Historic Norfolk Island

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 Norfolk Island hotel, 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. 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.

Scenic 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.

Scenic 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.

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.

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.

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 experience ‘Wonderland by Night’ which celebrates the rich history and stories of Norfolk Island, with a collection of Old Time Island Stories written by Archie Bigg. You'll hear humorous and poignant tales of family life and get a chance to hear the ‘Norf’k’ language spoken and translated. Learn about everything from cows and cattle-grids to the ‘Norfolk wave’, all while walking through intricately detailed dioramas in the trees. 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.

Scenic 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. Later, enjoy high tea before finishing the afternoon with a tasting of locally distilled liqueurs.

Scenic 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.

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.