NORFOLK ISLAND

Day 1 | Sunday 14 March
Arrive Norfolk Island
Flights arrive from the Australian mainland in the early afternoon. Academy Travel will organise the short transfer from Norfolk Island Airport to your accommodation. In the early evening, we meet for introductions in the hotel’s brewery before enjoying a welcome dinner in one of the island’s atmospheric restaurants. Overnight Norfolk Island (D)

Day 2 | Monday 15 March
Island Tour
While sailing through the Pacific in 1774, the crew of the HMS Resolution sighted Norfolk Island and her illustrious captain, James Cook, charted the tiny island, recording that its towering pines and native flax could be a valuable resource for the Royal Navy. This glowing description ensured that Norfolk would become a significant part of Australia’s history from the very beginning of European occupation. We begin our day with a talk in our hotel from our tour leader who will provide an introduction to Norfolk’s fascinating history. We then enjoy a full day orientation tour of the island in the company of a local guide, visiting sites such as Queen Elizabeth Lookout, Cascade, St Barnabas Chapel, Anson Bay and Mount Pitt. During the tour, we enjoy a picnic lunch together at one of Norfolk’s stunning lookouts. Following our return to the hotel, we meet in the evening for dinner in a nearby restaurant. Overnight Norfolk Island (B, PL, D)

Day 3 | Tuesday 16 March
The First Settlement
Today we step back further in time to begin our detailed exploration of Norfolk’s grim convict history. From 1788, the island was an outpost of the nascent British colony established in Port Jackson. Initial optimistic plans and hope for the success of the remote settlement were soon dashed and it was abandoned in 1814, and literally left to the dogs. A second settlement was established in 1825, to provide a place of transportation for the worst of the mainland’s convicts. For a generation, it earned a reputation as hell on earth for those that were doubly-convicted and transported to the remote colony. We begin our day with a tour of the First Settlement sites, focusing on the ruins in the fascinating Arthur’s Vale penal area. After a picnic lunch together overlooking picture-perfect Emily Bay, we will visit two of Norfolk’s excellent museums – the HMS Sirius Museum and No.10 Quality Row. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure. Overnight Norfolk Island (B, PL)

Day 4 | Wednesday 17 March
Botanic Gardens
Along with its intriguing history, Norfolk is also the home of unique and fragile fauna and flora, and today we explore Norfolk Island Botanic Garden. Located within the National Park in the north of the island, the Garden showcases distinctive plants that are endemic to Norfolk Island. Originally founded by a private resident, the Garden preserves one of the last remaining areas of subtropical rainforest, which once covered the majority of the island, as well as nurturing a collection of the island’s rare and endangered plant, bird and insect species. Our visit includes a private, guided walk through the main areas of the Garden, as well as time to explore the comprehensive and richly-decorated Discovery Centre. Following a picnic lunch at Cook’s Landing site, we visit dramatic Headstone Point and learn about the tragic story associated with its historic marker. After returning to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we meet for dinner together. Overnight Norfolk Island (B, PL, D)

Day 5 | Thursday 18 March
Free Day
Everything on Norfolk Island moves at a relaxed pace – cows have right of way on the roads, people wave to every passing car and the locals are always ready for a chat or to provide assistance. Today is an opportunity to explore the township
of Burnt Pine (and the famous shoe shops) and the wider island at your own pace. An easy walk from our hotel, the township boasts an eclectic collection of shops, excellent cafes and galleries showcasing the residents’ arts and crafts skills. You may also choose to further explore island life by joining a themed tour offered by one of the local providers or our Tour Manager will be on hand to offer transport in the tour’s hire car. Overnight Norfolk Island (B)  

Day 6 | Friday 19 March
“Out Yenna” and The Bounty Museum
Due to its isolation, Norfolk has been a refuge for some well-known Australians, as they have sought to escape the glare of publicity on the mainland. One of these was the late Australian author Colleen McCullough, and today, following a talk in the hotel from our tour leader, we visit her rural property “Out Yenna”. Home to the author and her Islander husband for over 35 years, they created a hideaway decorated by extraordinary artefacts gathered from their extensive travels. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the property, providing insight into one of Australia’s best-known authors. After a break for lunch, we visit the eclectic Bounty Museum. In 1789, Fletcher Christian and other disaffected sailors on HMS Bounty overthrew William Bligh, with nine survivors settling on remote Pitcairn Island. The descendants of these mutineers arrived on Norfolk in 1856 and today over a third of the Island population boasts a Bounty ancestor. The Bounty Museum showcases the story of these mutineers and the wider Island population. In the evening, we enjoy a wood-fired pizza dinner together in our hotel. Overnight Norfolk Island (B, D)

Day 7 | Saturday 20 March
Historic Kingston
The Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area, a UNESCO World-Heritage listed site, is regarded as one of the world’s best-preserved examples of convict transportation and colonial-era architecture. Today, we continue our comprehensive historical exploration of the former penal colony, and turn our attention to the infamous Second Settlement. We return to Kingston and take additional time to examine the remains of these unique buildings - including the Prisoners’ Compound, Surgeon’s Quarters, and the area surrounding the Pier – with our expert tour leader. A final picnic lunch is enjoyed on the picturesque shore looking across to Phillip Island before we learn more about the early inhabitants of the Island during a walking tour of the intriguing convict cemetery. Returning to the hotel, we meet in the evening for our farewell dinner in one of the island’s homestyle restaurants. Overnight Norfolk Island (B, PL, D)

Day 8 | Sunday 21 March
Markets & Departure
Before we farewell Norfolk Island, there is the opportunity this morning to enjoy the Sunday Arts and Craft Markets in Burnt Pine. It’s a great opportunity to discover locally made handcrafts, jewellery and artwork, as well as to enjoy live entertainment with perhaps some homemade cake and coffee. Returning to the hotel, there will be an airport transfer at midday to meet the departing early afternoon flight to the mainland. (B)