Norfolk Island History & Gardens
- Australia, Norfolk Island
- Sydney Return • May & Oct 23
- 8 Day Itinerary
- From $4,995 (AUD)
- 25 Max.
- Operated by one of our trusted partners
Sydney Return • May & Oct 23
With a population of less than 2,000 people this relaxed island has a mild subtropical climate and 174 native plant species, of which 51 are endemic.
Your guide will take you on a tour of private gardens and see how the history of Norfolk Island has influenced the private garden owners from small to large gardens. See rare and endangered plants as you explore this delightful island on a week-long cultural and botanical discovery.
Learn to understand how famous author Colleen McCullough made Norfolk Island her home, why singer Helen Reddy purchased a property here and James A Michener set a chapter of one of his books here.
BOTANICAL GUIDES
Judy Horton (March 2023 departure)
Judy has had over a decade of experience as a garden adviser and is the author of two gardening books. Judy was awarded an OAM for her services to horticulture and is a member of the Australian Institute of Horticulture, the Horticultural Media Association and is the Communication Manager for Yates. She is a keen gardener and is currently horticultural editor for the Garden Clubs of Australia magazine.
Teena Crawford (October 2023 departure)
Teena studied horticulture at Burnley in Melbourne. She is the manager of Smith & Gordon in Melbourne, who are suppliers to the retail and landscape industries throughout Australia. Teena is also a gardening journalist and a co-presenter of a radio program.
Tour Highlights
8 days in a small group with expert Botanical Guide
See rare and endangered plants including Philip Island Hibiscus and Norfolk Tree Fern
Discover Norfolk’s convict history and meet the Christian brothers at their cheese factory
Visit the wonderful ‘Music Valley’ garden and discover its owner’s connection to culture
Learn about Norfolk’s brutal convict history on a tour of the Kingston area which houses the old gaol, the cemetery and other ruins
Enjoy a scenic breakfast bushwalk with incredible ocean views
Enjoy an Island Fish Fry-Up a the exclusive property ‘Orn Dar Cliff’ with a spectacular coastal backdrop and sunset views
Travel in a comfortable coach and airport transfers on first and last day
Enjoy a progressive dinner taking part in three different private island homes, get to know your local hosts with their local island stories
Gallery
Norfolk Island flowers
Norfolk Island, view across Kingston
Kingston, Norfolk Island
View to Salt House, Emily Bay
World Heritage-listed Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA)
Beautiful landscape Norfolk Island
Masked Booby, commonly seen nesting on Norfolk Island
Original Government House
8 Day Itinerary
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.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Stay: The Governor’s Lodge Resort or similar – 7 nights
Today, visit Norfolk Island’s key historic areas, including Kingston, Cascade and Longridge. See the famous convict buildings and enjoy fascinating stories. Also admire the Melanesian Chapel. This afternoon half of our group will visit Colleen McCullough’s fascinating home and the other half will have free time or experience Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. Where you’ll walk inside a circular 3D effect painting that blends scenes from the 1789 mutiny on the Bounty. A delicious 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, learn about Norfolk’s brutal convict history on a tour of the Kingston area which houses the old gaol, the cemetery and other ruins. This afternoon visit private gardens on Norfolk Island and meet their owners. This evening, experience a first-hand insight into Norfolk Island Living with a Progressive Dinner visiting family homes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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, visit a private farm property to discover how they grow seasonal produce, before exploring a home industry farm where you will enjoy afternoon tea. This evening enjoy dinner at the popular Hilli’s Restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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, those who have not already visited Colleen McCullough’s fascinating home will have the opportunity, while the rest experience Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, choose one of two ‘breakfast bushwalks’ offering spectacular coastal scenery and the chance to spot endemic plants such as Norfolk Tree Fern and Bastard Oak. After breakfast, visit the Captain Cook Monument, where Cook landed in 1774. Later this afternoon, enjoy exploring Norfolk Island’s Botanic Gardens. This evening enjoy dinner at Hilli’s Restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, join your Botanical Guide on a visit to the beautiful Queen Victoria Gardens, dedicated to the Queen who gave the island to the Pitcairn Islanders in 1856. Alternatively, have free time to relax and wander around the township of Burnt Pine. This afternoon, take a scenic drive to other interesting places including coastal Ball Bay, Bumbora Beach and Mt Pitt, where you will enjoy wine and cheese with a 360° view of the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Sydney or Auckland.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions
Return economy class flights from Sydney
7 nights’ accommodation at the Governor’s Lodge Resort or similar
All sightseeing & touring as per the itinerary
Services with an expert Botanical Guide
15 meals – 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
Travel in a small group in a comfortable coach – 25 guests maximum
Airport transfers on first and last day
Tour Dates & Prices
| Departure Date | Return Date | Price Per Person From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27/03/2023 | 03/04/2023 | $4,995 per person twin share | |
| $5,645 per person single | |||
| 09/10/2023 | 16/10/2023 | $4,995 per person twin share | |
| $5,645 per person single |
Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis (unless stated as a single). All prices based on cash payment – credit & debit card fees may apply. Deposits, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Full Terms & Conditions of tour/cruise operators will be supplied on booking, or ask us for full Terms & Conditions at the time of enquiry.
Region
Sydney Return • May & Oct 23
Operator
Operated by one of our trusted partners
Duration
8 Day Itinerary
Prices from
$4,995
Book Your Own Group
Do you have a club or group interested in travelling as a group on this tour? Call us to discuss how we can tailor this package for your group.
- Search Tours & Packages
