Historic Norfolk Island

Watawieh and welcome to Norfolk Island. Settle into your resort, your home for the next seven nights, and meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Norfolk Island has a colourful history spanning more than 600 years. The earliest settlers were believed to be East Polynesian seafarers who arrived around the 14th or 15th century, stayed for a few generations and then left. Captain Cook was the first European to encounter Norfolk Island in 1774 and described the island as paradise. Start your day with a visit to the historic Chapel of St. Barnabus before browsing the local markets. Discover the history, charm and key landmarks of the island, visit picturesque Emily Bay and enjoy the fresh sea air and crystal clear waters. The first prison colony was established on the island in 1788 and lasted until 1814. The island was abandoned until 1825 when an even harsher convict era began, which lasted until 1855.

Enrich
Learn about the unique language of Norfolk Island, a fascinating mix of English and Tahitian, created by the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives.

Visit Kingston, the World Heritage-listed convict settlement and hear stories from this time. Walk amongst the convict gaol ruins and learn about the historic and current uses of the pier buildings and other historic landmarks in the area. A guided tour of the maritime museum introduces artefacts from the HMAS Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet which sank off Norfolk Island. This afternoon, take a garden tour of the private gardens.

Enrich
Experience the friendly hospitality of the local community with a progressive dinner. Three different families will welcome you into their homes for each different course. The Islanders will share stories of what life is really like in paradise.

Freechoice: Today’s choices include a glass bottom boat cruise or a visit to Two Chimneys Vineyard. Self-drive yourself around this island paradise or meet the local bee-keeper as part of the Taste of Norfolk tour or enjoy a 4WD safari. Alternatively take part in a farm and industry tour, a guided tour on an ebike or a pass to visit all four museums in Kingston. Learn about 1856, when the descendants from the Bounty arrived in Norfolk.

Enjoy dinner tonight at the Hilli Lounge and Wine Bar.

Enjoy an early morning walk through the rainforest at Palm Glen and learn about the local wildlife as you walk beneath a canopy of Norfolk Island palms, followed by breakfast overlooking the beach. During a visit to Norfolk Island Cottage Pottery, you’ll have the opportunity to see pots being thrown on the wheel by a master potter. See the Hilli goats being milked and have the cheese making process explained. Enjoy a beautiful tasting platter of this home-grown cheese, including locally made guava jelly.
Later, visit the unique cyclorama which is a 360 degree panoramic painting depicting the story of the Bounty mutineers.

This evening, watch the ‘Trial of Fifteen’, a lively re-enactment of the history of Norfolk Island. Take part in a traditional dinner at Number 9 Quality Row before hearing some of the ghost stories that add to the mystery of this island.

Sunset Drinks
Relax over an evening drink at the Paradise Resort while capturing stunning views of the sunset.

Enrich
Discover the life of world-renowned author Colleen McCullough during a visit to her home, as part of an exclusive guided tour of the author’s magnificent property. View some of the priceless art collections from around the world. Experience high tea on the lawns at Forrester’s Court. Enjoy a selection of savoury and sweet delicacies while taking in the vista from this cliff side location.

Finish the afternoon with a tasting of locally distilled liqueurs. Dinner tonight is set on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, feasting on fresh island produce. Afterwards, be entertained by the dancers’ rhythm against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Freechoice: Today’s choices include a glass bottom boat cruise or a visit to Two Chimneys Vineyard. Self-drive yourself around this island paradise. Meet the local bee-keeper as part of the Taste of Norfolk tour or enjoy a 4WD safari. Alternatively, enjoy nine holes of golf, a guided tour on an ebike, a farm and industry tour or a pass to visit all four museums in Kingston.

Tonight’s farewell dinner is at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.