Norfolk Island Discovery

Day 1 -Tuesday 7 November 2023

Melbourne - Norfolk Island (D)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Norfolk Island (via Brisbane).  Upon arrival on Norfolk Island one of the experienced and hospitable staff from Pinetree Tours will greet us and transfer us to our accommodation Castaways Norfolk Island for check in.

Tonight, a real introduction to Norfolk Island with a good old island fish fry.  Feast on local dishes, salads and homemade coconut bread, alongside mouth-watering fried fish that we won’t forget.  Breathtaking coastal scenery as the sun sets – with live music in the background.  Our evening is complimented by local entertainment from the Baunti Byuutis dancing group, on our exclusive Western side property “Orn Dar Cliff”.  Wine and Beer are available for purchase, or we able to BYO drinks. 

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 2 - Wednesday 8 November 2023

Norfolk Island (B,MT,D)

Today, we enjoy a tour taking us to some of the key historic areas of Norfolk Island, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. This is our chance to learn all about the fascinating history of Norfolk Island. We'll see the famous convict buildings and enjoy the stories told as we visit each new place.  Take in the amazing views from the lookouts, where we'll enjoy the beautiful beaches in all their glory. Learn about Norfolk Island government, laws and of course an islander's unique lifestyle.  Some of the highlights include the renowned Melanesian Chapel and a visit to the grounds of an old island home - where we'll enjoy morning tea. 

After lunch today we continue to the Bounty Folk Museum which 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.

Dinner tonight at South Pacific Resort  

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 3 - Thursday 9 November 2023

Norfolk Island (B,L,D)

After breakfast, our day will start with a tour to Colleen McCullough's home.  World renowned author of 24 books Colleen 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.  We'll be guided through her magnificent home and view Ric and Colleen’s priceless collection of artefacts gathered on their travels all over the world. We'll 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”.   

We then continue on to enjoy a convict settlment tour with 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.

DInner tonight at the Homestead Restaurant a favourite of many locals.

​Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 4 - Friday 10 November 2023

Norfolk Island (B,L,D)

Today we enjoy Christian's Glaas Bohtom Boet (glass bottom boat) where 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 just 60 seconds (yes one minute!) to be at the reef.  Here we'll view beautiful coral gardens and tropical fish inside the calm crystal waters of Norfolk’s lagoon.  Donald provides full and interesting commentary during this environmental tour. 

We enjoy a light lunch before doing a "Women of Norfolk Tour" - Join us on a journey to uncover the incredible stories of Norfolk Island's fearless women. These unsung heroes have left an indelible mark on the island's history. From Olivia Gascoigne's nail-biting escape from a death sentence to Aunt Selina Buffet's lasting legacy, from Marie Bailey's pivotal role in Norfolk Island's tourism to Colleen McCullough's literary prowess and island advocacy - these ladies are absolute legends. Walk in their shoes, and get ready to be inspired.

For dinner tonight we enjoy “Pizza night” at Castaway’s onsite restaurant.

​Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 5 - Saturday 11 November 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 our morning is free.                    

Early afternoon, we start our tour of 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, a real scenic splendour.

Dinner tonight will be at Hilli's Restaurant.

​Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 6 - Sunday 12 November 2023

Norfolk Island (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, we have time to wander down to the local markets at Rawson’s Hall, to see the local produce and arts and crafts on offer.  A chance to mingle with the locals. 

After that, we are treated to a delicious High Tea at Seriously Chocolate.  A short walk at the end of the driveway at Castaway, the first shops on the left-hand side, heading towards Burn’t Pine Shopping precinct.  We may want to go to the markets and then go straight to the High Tea!

Tonight, we'll enjoy a fun Murder Mystery Dinner including a 3 course meal fit for the commandants whilst the mystery unfolds… Meet the Commandant, Clergyman and 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.

​Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 7 - Monday 13 November 2023

Norfolk Island (B,D)

After breakfast, a free morning to wander the shops of the Burnt Pine Shopping Village.  Ross's department store is the pick with duty free beauty products including Clarins.  Over the many years Sisterhood has been visiting Norfolk Island, we've set records for shoe buying so shop away!

This afternoon we join the Curious Castaways Tour to learn about the curious tale of English Pirates and 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 we'll enjoy the popular Island progressive 3 course dinner where we visit 3 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, feel free to BYO other drinks.  Tea and Coffee is included).

​Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 8 - Tuesday 14 November 2023

Norfolk Island - Melbourne (B)

Today, our last day in Norfolk Island, we have time to experience the totally unique 360° panoramic painting that will take us on an amazing journey.  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. 

Time to bid farewell to Norfolk Island with a transfer to the airport to begin our journey home.  Travelling via Brisbane  & Sydney we'll arrive back into Melbourne around 11.35pm.

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