Highlights
- Popular Island Fish Fry
- Half day island tour of Norfolk Island
- Visit to the Bounty Folk Museum
- Tour of Colleen McCullough's home "Out Yenna"
- Governor's Lodge for High Tea
- Christian's Glass Bottom Boat cruise
- Over the Cattlestops Tour
- Breakfast Bush Walk and clifftop BBQ (choice of short or longer walk)
- Convict Settlement tour
- Visit to the the local art and craft markets
- Fun Murder Mystery Dinner
- Curious Castaways cultural story of English Pirates and Polynesian Princesses
- Progressive Island Homes Dinner
- Visit to Cyclorama
- Free time for shopping and personal exploring
- Enjoy the beautiful food on Norfolk Island
- Friends for Company!
Inclusions
Personally escorted by an experienced Sisterhood Hostess who is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one.
Return airfares ex Melbourne to Norfolk Island (via Sydney) including taxes (other departure cities available upon request)
Comfortable coach touring throughout
7 nights accommodation at Castaway Norfolk Island
Fabulous range of included sightseeing and activities
All meals as detailed in the itinerary
Free time for personal discovery
Room sharing option
Meet and Greet prior to departure (subject to minimum numbers)
Notice
*** Please be aware that the itinerary is subject to change, as some of the activities included are weather and/or tide dependent ***
Itinerary
Day 1 - Monday 19 February 2024
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 Sydney).
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, enjoy dinner at Hilli Restaurant.
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 2 - Tuesday 20 February 2024
Norfolk Island (B, 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.
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 that 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 a two-course dinner at Bounty Bar & Grill Restaurant.
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 3 - Wednesday 21 February 2024
Norfolk Island (B, D)
This morning we'll go to 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 to the visitor’s feet. Storyboards, lists and maps explain the history in an easy-to-understand way. The Cyclorama provides a total experience.
After lunch, we'll go to the Governor’s Lodge for a delicious High Tea
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 are included).
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 4 - Thursday 22 February 2024
Norfolk Island (B, D)
This morning we enjoy a tour of Colleen McCullough's home. This 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 can view Ric and Colleen’s priceless collection of artifacts 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”.
After lunch, 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. *Time to be reconfirmed due to tides*
Tonight, we take part in the Island Fish Fry - 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.
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 5 - Friday 23 February 2024
Norfolk Island (B,D)
Today after breakfast, we'll enjoy the Over the Cattlestops Tour. Explore the heart and soul of Norfolk Island on our captivating day tour, where you'll discover the hidden gems of our local industries. Meet the skilled artisans and entrepreneurs behind the island's thriving businesses as they showcase their unique crafts and specialties. From handcrafted pottery to locally made soft drinks, you'll have the chance to taste and purchase some of the finest locally made products. Along the way, we'll stop at a stunning scenic spot for morning tea, where you can soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of the island.
We have a free afternoon.
Tonight, enjoy “Tasting Plates” dinner, at Castaway’s onsite restaurant.
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 6 - Saturday 24 February 2024
Norfolk Island (B,D)
Early this morning, take your choice of an easy stroll through 100-acre 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 clifftop 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 or you may like to do some shopping in Burnt Pine, as there are some great little shops to visit, including Franks Shoes, or enjoy a coffee at The Olive or the Golden Orb café, just to name a couple.
We start the Indulgence Tour on the southeastern 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 day the way all fantastic days should end - with wine, cheese & crackers at a scenic spot. On this tour you will also visit Mount Pitt. The Lookout gives a 360° view of the whole island.
Enjoy a two-course dinner this evening at Homestead Restaurant
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 7 - Sunday 25 February 2024
Norfolk Island (B,D)
This morning after breakfast, you may wish to take a leisurely stroll down to the local markets at Rawson’s Hall, to see the local produce and arts and crafts on offer.
After lunch, we enjoy a Convict Settlement Tour with Pinetree Tours on an ‘in-depth’ tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery and hear the history of interesting convict & colonial headstones and hear stories of the houses along Quality Row. Walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed & Crank Mill.
Tonight, we'll enjoy the Murder Mystery Dinner - 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
Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island
Day 8 - Monday 26 February 2024
Norfolk Island - Melbourne (B, L)
This morning it is bags packed and we check out of Castaway’s rooms by 10.00am.
We'll have a light lunch at Castaway, before heading to the airport for our return flight home.
Time to bid farewell to Norfolk Island with a transfer to the airport to begin our journey home. Travelling via Sydney we'll arrive back into Melbourne late evening.
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.