Norfolk Island Delight

Day 1: Sat 31^st Aug 2024         Melbourne – Sydney         (D)

Welcome aboard! Today we make our way down to Melbourne airport for our flight to Sydney. On arrival into Sydney, we will be transferred to our overnight accommodation, SOFITEL Darling Harbour, Sydney. Spend the afternoon meandering along the Harbour while taking in the city’s vibrant culture. Dinner tonight will be served at the Hotel.  

Day 2: Sun 1^st Sep 2024          Sydney- Norfolk Island           (B, D) 

After a hearty breakfast! Transfer to the airport for our flight to Norfolk Island go through airport formalities. As you begin to fly into Norfolk Island you will notice a dramatic change in scenery from the city. Fly over Norfolk’s rolling hills and quaint country landscape. When you arrive in Norfolk go through airport formalities and be transferred to your accommodation, which will be the South Pacific Resort for the next 7 nights. South Pacific is conveniently located in the heart of Burnt Pine with a sweeping valley and garden views, the South Pacific is just a short stroll to local shops and cafes. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your accommodation as you settle into Island time.

Day 3: Mon 2^nd Sep 2024     Half Day Tour-  Island Fish Fry    (B, D)

This morning, get to know your bearings by doing a Half Day origination tour. Experience some of the key historic areas, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. This is your chance to learn all about the fascinating history of Norfolk Island. See the famous convict buildings for yourself and enjoy the stories told in the full commentary as you visit each new place. Take in the amazing views from the lookouts, where you’ll get to enjoy beautiful beaches in all their glory. Learn about Norfolk Island government, laws and of course the unique lifestyle. Some of the highlights include the renowned Melanesian Chapel and a visit to the grounds of an old island home. This afternoon on BOC’s Farm & Industry tour, take in a selection of the many other enterprises that sustain the community. These might include: raising meat, producing sheep, market gardening, manufacturing soft drinks and liqueurs & exporting Kentia seedlings. Tonight, The Norfolk Island Fish Fry is by far the most popular event for visitors. Ask anyone what you need to tick off when you come to Norfolk Island - they’ll say the Island Fish Fry. This fantastic event has been operating for over 40 years. Imagine - a feast of local dishes, salads and homemade coconut bread, alongside mouth-watering fried fish that you won’t forget. Your feast overlooks breathtaking coastal scenery as the sun sets - with live music in the background. Out on the grassy clifftop, or under our purpose-built deck area for the cooler nights, you won’t miss the view, and you certainly won’t go home hungry! The dishes include ‘Pilhi’ (savoury banana Slice,) a special sweet potato mash with local herbs called ‘Ana’, coconut bread and delicious coconut pie and cream for dessert. Your evening is completed by local entertainment from the Baunti Byuutis dancing group, on our exclusive Western Side property ‘Orn Dar Cliff’. For those who drive themselves and would prefer to stay for a short time, you can view the incredible sun setting over the ocean. It is honestly one of the most stunning sunsets you will ever witness.

Day 4: Tue 3^rd Sep 2024    Glass Bottom Boat-  Progressive Dinner      (B, D)

This morning we set sail on the water! Norfolk Islanders, Donald & George will share their knowledge of Norfolk Island’s unique marine life in a 1 hour glass bottom boat trip. View beautiful coral gardens and tropical fish inside the calm crystal waters of our lagoon. This afternoon enjoy a Colleen McCullough tour. Be escorted through her magnificent home and view Ric and Colleen’s priceless collection of artefacts gathered on their travels all over the world. This is a glimpse into the life of a modern-day literary icon. If you have read her amazing books, you will love the experience of sharing the world of Colleen McCullough, author of "Tim”, "The Thornbirds” and "Morgan’s Run”. Dinner tonight you are in for a real treat. You will enjoy a 3-course meal while progressing through locals’ houses. Each home has been carefully selected - and each dinner host has a sensational story to tell. You will hear everything about their family’s history and day to day life. The Progressive Dinner is a fun night and a great way to meet the local people. You will come away with a true insight on life on Norfolk Island and our beautiful people.

 

Day 5: Wed 4^th Sep       Over the Cattlestops- 4WD- Governors 2 Course     (B, D)

To get a real insight into the lifestyle on Norfolk Island, you need to meet the people and see the industries in action. On this day tour, we visit a few of the locally owned businesses that make up our industries. Norfolk Island has a huge number of small businesses making different local products that we are able to see - and maybe have a taste of! You will also enjoy morning tea at a beautiful scenic location. While tourism is Norfolk’s largest industry, it is by no means only one. This afternoon, try something different and set off on a 4WD tour. A ‘state-of-the-art’ Norfolk Island experience… exclusively off-beat… and hosted by locals! Board an 18-seater 4x4 bus for a pioneering adventure… off the beaten tracks! Enjoy air-conditioned comfort and safety, as we share authentic insights of Norfolk’s unexplored valleys, ridges, coastlines and private properties. Afternoon tea is included and don’t forget your camera. This is not a thrash through the bush, but a great way for all ages to explore the Island. Tonight’s dinner will the Governors Dinner.

Day 6: Thur 5^th Sep 2024           Greenfingers- Night as a Convict      (B, D)

Are you a green thumb? Then you will enjoy the next tour, visit stunning gardens on Norfolk Island. Through the morning, you will visit a nursery owned and operated by a Norfolk Islander, and view the hydroponics. Also visiting a gorgeous private garden with a spectacular view and Norfolk Islands only maze! You will also see some of our rare and endangered plants and hear about how the different settlements of the past have influenced the gardens of today. Morning tea is also included, at a scenic location! Tonight, dress as a convict and join in with the Commandant for an evening of gaiety, feasting, singing, and dancing. Outfit supplied - all you need to do is bring your sense of humour! Prepare yourself for a delicious meal with your new friends. This is Norfolk Island’s only dinner and dance night - and one of our most anticipated events.

Day 7: Fri 6^th Sep   Breakfast Bushwalk- Cyclorama- Wonderland by Night    (B, D)

This morning enjoy a walk in the great outdoors, with a delicious breakfast waiting at the end! Take your choice of a stroll through Palm Glen Reserve or for the more energetic, a leisurely 3.5 km walk through scenic Mt. Bates (the highest point on the island! to Captain Cook Monument. It stands at the spot where Captain James Cook and his officers landed in 1774 - and has spectacular views of the coastline. At the end of the walks, we all meet up on the clifftop for a delicious breakfast barbecue. (These walks are not recommended for anyone with medical conditions) This tour is also flexible - if you would prefer to sleep in and skip the bush walk, but would like to have breakfast on the clifftop, you can join the walkers at Captain Cook Monument and share in the festivities. This morning stop at the Cyclorama an amazing 360 degree panoramic painting. The Cyclorama provides a total experience, bringing to life the history of the Norfolk Island people and their connection with the infamous mutiny on the ‘Bounty’. An outstanding attraction and Tourism Awards winner, this stunning 360° panoramic painting with realistic 3D effects has been impressing visitors to Norfolk Island with its ‘wow’ factor for over 18 years. In 2014 the Cyclorama achieved the impressive ranking of No 5 in Australian Landmarks in the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards. This evening enjoy dinner at your accommodation followed by Wonderland by Night. Celebrating the stories of life gone by on Norfolk Island and how the past has shaped our identity. The setting is 10 acres of Norfolk Pines, which are lit up like an enchanted forest. Meander along (or ride in the ‘moon buggy’) through a gentle winding path with a descendant of the Bounty Mutineers, as they recite poems and light up the dioramas. while sharing entertaining stories. Enjoy a cuppa at the end of the bush, before being returned back to your accommodation.

Day 8: Sat 7^th Sep 2024         Convict Settlement Tour          (B, D)

Want to learn all about Norfolk Islands Convict History? Join us on an in-depth tour of the World Heritage Listed Georgian settlement of Kingston. This whole area is a living showcase of Polynesian, convict and Pitcairn Islander history. We take you through the cemetery, where you will hear the history of the colonial headstones, as well as the old houses along Quality Row. You will also walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill - all of which has to be seen to be believed. Trust us - the only way to truly experience the incredible history of Norfolk Island - is to see it for yourself. This area is known as Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, afternoon tea is included. Dinner tonight will be at your accommodation.

Day 9: Sun 8^th Sep 2024         Sydney- Melbourne               (B, D)

Midday it is time to say goodbye to Norfolk Island, after exploring this delightful Island. Be transferred to the airport where we make our way to Sydney and then connecting onto Melbourne. Melbourne Best Western will be our overnight accommodation. 

Day 10: Monday 9^th Sep 2024        Melbourne- Home       (B)

This morning after a delicious breakfast we will make our home after a magnificent tour exploring Norfolk Island.

PRICE $5,335 per person, based on Twin Share.
Single Supplement $975