Bound For Paradise
One of the most unique things you can experience while on Norfolk Island, is the unloading of the freight ships. Something that will stick in your mind forever.
It’s hard enough to imagine a lawnmower being unloaded onto a row boat (okay it’s a bit more than a row boat), let alone a 22 seat bus… But that’s the reality of freight arriving on Norfolk Island.
In November last year, our little bus made the journey through hail storms, mouse plagues and Covid, to Brisbane to begin its journey to paradise.
The cheapest way to get goods to the Island is through cargo ships. Air freight can be so expensive. Most things are delivered to the Island via sea, including Food, Medicine, stock feed, boats and even our buses!
Naturally, deliveries take a bit longer using this method, (although possibly quicker than Australia post), so freight arrivals can be an exciting time on the island. With the majority of supplies coming from Australia and New Zealand, a significant 1600km & 1400km across the South Pacific, and only have a small number of visits scheduled each year.
The days leading up to the day of arrival can bring about many different feelings on the Island. Expectations of awaited packages, food and supplies for the supermarket. Excitement from the tourists to see something so exciting and unique, and relief from the locals when the ship is finally unloaded.
Typically, competition for available space on the ship is heavy, with perishable, medical and basic necessities given priority. This meant that our bus sat at the depot in Dubbo for 12 months before we were able to secure a spot on the ship to take it to its new home.
We made sure the keep the bus registered in case a spot became available at short notice. Sure enough, November 2021 came around and it was go time. Our bus left Dubbo and made the journey to the Port of Brisbane, experiencing some wild weather on the way. After checking there was no damage done, the bus made it to its first destination.
Unfortunately, the weather didn’t play nice, and the bus sat on the wharf for 10 days until the seas were calm enough for the ship to travel safely.
Arrival Day
The day of unloading can be delayed due to the weather, and the ship can sit anchored out at sea for days.
But, if you happen to be on the Island when the ship is unloading, it is something truly amazing to see, so do yourself a favour and make sure you go and watch!
What is seemingly a group of blokes craning your brand new bus onto a couple of pallets tied to row boats, is actually a group of people who are true masters of their craft.
For as long as most locals can remember, this is how it has been done. The Launch towing the lighter boats out (the number depending on what is being taken off the ship), travels out through the water to the ship. The process of uploading then begins, and the boats come back to the wharf. This is where the magic is easier to see with the naked eye.
You know when they say ‘you make that look easy’? The people unloading the boat truly do make it look like a work of art. All in sync with each other. Although you hold your breath when watching your little bus travelling across the water on top of boats, once those wheels touch down on the wharf, you begin to breath and the heart starts back up again.
After a long 12months of missed shipping opportunities and waiting, our little friend was finally here in paradise. Once on land, the first visit was to be registered, and the second was out touring that afternoon.
Looking to visit Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island offers all things you love about the South Pacific and a whole lot more. Crystal clear waters sheltered by coral reefs, moody cliffs and rich colonial history.
Pinetree tours are your local guides ensuring you don’t miss a thing. To ensure you get the true island experience, get in touch with us today, you won’t regret it!