We are delighted to offer a brand-new tour for 2025, showcasing the best of Norfolk Island and the state of New South Wales!   Norfolk Island is a quiet paradise, often overlooked yet unforgettable once found. One of Australia’s most fascinating and historical destinations, it was settled by descendants of mutineers who speak a mix of Tahitian and 18th century English. A friendly place where giving a small ‘Norfolk wave’ as cars pass each other is practically mandatory, cows have right of way and everyone knows everyone else, it is a delightfully unique destination. New South Wales has so much more to offer than just the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House! We start the tour in Sydney and then travel out to the beautiful Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains. The countryside is varied from lush vegetation, sandy beaches, stunning vistas and the Great Plains.  A relaxed pace itinerary with lots of new places to explore.   NB: There is the option to just do the Norfolk Island section of the tour.Norfolk Island Where history meets paradise. Explore lush forests, pristine beaches, and captivating culture in this South Pacific gem. Discover a world of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty like no other.

• Pitcairn settlers tour
• Progressive dinner to island homes
• Convict settlement tour
• Sound & light show

New South WalesAustralia’s vibrant heartland. From the iconic Sydney Harbour to the stunning Blue Mountains, immerse yourself in a tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Explore pristine beaches, worldclass vineyards, and bustling urban centers in this dynamic state where adventure awaits at every turn.

• Sydney including the “long lunch” harbour cruise
• Bowral
• The breath-taking Blue Mountains region for 2 nights
• Hunter Valley
• Hawkesbury River

ITINERARY

Thursday 20 February            Auckland – Norfolk Island                                                                 (D)

We depart Auckland this morning on our direct flight to Norfolk Island. On arrival, we will be met by our local representatives and enjoy a light lunch before beginning our Island Orientation Tour – a must for all visitors to Norfolk. We visit historic Kingston, Cascade, Longridge & much more. We see and hear about the famous convict buildings, beautiful beaches and the renowned Melanesian Chapel. At the conclusion, we are transferred to our accommodation for the next 5 nights. After time to rest and relax, we enjoy a fascinating evening of interactive theatre, intrigue & mystery.  An entertaining play, examining the possible last movements and final whereabouts of the famous mutineer, Fletcher Christian, is dramatically acted out by a 6-character cast over a sumptuous 3 course dinner.

Friday 21 February                 Norfolk Island                                                                                    (B,D)

We begin our day with an in-depth tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery and hear the history of interesting convict and colonial headstones. Hear stories of the houses along quality row and walk through the ruins of the new gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill. A fun highlight this evening as we dress as a convict (outfit supplied) and join with the commandant for an evening of feasting & singing. Great food, great fun – this is the most popular feature dinner on Norfolk.

Saturday 22 February             Norfolk Island                                                                                    (B,D)

To get a real insight into the lifestyle on Norfolk Island, you need to meet the people and see their industries in action. On this tour, we will visit a few of the locally owned businesses that make up their industries. Norfolk Island has a huge number of small businesses making different local products that we are able to see – and maybe taste! We will also enjoy morning tea at a beautiful scenic location. Tonight, we enjoy the Sound & Light Show. Nightfall at Kingston brings a different mood to the convict settlement. The stillness and the stars are there just as they were before mankind arrived in 1788. However, with the dramatic use of real life sounds theatrical lighting and costumed actors, the stillness is broken we are taken through the horrifying decades of Norfolk Island’s convict era.

Sunday 23 February                Norfolk Island                                                                                    (B,D)

This morning, experience the proud history of the Pitcairn Island Settlers. Our guided tour will include the gracious original Bailey homestead and gardens with stroll through the barn, dairy and out-buildings. We see the Museum filled with items of nostalgic and historic interest and the oldest working forge in the Pacific, along with an ex New Zealand Army hut, with war-time memorabilia and an exclusive film of Norfolk Island interest. Later this afternoon, we enjoy a feast of Island dishes, salads, homemade bread and fresh fried fish, followed by Island desserts as we watch the sunset from Norfolk’s beautiful western coastline.

Monday 24 February              Norfolk Island                                                                                    (B,D)

Early this morning, make your choice of a stroll through Hundred Acres Reserve or for the more energetic, a leisurely 3.5km walk through Mt. Bates to Captain Cook monument. At the end of the walks, we meet on the cliff-top for a delicious breakfast barbeque. Tonight, we enjoy a star-gazing tour. You’ll never forget the first time you look up into Norfolk Island’s inky night skies. Void of all light pollution and hundreds of kilometres from the closest landmass, the star-splashed skies are simply jaw-dropping. It’s no wonder that Norfolk Island was awarded the rare and coveted status of Gold Level Dark Sky Town by the Australian Dark Sky Register in 2019. Whether you’re an astronomy expert or can’t tell one constellation from another, you’ll be blown away by some of the darkest and most star-filled skies on the planet.

Tuesday 25 February              Norfolk Island – Sydney                                                                     (B)

Morning at leisure. Early afternoon, we farewell Norfolk Island as we head back to the airport to continue our journey. We depart for Sydney mid-afternoon. On arrival in Sydney, we overnight at our airport hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Wednesday 26 February              Sydney – Bowral                                                                     (B,D)

This morning, we leave Sydney behind and head south towards the Southern Highlands. We visit the Kiama Blowhole, Kangaroo Valley, Fitzroy Falls and Berrima.  Berrima is the best-preserved Georgian village in mainland Australia. Many of the buildings are made of sandstone blocks carved out by convicts, including the Surveyor General Inn, the oldest continuously licensed inn in Australia. We arrive in Bowral in the afternoon.

Thursday 27 February              Bowral                                                                     (B,L)

Bowral is a lively spot in The Highlands with a number of antique shops and cafes to browse. It is also home to the Don Bradman Museum which we visit during our stay.  We enjoy a lovely lunch at a vineyard, before the afternoon is at your own leisure.

Friday 28 February              Bowral – Blue Mountains                                                       (B,D)

A leisurely start today as we head into the hills with some great views. Katoomba is in the heart of the Blue Mountains. We spend 2-nights at the award-winning Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, situated on the cusp of the dramatic Jamison Valley, a part of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.

Saturday 01 February              Blue Mountains National Park                                                                     (B,D)

This morning we visit Scenic World, renowned for providing the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure – from native birdlife and fresh air to breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed region including the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley. You can journey on the world’s steepest incline railway, glide between clifftops on the glass-floored Skyway suspended 270 metres in the air, descend into the ancient Jamison Valley by Cableway, explore Jurassic rainforest along all or part of the 2.4km walkway – the longest boardwalk in the Southern Hemisphere. In the afternoon, we are transferred back to our resort.

Sunday 02 March                                Blue Mountains – Hunter Valley                                           (B,D)

Leaving the National Park after breakfast this morning, we head towards Australia’s oldest wine producing regions, The Hunter Valley, where we spend 2-nights.

Monday 03 March                              Hunter Valley                                                                         (B,L)

A relaxing start to the morning today, just sit back and soak in the views and atmosphere.  We visit some of the favourite local chocolate and cheese vendors, before enjoying a sumptuous lunch at a vineyard.  After lunch, relax at the resort, hire a bike, taste a few more wines, or take a wee stroll.

Tuesday 04 March                              Hunter Valley – Newcastle                                                     (B,D)

Back to the coast today. We visit Nobbys Beach before arriving at Blackbutt Reserve. Occupying over 182 hectares of natural bushland, The Reserve’s undulating natural environment is the perfect place to explore the wonders of nature and the diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. The wildlife exhibits provide close viewing of the various native animals on display. The exhibited animals and interpretative signage located along the boardwalk provide an opportunity for visitors to observe the fauna and learn about each species. Comprising Eucalypt Forest and pockets of significant remnant vegetation, Blackbutt Reserve boasts a restored rainforest providing habitats for several rare and vulnerable species. We overnight in Newcastle.

Wednesday 05 March                         Newcastle – Sydney                                                               (B,L)

The Hawkesbury River is our destination today where we join our cruise. Surrounded by steep, forested slopes, the serene bays and inlets along the Hawkesbury River provided an enclave for early settlers. The region is dotted with sandstone ruins, historic cottages and convict trails including the World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road, built by convicts between 1826 and 1836.  We arrive Sydney late afternoon and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Thursday 06 March                            Sydney                                                                                     (B,L,D)

Today, our coach will drop us off at Circular Quay, where we will board our boat and enjoy a relaxing luncheon cruise on Sydney Harbour. Sit back and enjoy a buffet lunch as we cruise past the iconic sites including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. An informative commentary is provided as the various landmarks are pointed out. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch with something for everyone’s tastes. At the conclusion, we are transferred back to our hotel, or you can choose to wander back through the city at your own pace. The afternoon is free until we meet up again this evening to enjoy our last dinner together.

Friday 07 March                                 Sydney – Home                                                                       (B)

Time to say our farewells as we are transferred to Sydney Airport in time to join our flights home.