Set in a grassy valley next to an old dam, the crumbling ruins of the Old Watermill are a reminder of a dark chapter in Norfolk Island’s history. They date back to the Second Settlement (1825-1855) when the island hosted a penal colony infamous for its harsh treatment of convicts.
During this time, the watermill was used to power millstones for grinding corn, a staple in the diet of prisoners and convicts alike. By 1844, corn milling operations were shifted to the Crankmill.
When you first pull up to the Old Watermill, be warned: you’ll be greeted eagerly by chickens and ducks. They’re used to humans tossing them crumbs and hence have no qualms about getting close.
Visitor Information
Operating Hours: 24/7
Cost: Free
Getting Here: At the corner of Country and Taylors Roads near Kingston. A 5-10 minute drive from Burnt Pine.
Top tips for The Old Watermill
- Stroll through the surrounding Watermill Valley, where you’ll see remnants of other agricultural buildings including barns and huts.
- From the valley, it’s just a short drive or a 10-minute walk down to the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site where the evocative ruins of the island’s main convict compound stand near the shore.
More attractions at Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site
All Saints Church
All Saints Church also serves as a museum. Discover incredible artefacts from Norfolk’s history and join a Sunday service to meet locals.
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Bloody Bridge
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.
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Bounty Folk Musuem
Discover Bounty memorabilia, early photographs of Pitcairn settlers, old weapons and some frankly quite terrifying antique medical instruments.
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The Commissariat
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.
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Fletchers Mutiny Cyclorama
Norfolk Island’s history unfolds at Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, a 360° painting that depicts the mutiny on the Bounty.
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Norfolk Island Golf Club
Play golf on Norfolk Island for a truly memorable experience. Tee off in a World Heritage Site overlooking the ocean.
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Government House
Government House is a stately mansion and home to the Administrator of Norfolk Island. Learn more on a museum tour of our historic centre, Kingston.
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Historical Photo Display - Lions Club House
Formerly the Surgeons Quarters, today this resilient little building houses a fascinating collection of photographs which bring the history of our island to life.
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Kingston Pier
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.
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New Military Barracks
The New Military Barracks may be Norfolk’s administrative centre today, but it also has an interesting history.
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No. 10 Quality Row
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.
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Norfolk Island Cemetery
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.
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Old Military Barracks
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.
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Pier Store
Learn about the mutiny on the Bounty and our Pitcairn history at Pier Store, located within the Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Research Centre No. 9 Quality Row
Set in a restored Georgian house, the Research Centre serves as a looking glass into the Norfolk Island of yesteryear.
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Royal Engineer's Office
The Royal Engineer's Office is a great place to start your investigation into Norfolk’s storied past
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Salt House
Sitting on a headland overlooking Emily Bay, the Salt House is one of several evocative ruins and heritage buildings.
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Sirius Museum - Protestant Chapel
Learn about the seafaring saga of the Sirius, which wrecked just off the coast of Norfolk Island at the Sirium Museum within the Protestant Chapel.
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The Arches
The Arches, a series of stone archways, are one of Norfolk Island’s biggest mysteries. Ponder their original purpose when you visit them in Kingston.
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The Crankmill
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!
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