Norfolk Island Discovery

Day 1 - Tuesday 12 November 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 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 at Castaways Norfolk Island for check-in.

Tonight, enjoy a two-course dinner at Bounty Bar and Grill

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 2 - Wednesday 13 November 2024

Norfolk Island (B, HT, D)

This morning, we'll be taken 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's government, laws and of course their 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. 

This afternoon we are treated to a delicious High Tea at The Governor’s Lodge Resort Hotel. 

Tonight, we 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 are available, feel free to BYO other drinks.  Tea and coffee are included).

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 3 - Thursday 14 November 2024

Norfolk Island (B, D)

After breakfast, we'll explore the heart and soul of Norfolk Island on our captivating day tour, where we'll discover the hidden gems of the 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, we'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 we can soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of the island.

Later, we'll go on Christian’s Glaas Bohtom Boets (Glass bottom boat) tour. 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 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, the famous Island Fish Fry - enjoy a feast of local dishes, salads and homemade coconut bread, alongside mouth-watering fried fish that we won’t forget. Our feast overlooks breathtaking coastal scenery as the sun sets – with live music in the background.  Our evening is completed by local entertainment from the Baunti Byuutis dancing group, on their exclusive Western side property “Orn Dar Cliff”.  Wine and beer are available for purchase, or we are welcome to BYO drinks.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 4 - Friday 15 November 2024

Norfolk Island (B, D)

After breakfast today, we'll have a free morning.

Later, we'll 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.  We 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. We 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”.   

Tonight - dinner at Castaway - enjoy “Tasting Plates” dinner, at Castaway’s onsite restaurant.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 5 - Saturday 16 November 2024

Norfolk Island (B, D)

We'll be up early this morning and can take our choice of an easy stroll through a 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).

This afternoon, we'll 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, and hear stories of the houses along Quality Row.  Walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, and see the Pier Store, Boat Shed & Crank Mill.

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

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 6 - Sunday 17 November 2024

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, we may wish to take a leisurely stroll down to the local markets.

After lunch, we'll take part in the Norfolk Indulgence Tour. We start the Indulgence Tour on the southeastern side of Norfolk Island, at Ball Bay - just another stunning bay with magnificent ocean views! Here we will learn all about how we get fuel ashore, as this is where their supply is unloaded.

We then move on to Steeles Point, to enjoy the sheltered valleys behind the coastal cliffs. We may even spot a White Fairy Tern nesting in the forest! From here, we head to the Captain Cook Monument, a scenic lookout where we 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, we'll be transferred to Hilli's Restaurant to enjoy a two-course dinner.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 7 - Monday 18 November 2024

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning we have some free time - perhaps to do some last-minute shopping.

This afternoon, we'll do the Curious Castaways Tour, where we'll learn the curious tale of English Pirates & Polynesian Princesses.  A quirky melding of two cultures that fashioned a new and very unique way of life.  It includes the island's fascinating early Pitcairner history, Norf'k language, weaving and wetls - a traditional food tasting.

Tonight - the famous Murder Mystery Dinner! Enjoy 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!

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 8 - Tuesday 19 November 2024

Norfolk Island - Melbourne (B, L)

This morning after breakfast, we'll experience the totally unique 360° panoramic painting, Cyclorama, 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 to the visitor’s feet.  Storyboards, lists and maps explain the history in an easy-to-understand way.  The Cyclorama provides a total experience. 

We bid farewell to our new friends at Castaway, Norfolk Island after a light lunch and are then transferred to the Norfolk Island Airport for our return flight to Brisbane and then Melbourne, arriving late in the evening.

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