We are committed to helping you travel safely. Please see our Covid-19 company policy. CLICK HERE

We are committed to helping you travel safely. Please see our Covid-19 company policy. CLICK HERE

We are committed to helping you travel safely. Please see our Covid-19 company policy. CLICK HERE

Norfolk Island History & Gardens

Overview

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 Botanical Guide Sophie Thomson or Judy Horton 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.

Journey Highlights

Gallery

8 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Sydney or Brisbane, Arrive Norfolk Island

Meet at Sydney or Brisbane 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

Day 2 - Norfolk Island Tour & Colleen McCullough's Home or Cyclorama

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

Day 3 - Convict Tour, Private Gardens & Progressive 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

Day 4 - Private Garden & Farm and Industry Tour

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

Day 5 - Christian Brothers Cheese Tour

Today, we continue our island gourmet discoveries with a visit to a boutique dairy and cheese producer started by brothers Glen and John Christian. Descendants of Bounty mutineer Fletcher Christian, Glen and John’s Christian Brothers Cheese Company is produced by a small herd of cows on pristine island pastures. This afternoon, those who have not already visited Colleen McCullough’s fascinating home will have the opportunity, while the rest enjoy free time experience Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Breakfast Bushwalk & Farm Industry Tour

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

Day 7 - Queen Victoria Gardens, Ball Bay, Bumbora Beach & Mt Pitt

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

Day 8 - Depart Norfolk Island, Arrive Sydney or Brisbane

This morning after breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Sydney or Brisbane.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

Tour Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Return Date

Price From

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.

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.