NORFOLK ISLAND SEPTEMBER

Today we travel north of the city to Brooklyn where we take a cruise on the Hawkesbury River. We enjoy morning tea and lunch aboard as we explore the Hawkesbury on the “Riverboat Postman Cruise”. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lower Hawkesbury River as the mail is delivered, along with other essentials to the river-access-only settlements upriver from Brooklyn. Return to the hotel.

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Norfolk Island. Upon arrival in Norfolk, we are transferred to the resort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to settle in.

Tonight, dress as a convict and join with the commandant for an evening of gaiety, feasting and singing. Great food! Great fun! (Outfit supplied). This is the most popular feature dinner on Norfolk.

Hotel: Paradise Resort, Norfolk Island for 7 nights

After breakfast we visit the amazing 360° panoramic painting on Norfolk Island: The Cyclorama. It provides a total experience, bringing to life the history of the Norfolk Island people and their connection with the infamous mutiny on the ‘Bounty’. Tonight enjoy dinner at the hotel.

This afternoon we embark on a Sights Tour of Norfolk Island which is a must for every visitor! Visit historic Kingston (Capital of Norfolk Island), Cascade, Longridge and much more. See and hear about the famous convict buildings, beautiful beaches and golf course, the renowned Melanesian Chapel, Local Government, laws and lifestyle.

This morning, we visit the No. 9 Quality Row Museum; Set in a restored Georgian house, the Research Centre serves as a looking glass into the Norfolk Island of yesteryear. Scour records, journals and reference books for revealing details that bring into sharp relief the bloody and brutal penal settlement and the lives that were lived here. This afternoon, embark on an ‘In Depth’ tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery and hear the history of interesting convicts and colonials’ headstones and listen to stories of the houses along Quality Row. Walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill. Tonight, we walk across to Governors Lodge for dinner.

On this new Paddock to Plate tour, you’ll experience true “paddock to plate” food, with zero food miles. We’ll visit a market garden supplying vegetables to the Island, learn about seasonal produce, tour a farm with beef cattle to see unique local farming practices, and visit a free-range chicken farm that provides fresh eggs. The tour concludes with a delicious two-course lunch made with local ingredients, hosted at a local home.

In the afternoon, we visit the Lavender Farm for an engaging talk about the journey of establishing Norfolk Island’s first-ever Lavender Farm. You’ll hear about the challenges of importing bare-rooted plants and enjoy a guided walk around the farm led by the owners. You’ll learn about the 15 different lavender varieties, along with other commercial plantings of sage, rosemary, rose geranium, sunflowers, and various vegetables cultivated for the ‘paddock to plate’ experience. The tour also includes a delightful Lavender & Blueberry Gelato (or another flavour of your choice) in a waffle cone.

Dinner tonight will be served at the hotel and then following dinner we experience Wonderland by Night. The setting is in 10 acres of magical Norfolk pines and bushland lit up like an enchanted forest. Meander along (or ride in the ‘moon buggy’) a winding pathway with Archie, a descendant of the Bounty mutineers, as he recites his poems and lights up the dioramas.

After breakfast, enjoy at morning at leisure.

This afternoon, we head to the Glass Bottom Boat. After boarding enjoy an hour of viewing and presentation of interesting habitats of the fish & marine life. With an educational slant along with Norfolk fun by our Bounty descendant guides. All within the protected clear waters of Norfolk’s lagoon then back to the beach jetty. You won’t even get your feet wet!

Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at Hilli’s restaurant.

This morning, we take a bush walk to the Captain Cook monument for a breakfast BBQ. **For those who can’t or don’t wish to walk, you will be transferred to the breakfast location therefore this is suitable for all travellers** With breakfast complete we return to the hotel.

After some free time at the hotel, this afternoon we head out for High Tea at the Pine’s.

Tonight, we spend our last night on Norfolk Island enjoy a 3-course meal, progressing to different Island homes. This is a lovely way to end our holiday on Norfolk Island.

This morning, we learn about the colourful history of Norfolk Island’s most recent settlement – the Pitcairners and their descendants on one of the last few remaining original settler’s properties, learn about the history and culture of the Pitcairn Settlers.

This afternoon, we embark on an indulgence tour on 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, to enjoy the sheltered valleys behind the coastal cliffs. You may even spot a White Fairy Tern nesting in the forest! We will finish the day the way all fantastic days should end with wine, cheese & crackers on Mount Pitt. The Lookout gives a 360° view of the whole island, so it will be a picnic to remember.

This evening, we are treated to an Island Fish Fry, feast on a range of Island dishes, salads, homemade bread and fresh fried fish, followed by Island desserts and tea/coffee. End the night with the Norfolk Sound & Light Show.

You have the morning at your leisure to enjoy your last moments on Norfolk Island. At a designated time, we transfer to the airport and begin our journey home to Perth, via Sydney. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you safely home.