Norfolk Island Discovery

Day 1 - Friday 14 February 2025

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, we'll be met and transferred to our accommodation at Castaways Norfolk Island for check-in.

Tonight, enjoy "Tasting Plates" for dinner at Castaway's onsite restaurant.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 2 - Saturday 15 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, HT, D)

This morning, we'll be taken to some of the key historic areas of the Island, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. This is our chance to learn about the fascinating history of Norfolk Island. See the famous convict buildings for ourselves and enjoy the stories told in full commentary as we visit each new place. 

Take in the amazing views from the lookouts, where we’ll see 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.

With time for lunch before a visit to Cyclorama. 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 historical experience. 

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

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 3 - Sunday 16 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, take a leisurely stroll down to the local markets; only a short walk from our accommodation.

With time for lunch before we enjoy the Norfolk Indulgence Tour. The tour starts on the southeastern side of the Island, at Ball Bay - a stunning bay with magnificent ocean views! Here we will learn about the logistics of getting fuel ashore and you'll see 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 'very' spot 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.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a two-course dinner at Hilli's Restaurant..

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 4 - Monday 17 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning we'll enjoy 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). 

After lunch, we'll enjoy a visit to Fitzy's Lavender Farm. Hear about the challenges experienced in setting up this beautiful farm. We'll see the copper distilling equipment used for the steam distillation of lavender and learn about the fascinating process of essential oil steam distillation. We'll take an easy walk around the farm, accompanied by the owner, who will show us their 15 different lavender varieties.  We'll also get to see other commercial plantings on the farm including Sage, Rosemary, Rose Geranium and Sunflowers. With time to enjoy a homemade lavender and blueberry gelato whilst browsing the gift shop.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a Progressive Dinner to Island Homes

Always a popular activity on Norfolk. Enjoy authentic home-cooked meals at three different family homes, while learning about the Island’s rich culture and history.  White wine and juice is available, feel free to BYO other drinks.  Tea & Coffee is included.  (We will be joined by other tourists for this dinner)

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 5 - Tuesday 18 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning we'll enjoy an ‘in depth’ tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston.  Walk through the cemetery and hear the history of interesting convict and 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.

With time for lunch we'll then enjoy a visit to Colleen McCullough’s home. A 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 visits. We'll be shown through her magnificent home and will see 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”.   

Tonight we'll enjoy a delicious dinner and Ghost Tour through the historic Kingston Ruins lit by lanterns. We'll learn about the island's dark history and the reported supernatural occurrences are sure to give us goosebumps.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 6 - Wednesday 19 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning, take your 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 the 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 remainder of the morning is free until our afternoon Curious Castaways tour, where we'll learn 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.  It 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 7 - Thursday 20 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning after breakfast, we'll explore the heart and soul of Norfolk Island where we'll discover the hidden gems of Norfolk's 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.

This afternoon we'll enjoy a scrumptious Garden Tea at the Governor's Lodge and then if that isn't enough food for us, later we'll head to an island Fish Fry to enjoy a feast of local dishes, salads and homemade coconut bread, alongside mouth-watering fried fish.

Our dinner location overlooks breathtaking coastal scenery and as the sun sets we'll be entertained with live music in the background. Our evening is completed by local entertainment from the Baunti Byuutis dancing group. Drinks are available to purchase or you are welcome to BYO.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 8 - Friday 21 February 2025

Norfolk Island - Melbourne (B, L)

After check out this morning, we bid farewell to our new friends at Castaway and after a light lunch we'll be transferred to the Norfolk Island Airport for our flight to Melbourne (via Sydney) 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.