Salt House

Situated on the point between Slaughter Bay and Emily Bay, the Salt House was built in 1846 and replaced an earlier structure ( 1820's ) that was washed away. These ruins are one of the most intact examples of this kind of building in Australia.

Salt was a valuable commodity in those days. It was used to preserve meat and figured prominently in the diets of the island's settlers, the military garrison and administration, and in specifically in the rations of convicts incarcerated on the island.

Salt was evaporated from sea water as concentrated brine. Concentration tanks were cut into the reef adjacent to the Salt House. At high tide, sea water flowed these tanks and the gates were closed. Brine was partially evaporated in the sun, then the solution was pumped into pans inside the Salt House under which fires were lit. The water evaporated, leaving salt which was stored in baskets.

The Salt House was a ruin by 1925.  Its stone walls have been protected but it is not used today.  A concentration pool is still visible in the rocks near the ruin.

There is an information board with some old photos and plans of the site and building.

The point is a great spot for sunset photography. Point Hunter (beside Lone Pine) provides a great view of the Salt House at sunrise.

Credit : Discover Norfolk Island

Photo : Julie Hartwig Photography