Norfolk Island History, Endemic Flora & Remote Gardens

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. Stay Seven Nights: Norfolk Island, The Governor's Lodge Resort or similar (L/D)

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. (B/D)

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. (B/D)

Today you will visit a local market garden that supplies vegetables to the island, and also a cattle farm to understand the unique farming practices on Norfolk Island. Our final stop will be at a local home for a delicious paddock-to-plate two-course lunch featuring local ingredients.

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. (B/D)

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. (B/D)

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. (B/D)

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. (B/D)

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. (B)