Norfolk Island Gardens, History & Nature – NIS

Explore beautiful private gardens, historic Kingston, peaceful reserves and spectacular coastal scenery, while meeting local people and hearing stories of convict days and Pitcairn heritage. Special experiences include a progressive dinner in local homes, paddock-to-plate dining, an Island Fish Fry and wine and cheese overlooking the island.

Tour commences and concludes Norfolk Island

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Norfolk Island

On arrival, transfer to your hotel accommodation. After settling in join your fellow travellers for our included Welcome Dinner – a lovely opportunity to get to know everyone and look forward to the week ahead.

Stay: Seven Nights – Governor’s Lodge Resort or similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Island Discovery, Private Garden & Progressive Dinner

Begin your Norfolk Island experience with a guided tour introducing the island’s fascinating history and scenery. Visit Kingston, Cascade and Longridge, see historic convict buildings and hear stories that bring the island’s colourful past to life. We’ll also visit beautiful St Barnabas Chapel.

This afternoon, discover some of Norfolk Island’s lovely gardens. Learn about the island’s native plants and how generations of settlement have influenced the current environment. Tonight is a local highlight – a Progressive Dinner hosted in local family homes. Enjoy each course in a different home while your hosts share stories of island life and family history.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Colleen McCullough, Cyclorama & Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise

This morning the group divides between two fascinating attractions. One group visits the former home of acclaimed Australian author Colleen McCullough, offering an intimate glimpse into her life and years on Norfolk Island.

The other group visits Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, an impressive panoramic artwork telling the dramatic story of the Mutiny on the Bounty. There will also be time to explore the nearby Bounty Museum.

Dinner tonight is at popular Hilli Restaurant (or resort).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Paddock-to-Plate Experience

Today offers a wonderful introduction to Norfolk Island’s farming traditions. Visit a local market garden and cattle farm, meeting island producers and discovering the challenges and rewards of growing and farming on this remote island.

We then visit a local home for a delicious two-course paddock-to-plate lunch, prepared using fresh island ingredients. This afternoon, the groups swap over, visiting either Colleen McCullough’s former home or Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama, ensuring everyone enjoys both experiences during their stay. Dinner is at our resort this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Convict History, Pitcairn Heritage & Island Fish Fry

Delve into Norfolk Island’s remarkable past with a guided tour of the Kingston historic area. Discover stories of Polynesian settlement, convict life and the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders. Visit the historic cemetery, Pier Store, Boat Shed and Crank Mill, and see the atmospheric ruins of the New Gaol.

This afternoon, visit Pitcairn Settlers Village, where you’ll learn about a local family whose ancestors have lived on Norfolk Island since 1856. Tonight brings another memorable experience – the Island Fish Fry at Orn Dar Cliff. Enjoy traditional island dishes in a spectacular clifftop setting as the sun sets over the coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Naturalist Walk & Mt Pitt

Discover Norfolk Island’s natural treasures during a special guided walk with an experienced local naturalist. Explore forest, coastal and wetland environments while learning about the island’s native flora, birdlife and changing landscape.

This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely scenic drive taking in Ball Bay, Bumbora Beach and Mt Pitt. At Mt Pitt, relax over wine and cheese while taking in magnificent 360-degree views across Norfolk Island and the surrounding Pacific Ocean. Return to the resort for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Breakfast Bushwalk, Botanic Garden & Hundred Acre Reserve

Choose between two gentle morning bushwalks, both offering beautiful coastal scenery and opportunities to discover some of Norfolk Island’s distinctive native plants.

After breakfast, visit the Captain Cook Monument, marking the area where Captain James Cook and his officers landed in 1774. The coastal views are superb, stretching across to offshore formations including Bird Rock and Elephant Rock. Later, explore the Norfolk Island Botanic Garden and Hundred Acre Reserve, with time to appreciate more of the island’s unique plant and birdlife.

Our final evening features our included Farewell Dinner at The Homestead, a working farm renowned for its farm-to-plate approach and locally grown produce.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Norfolk Island to Sydney

Enjoy a leisurely final morning with a visit to Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island’s main township. Browse the local market and shops for a few last-minute gifts or island treats before transferring to the airport for your flight back to Sydney.

Meals: Breakfast