Norfolk Island History, Endemic Flora & Remote Gardens

Trip Type: Land Journeys
New South Wales | 8 D
Starts From:

NZD 6,495.00 /Person

Step back in time as you explore Norfolk Island. Rich in convict history and home to desce...
Norfolk Island History, Endemic Flora & Remote Gardens

Step back in time as you explore Norfolk Island. Rich in convict history and home to descendants of the infamous HMS Bounty, the remote island is a model of self-sufficiency and sustainability. Walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook and visit the former home of Colleen McCullough. Meet locals and enjoy a visit to the rare plant nursery of Margaret Christian. See the iconic Norfolk pine, among many other endemic species.

Meet at Sydney airport for your flight to Norfolk Island. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to the Governor’s Lodge Resort, set within 12 acres of landscaped subtropical gardens. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel. 

Accommodation
Seven Nights, Norfolk Island, The Governor’s Lodge Resort or similar

Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

Today, visit Norfolk Island’s key historic areas, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. See the famous convict buildings and enjoy fascinating stories. Also, admire St Barnabas Chapel. This afternoon visit author, Colleen McCullough's former home, for a fascinating glimpse into her life on the Island. This evening enjoy dinner at the popular Hilli’s Restaurant.

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

This morning, learn about Norfolk Island’s brutal convict history on a tour of the Kingston area. This whole area is a living showcase of Polynesian, convict and Pitcairn Islander history. Walk through the cemetery, where you will hear the history of the colonial headstones. See the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill and the ruins of the New Gaol, all of which has to be seen to be believed. Later, enjoy exploring Norfolk Island’s Botanic Gardens and Hundred Acre Reserve to see more of the island’s unique plant life. This evening, gain firsthand insight into Norfolk Island living, with a Progressive Dinner. Enjoy visiting Norfolk Island family homes while having dinner and hearing all about their family history.

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

Today you will visit Music Valley. This naturalist garden is a haven for endemic plants, such as the bird’s nest fern, and owner Jane Rutledge plants species that honour her Islander heritage. This afternoon, experience Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, where visitors walk inside a circular 3D effect painting and are surrounded by the immense artwork that blends a series of lifelike scenes from the famous 1789 mutiny on the Bounty. A traditional Norfolk Island dinner will be enjoyed tonight. The Island Fish Fry-Up takes place on a private property, ‘Orn Dar Cliff’, with a spectacular coastal backdrop and sunset views. Savour this feast of local dishes, enjoying breathtaking coastal scenery as the sun sets. 

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

Today, we enjoy a very special naturalist walk, while identifying the flora and birdlife of the island. Margaret Christian, who was previously employed for 20 years as Norfolk Island’s park ranger, will tell a holistic story of the island's origins, connections and the many changes that have occurred over time. Visit forest, coastal and wetland areas, where you will potentially see many of the island’s endemic species and birdlife. This afternoon, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride and view incredible coral gardens with more than 100 species of fish living within their vast natural habitats. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening. 

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

This morning we have two ‘breakfast bushwalks’ to choose from. Both offer spectacular coastal scenery and the chance to spot endemic plants such as Norfolk tree fern, Phillip Island Hibiscus, two frond fern and bastard oak. After breakfast, visit 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. This afternoon, we visit two very special private gardens and meet their owners. Enjoy dinner at The Homestead, a working farm that embraces the farm-to-plate philosophy and produces beef and vegetables commercially. 

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

This morning you will be transferred into the township of Burnt Pine to visit the local market and browse the area’s quaint shops. This afternoon we take a scenic drive around the island, visiting coastal Ball Bay, Bumbora Beach and Mt Pitt, where you will have wine and cheese with a 360° view of the island. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at your hotel this evening. 

Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinners

Location
Sydney , Australia

This morning you’ll have free time to relax or purchase any last-minute souvenirs before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey home.

Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Location
Sydney , Australia

  • Travel with a small group of 15-20 guests, escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
  • Includes seven nights’ accommodation, Sydney return flights in economy class, return private airport-to-hotel transfers, plus 15 meals and select beverages
  • Travel by coach with an experienced and informative local Coach Captain
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • See rare and endangered plants including Phillip Island Hibiscus and Norfolk Tree Fern
  • Visit local farms and enjoy a Paddock to Plate lunch and join a naturalist walk with local Margaret Christian
  • Learn about Norfolk Island’s convict history, as well as the mutiny on the Bounty, and dine in the homes of locals during a progressive dinner
  • See the sights of Norfolk Island, including Colleen McCullough’s home and the Botanic Gardens, and take a glass-bottom boat cruise
  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Fitness Rating: Low - involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, and being able to stand up for up to one hour, while keeping up with the pace of the group
  • Group Size – Up to 25 guests

Departing

Finishing

Twin
Per Adult : NZD 5,295.00
Available
Single
Per Adult : NZD 6,395.00
Available
Double
Per Adult : NZD 5,295.00
Available

Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
New South Wales | 8 D
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Sydney , Australia
Trip Finishes:
Sydney , Australia
Countries Visited:
Australia
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