Norfolk Island Discovery

Day 1 - Tuesday 22 November 2022

Melbourne - Norfolk Island (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  

This morning you check in at the Melbourne Domestic Airport at approx. 5.00am, for the Qantas operated flight QF600, departing Melbourne at 6.00am (0600), arriving in Brisbane at 7.10am (0710 local time). Upon arrival transfer by the T Bus to the International Terminal.  Please note your bags on the outbound flight will be checked all the way through to Norfolk Island. Your flight to Norfolk Island is with Qantas, QF183 departing Brisbane at 9.00 (0900), arriving in beautiful Norfolk Island at 1.10pm (1310) local time. Once checked in at the Brisbane International Terminal, please proceed through to the Customs area to the gate lounge for your flight to Norfolk Island.  (Flight times are subject to change). **Please reiterate to the Melbourne Qantas Check-in staff, that you are travelling to Norfolk Island and the bags are to be checked through to Norfolk Island, you will not be collecting them in Brisbane.  You should get two boarding passes in Melbourne.

Upon arrival on Norfolk Island one of the experienced and hospitable staff from Pinetree Tours will meet you at Norfolk Island Airport and transfer you to Castaway, Norfolk Island, here you will be greeted by the friendly staff.

Early evening at 5.45pm 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.

7 Nights Accommodation - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 2 - Wednesday 23 November 2022

Norfolk Island (B,MT,D)

After breakfast this morning, we will do the Pinetree’s Half-Day Tour. On this tour, we take you to some of our 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 our beautiful beaches in all their glory. Learn about Norfolk Island government, laws and of course our unique lifestyle.  Some of the highlights include the renowned Melanesian Chapel and a visit to the grounds of an old island home - where you will be served morning tea.

You have a free afternoon.

Early evening, we'll enjoy dinner at The Governor’s Lodge Resort Hotel, where we enjoy a two-course dinner.

(Pinetree Tours will transfer you to The Governor’s Lodge Resort and you will be picked up from the restaurant by Pinetree Tours for Wonderland by Night)

Wonderland by Night - the setting is 10 acres of magical Norfolk pines & bushland lit up like an enchanted forest.  Meander along (or ride in the ‘moon buggy’) a gentle winding path with a descendant of the Bounty mutineers, as he recites his poems and lights up the dioramas.  Afterwards enjoy a light supper.

Day 3 - Thursday 24 November 2022

Norfolk Island (B,D)

This morning you have some free time.

Transfers to Emily Bay  at 10.00am, returning at 11.30am approx.

At 12.30pm we go on the Christian’s Glaas Bohtom Boets (Glass bottom boat)

A local Norfolk Islander, Donald, will share his knowledge of Norfolk’s unique marine life.  Once you’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).

Dinner tonight at 6.45pm at Homestead Restaurant

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

Day 4 - Friday 25 November 2022

Norfolk Island (B,D)

After breakfast this morning at 9.30am we have 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”.   

This afternoon at 1.00pm we learn about Curious Castaways

Our culture is a 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.

Dinner tonight at 6.30pm at Castaway

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

Day 5 - Saturday 26 November 2022

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning early at 7.00am we have a Breakfast Bush Walk & Clifftop BBQ

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).

Free rest of the morning.                       

Norfolk Indulgence Tour at 1.00pm. 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, to enjoy the sheltered valleys behind the coastal cliffs. You may even spot a White Fairy Tern nesting in the forest! From here, we head to the Captain Cook Monument, a scenic lookout where you will stand at the spot on the northern coast where Captain James Cook and his officers landed in 1774. It 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, dinner at South Pacific Resort at 5.45pm

Enjoy a two-course dinner this evening at South Pacific Resort, which is located right next to Castaway. Pinetrees will transfer you to the property, so please be out of the front of Castaway at 5.40pm approx. for the transfer.

Day 6 - Sunday 27 November 2022

Norfolk Island (B,L,D)

This morning you may want to wander down to the local markets at Rawson’s Hall, just a 10-15minute walk from your accommodation to see the local produce and arts and crafts on offer.

At 11.30am we have a 2 course lunch at Hilli’s Restaurant followed by the Bounty Folk Museum at 1.15pm.

This tour will include entry into the museum, the museums research books to view, a guided tour of the museum plus complimentary tea and coffee.  Discuss the Mojito that was invented in 1600 and given to British Sailors to prevent Scurvy. First up, what's a mojito?  The Mojito is based on a 16th century drink known as the Draque.  It was introduced to Cuba by Richard Drake, who created it with the intention to make life better for sailors – it’s comprised of 3 ingredients which all had a specific medicinal purpose; lime to provide vitamin C and help prevent scury, mint to aid digestion and rum to help purify the water.

Discover the amazing story of Norfolk Island in this quirky museum. You will learn about our history.  You will laugh a lot and you will meet some of the friendliest people on Norfolk Island.  The Bounty Folk Museum is a treasure chest of history, an Aladdin’s cave full of fantastic collections, excellent learning resources and inspiring information stretching back to 1788.

Tonight, dinner at Bounty Lodge Restaurant at 5.45pm

Enjoy a two-course dinner this evening at Bounty Lodge Restaurant.

Day 7 - Monday 28 November 2022

Norfolk Island (B,D)

This morning a t 8.30am we will do the Convict Settlement Tour!

Join Pinetree Tours on this ‘in depth’ 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.

You have a free afternoon.

Tonight, at 6pm we have a  Progressive Dinner to 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. (White wine and juice is available, please feel free to BYO other drinks.  Tea & coffee is included).

Day 8 - Tuesday 29 November 2022

Norfolk Island - Home (B)

After breakfast this monring at 10.00am we will do Cyclorama  

Experience the totally unique 360° panoramic painting that will take you on an amazing journey.  Feel like you’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. 

Later, we bid farewell to our new friends at Castaway, Norfolk Island, and are transferred at approx. 11.30am by Pinetree Tours to the Norfolk Island Airport for your return flight to Brisbane with Qantas, departing on QF184 at 2.15pm (1415) arriving in Brisbane at 2.40pm (1440).  You will collect your luggage, clear customs and make your way to the Domestic Check-in counter located at the International Terminal.  Check your bags in, transfer back to the Domestic Airport for your ongoing flight home to Melbourne.  Departing Brisbane at 4.15pm (1615) on QF631, arriving to Melbourne at 7.35pm (1935). 

All sightseeing is subject to change and subject to weather conditions.

Say goodbye to all your friends after your seven-night holiday. 

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