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. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant. (B/D)
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. 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. (B/D)
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.
Sundowners Relax over an evening drink at the Paradise Resort while capturing stunning views of the sunset. 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. (B/D)
Watawieh and welcome to Norfolk Island. Unique among South Pacific islands, Norfolk’s blend of wild natural beauty, gritty history, proud culture and rich biodiversity makes for a fascinating visit. Settle into the Aloha Apartments, your home for the next seven nights, and meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.
Please book your flight to arrive into Norfolk Island prior to 05:00 PM. (D)
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. By the age of exploration, these early settlers had long since abandoned the island for reasons lost to history. Captain Cook was the first European to encounter Norfolk Island in 1774 and described the uninhabited island as paradise. When the First Fleet arrived in Australia 14 years later, Norfolk became an extension of the newly formed Colony of New South Wales.
Start your day with a visit to the historic Chapel of St. Barnabas, which was completed in 1880. Designed by English architects as a memorial to the martyred Bishop of Melanesia John Coleridge Patteson, St Barnabas’ Chapel is one of the most visited historic buildings on Norfolk Island.
Next, head to the local markets to browse the wares on offer. Norfolk Island is a strong proponent of organic produce, and the markets are a good example. You’ll also find a variety of handcrafted souvenirs and art. Pay a visit to picturesque Emily Bay, home to one of Norfolk Island’s best swimming beaches. Emily Bay Lagoon is sheltered by reefs and features an offshore pontoon for jumping into the turquoise water. Beneath the waves, snorkellers can discover a world of colourful tropical fish. 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, and lasted until 1855.
This afternoon, visit Kingston, Norfolk Island’s capital and a World Heritage-listed convict settlement intended for those too troublesome for New South Wales. You’ll hear stories from the past as you discover historic government buildings and military barracks, ruins of old prisons and a cemetery containing some of the earliest inhabitants of Norfolk Island. A guided tour of the maritime museum introduces artefacts from the HMAS Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet which sank off Norfolk Island. (B/D)
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.
Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Learn about the history of the Polynesian and Pitcairn settlers, their traditional practices and culture. When descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers arrived on Norfolk from Pitcairn Island in 1856, they brought with them a strong Polynesian influence; the wives of the original mutineers had all been Tahitian. Norfolk has since become a home for a blend of Polynesian and English culture that endures today. Enjoy a taste of locally sourced produce and stroll throughout the property visiting the ruin from the first convict settlement. (B/D)
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.
Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities to enrich your stay on Norfolk Island. (B/D)
Freechoice:
Later, visit the unique Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. This unique 360 degree panoramic painting depicts the infamous story of the HMS Bounty, which played host to one of the most famous munities in history. Some descendants of the Bounty mutineers ended up on Norfolk Island and remain there today, making the Cyclorama an important part of Norfolk history and one of the most popular attractions on the island.
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. Prior to European colonisation, Norfolk Island was blanketed in lush rainforest. Palm Glen, part of Norfolk Island National Park, is just a small part of what once was. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast overlooking the beach.
This afternoon, visit Norfolk Island Lavender Farm, the first ever on the island. Discover the challenge of cultivating introduced species in this remote place and enjoy the scents of the 15 different lavender varieties growing here. This evening, a performance of the play ‘Trial of the Fifteen’, a lively re-enactment of the history of Norfolk Island, will give you even greater insight into the island’s past. 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. (B/D)
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. (B/D)
Sunset Drinks: Relax over an evening drink at Puppy’s Point while capturing stunning views of the sunset.
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.
Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice experiences to enhance your stay on Norfolk Island. (B/D)
Freechoice:
After breakfast, bid farewell to your new friends and prepare to transfer to the airport, taking with you wonderful memories and stories for life.
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. (B)
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