NORFOLK ISLAND
15 – 21 JANUARY 2024
ITINERARY
Norfolk Island; beautiful, relaxed, with a fascinating layered history. Gardens are full and flowery. Hospitality is generous. Clear waters are sheltered by coral reefs, teeming with fish. You don’t want to leave!
Monday 15 January 2024
Home to Norfolk Island (L/D)
Check-in at Sydney International Airport for your flight to Norfolk Island. Meet your Ross Tour leader, Graham Ross, at the departure gate. On arrival at Norfolk Island we’ll transfer to our hotel, Governor’s Lodge Resort. A light lunch will be served on arrival. Welcome Dinner included tonight.
Accommodation: Governor’s Lodge Resort, Norfolk Island
Tuesday 16 January 2024
Discover Norfolk Island (B/L)
This morning we drive Mt Pitt, the highest point of Norfolk Island, followed by a guided tour and moring tea in the Botanic Gardens. Lunch is included today. Pitcairn Settlers Village this afternoon will show us the proud history of the Pitcairn Island Settlers. Walk through the gracious Bailey homestead and gardens, barn, dairy and outbuildings. The Museum is filled with items of nostalgic and historic interest including the oldest working forge in the Pacific.
Accommodation: Governor’s Lodge Resort, Norfolk Island
Wednesday 17 January 2024
Colleen McCullough’s Garden (B)
World-renowned author, Colleen McCulloch, called Norfolk Island home for almost 36 years. She and her husband, Ric Robinson, created a luxurious hideaway where Colleen wrote some of her most powerful titles including “Tim”, “The Thornbirds” and “Morgan’s Run”. We’ll visit their magnificent home, filled with their priceless collections of artefacts gathered from their travels all over the world. High Tea is next, at Forrester Court, set in a glorious spot overlooking Cascade Bay.
Accommodation: Governor’s Lodge Resort, Norfolk Island
Thursday 18 January 2024
Private Gardens (B/D)
An early morning walk through the National Park this morning to Captain Cook’s Memorial. The famous Norfolk Island Pine is abundant – other endemic species include the Norfolk Island palm, many ferns, a native passionfruit and the Norfolk Island hibiscus. One bird you may hear is the wedge-tailed shearwater, whose ghost-like, moaning calls echo around the island at night. BBQ breakfast is included. This afternoon, meet some local gardeners and their private gardens. Final stop is ‘The Homestead’, adjacent to the 100 Acre Forest and giant Moreton Bay figs. This working farm embraces the ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy as well as sourcing linecaught fish from the clean wild waters. Dinner will be served here this evening.
Accommodation: Governor’s Lodge Resort, Norfolk Island
Friday 19 January 2024
Cruise Emily Bay (B/D)
A cruise this morning within the lagoons of Emily and Slaughter Bay. Norfolk Island’s coral reef attracts a diversity of marine life; beautiful coral gardens and colourful fish in crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Progressive dinner tonight, a roving three courses served in some lovely homes and a great way to meet the locals. Discover each family’s history and hear all about their day to day life on Norfolk Island. Many of the hosts have surnames like Christian, Adams, Quintel and McCoy, and are the descendants of Bounty Mutineers.
Accommodation: Governor’s Lodge Resort, Norfolk Island
Saturday 20 January 2024
Kingston (B/D)
Free morning. Optional ‘Duty-Free’ shopping in Burnt Pine’s town centre. Next stop is ‘World Heritage Listed’ Kingston. Learn about the first settlers, the Polynesians who came 900 years ago. Kingston and Arthur’s Vale, together, is one of Australia’s premier heritage sites, a living showcase of Polynesian, convict and Pitcairn history. This site conbtributes to the life, the identity and the culture of the Norfolk Island community. Picturesque with Georgian buildings and evocative ruins. Farewell Dinner tonight is a Sunset Cliff Top Fish Fry. Fresh fish are prepared the local way and accompanied with a feast of island dishes.
Accommodation: Governor’s Lodge Resort, Norfolk Island
Sunday 21 January 2024
Norfolk Island to Home (B)
Free morning before our transfer to the airport for our homeward flight.
HOW TO BOOK
To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our online booking form. You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Manager to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations received 180-120 days prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
Cancellations must be sent in writing.
Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, and all other travel arrangements.
Please refer to the Ross Garden Tours standard terms and conditions
TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR ESCORTED BY
GRAHAM ROSS
- Air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
- Deluxe accommodation for 6 nights with breakfast daily
- 2 lunches and 4 dinners
- Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including Pitcairn Settlers Village Tours, Colleen McCullough Tour, High Tea at Forrester Court, Breakfast Bush Walk, Progressive Dinner, Glass Bottom Boat, Island Fish Fry, Convict Kingston Tour and Cyclorama.
TOUR PRICE
Twin Share per person land only $4,195
Twin Share per person including air $4,995
Single Supplement $595
All prices in Australian dollars
Prices based on minimum 15 passengers
Price is based on departure
DISCOUNTS
Early Bird $150.00 (Book & pay by 17 October 2023)
Previous Traveller $100
Garden Clinic Member $50
OTHER TOURS
South Australia & Kangaroo Island
Explore South Australia and the coastal wilderness of Kangaroo Island. Gardens at their peak, roses mingled with iris and other favourites in the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills. Natural wonders of Admirals Arch and the Remarkables at Flinders Chase National Park.
Victoria in Autumn
Discover Victoria’s finest country gardens at the peak of autumn magic. Meet the master gardeners behind garden gates. See old favourites and exciting new discoveries. Be guided around David Glenn’s Lambley, Paul Bangay’s Stonefields and the Digger’s Garden of St Erth.
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Stimulate your senses with a dose of botanical inspiration admiring new trends, world-class show gardens and an exhibition hall full of fresh cut flowers. It’s the southern hemisphere’s biggest garden festival. We’ll sample a few of Melbourne’s flowery and operatic treats on a four-day break.