Norfolk Island History & Gardens
- Australia, Norfolk Island
- Sydney Return • Oct 2024 / Mar & Oct 2025
- 8 Day Itinerary
- From $5,695 (AUD)
- 20 Max.
- Operated by one of our trusted partners
Sydney Return • Oct 2024 / Mar & Oct 2025
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.
Tour Highlights
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Hear about Norfolk Island’s convict history and join a naturalist walk with local Margaret Christian
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See rare and endangered plants including Philip Island Hibiscus and Norfolk Tree Fern
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Visit author Colleen McCullough’s former home, for a fascinating glimpse into her life on the Island
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Visit the wonderful ‘Music Valley’ garden and discover its owner’s connection to culture
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Learn about Norfolk’s brutal convict history on a tour of the Kingston area which houses the old gaol, the cemetery and other ruins
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Enjoy a scenic breakfast bushwalk with incredible ocean views
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Enjoy an Island Fish Fry-Up a the exclusive property ‘Orn Dar Cliff’ with a spectacular coastal backdrop and sunset views
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Enjoy a progressive dinner taking part in three different private island homes, get to know your local hosts with their local island stories
Gallery
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. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
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 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, Dinner
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, 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, 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, Dinner
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, Dinner
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, Dinner
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, Dinner
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
Tour Inclusions
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Return economy class flights from Sydney
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7 nights’ accommodation at the Governor’s Lodge Resort or similar
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All sightseeing & touring as per the itinerary
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Travel by coach with an experienced and informative local Coach Captain
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15 meals – 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners and select beverages
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Travel in a small group in a comfortable coach – 20 guests maximum
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Return private airport-to-hotel transfers
Tour Dates & Prices
Departure Date | Return Date | Price Per Person From | |
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23/10/2024 | 30/10/2024 | $5,795 per person twin share / $7,095 per person single | |
31/03/2025 | 07/04/2025 | $5,695 per person twin share / $6,695 per person single | |
06/10/2025 | 13/10/2025 | $6,395 per person twin share / $7,395 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.
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