Foundation Day (Norfolk Island), the founding of Norfolk Island in 1788.
A public holiday marking the 1788 founding of Norfolk Island as a British penal settlement.
Observed on March 6, Norfolk Island’s Foundation Day commemorates the arrival of the first settlers in 1788 under British governance. The day features historic reenactments, official ceremonies, and community gatherings that celebrate the island’s unique heritage and resilience. Residents reflect on the early years of colonial hardship, the island’s evolving identity, and its status as an Australian external territory. Foundation Day fosters local pride and highlights Norfolk Island’s place in maritime and penal history.
Foundation Day (Norfolk Island)