Foundation Day Public Holiday

On 6 March 1788 Lieutenant Philip Gidley King arrived with the first settlers -  a party of fifteen convicts, 9 males, 6 females and 7 free men, to take control of Norfolk Island so the Island didn’t fall into the hands of the French who were also interested in the South Pacific.

Foundation Day celebrates this historical occasion & attracts many visitors especially those who are researching their family heritage. The re-enactment & celebrations all take place at Kingston, the World Heritage area of Norfolk Island.