Be enchanted by a ‘Wonderland by Night’ on Norfolk Island
Picture this. You’re meandering through an enchanted wooded forest under the spectacular Norfolk Island stars.
Overhead, thousands of twinkling lights fill the towering Norfolk pines. You feel so tiny. With each step you take, another section of forest is filled with light. Island Stories are being spoken around you.
You stop, take a second to look up. Like something from a fairy tale. This is Wonderland by Night.
A Celebration Of Life Gone By
Wonderland by Night is a celebration of a life gone by, of the past that shaped the Island. While strolling through the fairy-lit forest, guides recite a collection of humorous and often poignant Old Time Island Stories written by local legend, Archie Bigg.
The night gives you a unique opportunity to hear the ‘Norf’k’ language spoken and then translated, and sheds a light on some of the Island humour.
How It All Began
First open to the public in 1998, Wonderland by Night was inspired by the enthusiastic reaction to Archie, a tour guide for Pinetree Tours at the time, presenting some of his poems at the annual Country Music Festival held here on Norfolk.
Telling stories of mundane, everyday life, Archie brings his poems alive in a beautiful mixture of humour and pathos.
He covers diverse topics like the bizarre way cows are kept on the Island (hint - free range!), cattle grids, tour bus driving, the contents of old sheds and the ‘Norfolk wave’.
Each story is complemented by minutely detailed dioramas residing in the trees, crafted by Archie himself.
Who Is Archie Bigg?
A 6th generation descendant of two Bounty mutineers, Archie was born and raised on Norfolk Island. It was here that he met his wife and raised his children.
From a young age, he had always loved bush poetry. Growing up, Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson were his heroes. However, it wasn’t until later in life that Archie tried his hand at writing poetry.
As a community-oriented man, when he was asked to do an item for the Uniting Church’s fundraiser, Archie happily agreed. Upon finding out that someone had already volunteered to play piano and sing - Archie’s go-to offering - he decided to write a poem.
Together with one of his sons, he wrote his first poem, ‘Where’s Myse Hammer’ - a hilarious account of him trying to find his tools in his shed (borrowed by one of his three sons).
It was here that his love for writing was born. He continued to write many poems on all different topics, including the issues affecting life on Norfolk Island.
Since Wonderland by Night was created some 24 years ago, many folks have enjoyed his Old Time Stories. Sadly, Archie passed away in 2020. However, he is survived by his beautiful wife Celia, three sons, eight grandchildren, and his spectacular collection of poems and Island Stories.
The Night’s Proceedings
You start the tour by hopping on a Pinetree Tours bus in town. We then drive you out to a property where your magical evening begins.
From start to finish you’ll be enchanted by the lights and stories being told. The night spans just over an hour but you’ll be wishing it went for longer.
At the end of the walk (or rise, if you’d prefer a trip in the moon buggy), you’re met with a hot cuppa and the chance to step back in time as you share some entertaining stories in ‘The Shed’.
The Shed is a history buff’s dream. Interestingly decorated in memorabilia of the times gone by, you will find all sorts of things here. If you don’t know what some of the items are, the friendly guides will happily fill you in. And if you do, well you might just be showing your age!
See Wonderland For Yourself
Wonderland by Night is a long time favourite on Norfolk Island and is always a hit. You’ll leave the evening with a sense of childlike joy and deeper connection to the Island.
If you’d like to experience the delight that is Wonderland, head to our website and book yourself a spot on the tour!