Sitting on a headland overlooking Emily Bay, the Salt House is one of several evocative ruins and heritage buildings, as well as older Polynesian sites, scattered around Kingston.
The Salt House dates back to 1846, when Norfolk Island’s second penal colony was in full, brutal swing. Once used to harvest and store salt, which was in turn used for preserving meat, the stone building is now a roofless ruin.
For a little more context, read the site’s information board. It describes the efforts of the penal colony to become self-sufficient and details the measly daily rations received by prisoners.
Visitor Information
Operating Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free
Getting Here: Located on the shore of Emily Bay in Kingston. A 5-10 minute drive from Burnt Pine.
Top tips for the Salt House
The history of the Salt House may not be pretty, but the setting definitely is. Allow time to linger over the spectacular views of Emily Bay.
Picnic tables near the ruin make an ideal lunch spot, with towering Norfolk pines providing shade.
More attractions at Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site
Don’t let the gory legend of Bloody Bridge deter you; visit this historic landmark to admire the stonework and hard labour of the convicts who built it.
Visit the Commissariat to learn about Norfolk’s convict past. This historic building once held food supplies for the convicts and jailers on Norfolk Island.
Formerly the Surgeons Quarters, today this resilient little building houses a fascinating collection of photographs which bring the history of our island to life.
Visit Kingston Pier, which was a vital entry point for Norfolk’s settlers and still welcomes supply ships and fishing boats as it has done for two centuries.
Bring your camera along to capture this solitary tree that survived the mass felling of Norfolk pines and stood sentry over the island’s turbulent history.
Turn back to Norfolk Island’s convict chapter at No. 10 Quality Row, now a museum. Learn about the home’s inhabitants as you wander through the restored interior.
Our fascinating history takes on a new dimension at the Norfolk Island Cemetery. Read the grave stones marking two centuries of life on this South Pacific island.
The Old Military Barracks have served many purposes over the years. Visit the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site to find out what important roles it has played.
Wander the stone ruins of Crankmill, another one of Norfolk’s sites with a dark past. Book your holiday now to discover our island’s intriguing history!
