.

Norfolk's bargain price for bananas is at least six times less than the $13 a kilogram currently charged in most Australian shops following the devastation of Queensland crops by Cyclone Larry in April.

More than 20 varieties of bananas including the most popular, cavendish and gold finger, are grown on the subtropical island, which is an external territory of Australia 1500km north-east of Sydney on the same latitude as Byron Bay.

Most islanders - the tiny 8km by 5km island has 1800 residents - grow bananas on their properties, with the warm climate and rich volcanic soil aiding their growth year-round.

Islanders, 50 per cent of whom are descendants of the Bounty mutineers - speak one of the world's rarest languages - a sing-song mix of Tahitian and old-world English which Fletcher Christian and his rebels concocted to speak to their Tahitian wives. In Norfolk tongue, bananas are called 'plun'.

Norfolk's bountiful supply of 'plun' are used in traditional island dishes and cakes such as the damper-like muddha and a moist banana slice called pilihi, with visitors enjoying these treats on tours and at attractions.

When a regular shipping service commenced in 1898, bananas were exported from Norfolk along with onions and oranges but due to strict quarantine laws in Australia and on Norfolk Island, produce is no longer allowed off the island.

Norfolk Island is the closest international destination to Australia's east coast, with flights connecting the island and the mainland four times a week using the new Norfolk Air 737 jet service. Flights from Brisbane and Sydney take between 2-2.5 hours.

"Norfolk Island may be small but its an incredibly beautiful and intriguing destination with lots of attractions, tours and activities such as golf, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking but it seems our bananas are the latest and biggest attraction of all," said Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Steve McInnes.

Banana-loving Australians keen to know more about Norfolk and the latest package deals can visit www.norfolkisland.nf or call toll-free 1800 214 603 for a free information pack.

Media contacts
Andrew Mevissen/Bill Gray
MG Media Communications
02 9904 0011
Issued: August 31, 2006