Norfolk Island Discovery Tour

Day 1 - Saturday 4 February 2023

Melbourne - Norfolk Island (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  An early start this morning as you meet your hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flght to Norfolk Island via Brisbane. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. 

Arriving into Norfolk Island early afternoon we'll be transferred to our accommodation Castaway, with time to settle in and explore before enjoying a 2 course dinner at South Pacific Resort (next to Castaway)

Welcome to Norfolk Island! 

7 Nights Accommodation - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 2 - Sunday 5 February 2023

Norfolk Island (B,MT,D)

This morning, we start with Pinetree's Half Day Tour.

On this tour, we take you to some of the key historic areas, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. This is our chance to learn all about the fascinating history of Norfolk Island. See the famous convict buildings for ourselves and enjoy the stories told in the full commentary as we visit each new place.  Take in the amazing views from the lookouts, where we’ll get to enjoy our 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 - where we will be served morning tea. 

We will also visit the local markets this morning.

Tonight, enjoy a two-course dinner at Hilli’s Restaurant.  

Day 3 - Monday 6 February 2023

Norfolk Island (B,L,D)

This morning we will experience Cyclorama, the totally unique 360° panoramic painting that will take you on an amazing journey.  Feel like we’re really there witnessing the Bounty adventures and discover how the world’s most famous mutiny created the Pitcairn and Norfolk communities.

Conceived by Norfolk Islander Marie Bailey, this gigantic panoramic painting vividly illustrates the story of her ancestor Fletcher Christian, the famous Mutiny on the Bounty and the descendants who settled on Pitcairn and Norfolk Island.  A spectacular 3D effect is achieved with realistic perspective and detailed artwork stretching all the way to visitor’s feet.  Storyboards, lists and maps explain the history in an easy-to-understand way.  The Cyclorama provides a total experience. 

Ater that, we go on Christian’s Glaas Bohtom Boets (Glass bottom boat)

A local Norfolk Islander, Donald, will share his knowledge of Norfolk’s unique marine life.  Once we’ve ‘walked the plank’ with these ‘mutineer descendants’ it takes 60 seconds (yes one minute!) to be at the reef.  View beautiful coral gardens & tropical fish inside the calm crystal waters of Norfolk’s lagoon.  Donald provides full & interesting commentary on the environmental tour. (Light lunch included).

Tonight we go to a progressive dinner at island homes - Enjoy a 3-course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes.  A fun night and a great way to meet the local people, and sample some of the island dishes.  

Day 4 - Tuesday 7 February 2023

Norfolk Island (B,D)

After breakfast, we join Pinetree Tours on this ‘in depth’ Convict Settlement Tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery and hear the history of interesting convict & colonial headstones, hear stories of the houses along Quality Row.  Walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed & the Crank Mill.

Early afternoon, we join BOC’s Farm & Industry Tour, we take you to a selection of the many other enterprises that sustain the Norfolk community. These may include raising meat, producing sheep, manufacturing soft drinks and liquers, market gardening and exporting Kentia seedlings. Includes light refreshments.

Tonight we're off to the popular evening Island Fish Fry dinner! Enjoy 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. Your evening is completed by local entertainment from the Baunti Byuutis dancing group, on our exclusive Western side property “Orn Dar Cliff”. Wine & Beer are available for purchase, or you are welcome to BYO drinks.

Day 5 - Wednesday 8 February 2023

Norfolk Island (B,D)

This morning, we get up early and you can take your choice of an easy stroll through 100 acres reserve, or for the more energetic, a leisurely 3.5km walk through scenic Mt Bates to Captain Cook Monument. At the end of both walks we meet on the cliff top for a delicious bbq breakfast. (People not wishing to do a walk, will be able to join the group for the scenic clifftop breakfast).

The rest of the morning is free.                    

Early afternoon, we start the Indulgence Tour on the south-eastern side of Norfolk Island, at Ball Bay - just another stunning bay with magnificent ocean views! Here you will learn all about how we get fuel ashore, as this is where our supply is unloaded. We then move on to Steeles Point and then the Captain Cook Monument, which has some of the best sea views on the Island, with offshore rock formations like Bird Rock and Elephant Rock. We will finish the tour with wine, cheese and crackers on Mount Pitt. The Lookout gives a 360° view of the whole island, so it will be a memorable tour.

Tonight, we join a Murder Mystery Dinner, where we enjoy a 3-course meal fit for the commandants whilst the mystery unfolds… Meet the Commandant, Clergyman & Convicts of this period. Includes true characters from the second settlement. Guaranteed a great fun night out. Solve the mystery and win a prize! BYO drinks

Day 6 - Thursday 9 February 2023

Norfolk Island (B,D)

This morning we go toThe Norfolk Whey! Makers of Artisan Cheese & food grown, picked and cooked with love!

Mid morning, Emily & her family will welcome you to the Hilli Goat Farm.  Located at stunning Anson Bay, we will learn the history of the family farm and Hilli Goat business.  Join in on the milking of the goats, as collect the milk and then see the cheese making process next door in the Cheese room.  Test & sample the organic skincare products developed for sensitive and problem skin.

Cheese and fruit platters served as a tasting of what is on offer.          

This afternoon - The Bounty Folk Museum tells the strange and startling history of Norfolk Island, from the harrowing tales of ill-fated convicts brought here, to the against-the-odds survival of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. Though, small in size the museum is wide in scope, with lots of artefacts to pore over. Discover Bounty memorabilia, early photographs of Pitcairn settlers, old weapons and some frankly quite terrifying antique medical instruments. Browse handwritten research books and get lost in the page-turning plot of Norfolk Island’s past. We’ll also get a good sense of the day-to-day life on the island, not just the key historical events.

Tonight, enjoy a two-course dinner this evening at Homestead Restaurant another favourite of many locals.

Day 7 - Friday 10 February 2023

Norfolk Island (B,D)

This morning, after breakfast, we do a tour of Colleen McCullough’s home 

Colleen McCullough, world renowned author of 24 books called Norfolk Island home for almost 36 years. Sadly, Colleen passed away in 2015 after a long battle with illness.  Her beloved property “Out Yenna” is now open for a tour exclusively to Baunti Escapes.  You are escorted through her magnificent home and are able to view Ric and Colleen’s priceless collection of artefacts gathered on their travels all over the world. You will see where her books were researched, and Norfolk Island pies made from local eggs and fruit in season.

This 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”.   

Early afternoon we join the Curious Castaways Tour - to learn about the curious tale of English Pirates & Polynesian Princesses.  A quirky melding of two cultures which fashioned a new and very unique way of life.  Includes the island's fascinating early Pitcairner history, Norf'k language, weaving and wetls - a traditional food tasting.

Tonight, enjoy “Pizza night” dinner, at Castaway’s onsite restaurant.

Day 8 - Saturday 11 February 2023

Norfolk Island - Melbourne (B)

After a leisurely morning, transfer to the Norfolk Island Airport for our flight home via Brisbane.  Arriving into Melbourne at mid evening.  Say goodbye to new friends and promise to keep in touch. 

Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.