Measuring just 8km long by 5km wide, covered with lush rolling green hills and surrounded by rocky shorelines, the tiny volcanic outcrop known as Norfolk Island is located over a thousand kilometres off the shores of Australia, and in many ways it couldn’t be more different from the mainland.

Norfolk Island has a diverse environment and notable historic sites offering a unique heritage seldom found elsewhere within Australia and around the world. This remote island is also of major biological importance with many native species being unique to the island. 

If you are a discerning traveller, with a curious mind, looking for a unique travel experience, then you will enjoy Botanica’s wonderful Norfolk Island History & Gardens small group journey.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• Return economy class flights from Brisbane or Melbourne to Sydney
• 1 nights accommodation in Sydney including breakfast
• 7 night Norfolk Island History & Gardens guided holiday with Botanica World Discoveries
• 1 nights accommodation in Sydney including breakfast 
• Transfers throughout 

Extend your flights and stay longer in Sydney - talk to our travel experts about more options

Package availble EX Perth - a surcharge from $321 per person applies

Tour Inclusions:

• Return economy class flights from Sydney to Norfolk Island
• 7 nights accommodation
• Services of a Botanical guide
• Travel with a small group in a luxury vehicle
• 15 meals - 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
• All sightseeing & touring as per the itinerary
• Airport transfers 

Pricing is based on 02 Oct 2020 departure. Alternitive departure available for the 18 Oct 2020 - please call us for a price 

Trip Highlights:

Rare and endangered plants

See rare and endangered plants and spectacular natural scenery. Also visit private gardens of some of Norfolk Island’s residents. 

18 Oct 2020 departure – guided by Sophie Thomson

A familiar face from ABC TV’s Gardening Australia program, Sophie is an avid horticulturist, author and presenter. 

Day 1. Depart Sydney, Arrive Norfolk Island

Meet at Sydney airport for your flight to Norfolk Island. With a population of less than 2,000 people this relaxed Pacific island has a mild subtropical climate and 174 plant species, of which 51 are endemic, including the iconic Norfolk Island Pine. Your Botanical Guide will be on hand throughout your stay to share their wealth of plant knowledge. Upon arrival be transferred to the Governor’s Lodge Resort which is set within 12 acres of gardens. Accommodation: 7 Nights: The Governor’s Lodge Resort Meals: Dinner

Day 2. Norfolk Island Tour, Private Gardens

This morning after breakfast we will set off on a guided tour where you will be introduced to Norfolk’s fascinating history as well as seeing island life as it is today. This afternoon is reserved for a special garden-themed excursion which includes a visit to the local nursery and a number of private gardens including the wonderful ‘Music Valley’. This naturalist garden is a haven for rare and endemic Norfolk plants such as the bird’s nest fern, and owner, Jane Rutledge, purposely plants species that honour her Polynesian and Pitcairn Islander heritage, and which are used in practices such as weaving and cooking. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3. Cyclorama, Convict Tour

This morning we will 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. Music and sound effects composed especially for the painting further enhance the Cyclorama experience. Afterwards we will learn about Norfolk’s brutal convict history on a tour of the Kingston area which houses the old gaol, the cemetery and other ruins. A delicious dinner will be enjoyed tonight. The Island Fish Fry-Up takes place on an exclusive private property ‘Orn Dar Cliff’ with a spectacular coastal back-drop and sunset views. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4. Breakfast Bushwalk, Progressive Dinner

This morning we have two lovely walks 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. Choose the walk that suits your fitness level or you are welcome to simply join the group for a delicious breakfast afterwards. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy your resort and its surroundings. This evening you will be invited to a special ‘Progressive Dinner’ which takes part in three different private island homes. Enjoy getting to know your local hosts and hearing their Norfolk Island stories. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5. ‘Behind the Hedges’ and Farm and Industry tours

Discover Norfolk Island’s flourishing cottage industry scene on this morning’s ‘Behind the Hedges’ tour. Visit a pottery and have the chance to buy some locally made pieces as well as a chocolatier to learn about chocolate making. This afternoon we’ll visit some larger-scale enterprises that, along with tourism, sustain the island’s economy. Visit sheep and pig farms, market gardens, soft drink and liquor manufacturers, aquaponic gardening and kentia palm seedling exporters. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6. Christian Brothers Cheese Tour and Convict Dinner

Today we’ll visit a boutique dairy and cheese producer started by brothers Glen and John Christian. Their cheese is known as ‘Mootineers’ in a nod to their famous heritage. Meet the cows, try the milking machine and also see their beehives and taste the honey. The tour includes a cheese and wine tasting at Glen’s house with scenic ocean and valley views. This evening’s Convict Dinner is sure to be a memorable highlight! Guests will be invited to dress in convict outfits and enjoy a delicious three-course carvery meal with lots of singing, dancing and general merry-making. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7. Norfolk Island

Maybe spend this morning relaxing at your resort or perhaps set off on more botanical and historical discoveries with your Botanical Guide. This afternoon we’ll visit some local properties where we’ll learn more about the Norfolk cultural traditions including woodwork, cooking, weaving and the local language. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8. Depart Norfolk Island, Arrive Sydney

This morning after breakfast you’ll transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Sydney. Meals: Breakfast