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 "Cheese & Pizza Night" for dinner at Castaway's onsite restaurant.

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 2 - Saturday 15 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, MT, 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.

We'll have 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.

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

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 4 - Monday 17 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we'll do a "Paddock to Plate" tour

On this tour we will visit a market garden that supplies the Island with fruit and vegetables, a free-range egg farm where we get our eggs, and a cattle farm that produces beef cattle.  At each stop, our farmers will tell us how we farm on Norfolk Island, and the challenges that this entails.  Afterwards, we enjoy a sumptuous 2-course lunch in an Island home, showcasing the local produce.

Later, we start the Norfolk Indulgence Tour on the south-eastern 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 our 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 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 we will also visit Mount Pitt. The Lookout gives a 360° view of the whole island.

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

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

Overnight - Castaways Norfolk Island

Day 5 - Tuesday 18 February 2025

Norfolk Island (B, D)

This morning we have some free time.

This afternoon 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, 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 Norfolk Island Ghost Tour for a night of spine-tingling encounters and hair-raising tales. Enjoy a delicious dinner in a beautiful Georgian building, followed by a spooky walk through the historic Kingston Ruins lit by lanterns. Learn about the island's dark history and the reported supernatural occurrences that will give you goosebumps. This tour is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore Norfolk Island's haunted past, leave your fear at the door!

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 rest of our morning is free. You may like to do some shopping in Burn’t Pine, as there are some great little shops to visit, including Franks Shoes, which is very popular, and Duo Ladies Wear.

This afternoon we are treated to a scrumptious Garden Tea at the Governor's Lodge.

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.

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 open for 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”.   

Later we'll have an exclusive treat just for us! We'll head down to Duo, a lovely fashion store in the main street for a fashion show with wine and cheese and the opportunity to save 5% on purchases. Over the years we've been coming to Norfolk we love supporting local businesses so feel free to add to the Norfolk economy by adding a new fashion item to your wardrobe.

Tonight 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)

This morning it is bags packed and we check out of Castaway’s rooms early. Our luggage will be stored, whilst we have a last visit to Emily Bay to do the Christian’s Glaas Bohtom Boets (Glass Bottom Boat) cruise.

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 (yes one minute!) to be at the reef.  View beautiful coral gardens & tropical fish inside the calm crystal waters of Norfolk’s lagoon.  

Returning to Castaway mid-morning we will then be treated to a morning tea / early lunch before our departure for the Norfolk Island Airport, for our homeward-bound journey.

We bid farewell to our new friends at Castaway and we'll be transferred to the Norfolk Island Airport for our flight to Melbourne (via Sydney) arriving in the evening.

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