Experience Norfolk Island
SOLD OUT
Dates: 15 - 22 October 2022
Fully Hosted from Brisbane
Duration: 8 Days
Experience the Solo Connections difference and be treated like a local on one of our best selling tours, to Norfolk Island! Solo Connections tours are fully escorted, unique small group tours designed specifically for solo travellers over 50. Our tour includes 7 nights in comfortable quality accommodation with your own private self-contained unit, most meals and tailor-made sightseeing whilst on Norfolk Island.
An 8 Day experience of the beauty and history of Norfolk Island. You will learn of the turbulent convict years and todays vibrant Norf’k culture (born out of the infamous mutiny on the Bounty) through the many included tours and experiences that await. Spend 7 nights in comfortable quality accommodation with your own private room, most meals included and tailor-made sightseeing.
Highlights
- Hilli Goat Tour
- Breakfast Bushwalk
- Sunset Island Fish Fry
- Night with the Mutineers
- Colleen McCullough Home Tour
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Convict Settlement Tour
- Night as a Convict Dinner
- Farm & Industry Tour
- And more!
For more information, or to secure your place, call us today at 1300 044 444
8 DAYS
Fully Escorted
Departing Brisbane 15 October 2022
Pricing
SOLD OUT
Includes
- Economy class Qantas airfares including taxes departing Brisbane*
- Private single room in self-contained accommodation
- 7 Breakfasts & 7 Dinners
- All sightseeing tours and transfers as per itinerary
- Tour Host – travels with group from/to Brisbane
- Local guides
Excludes
- Any connecting domestic flights, meals, transfers or sightseeing other than mentioned above or in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature i.e. laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc
- Travel Insurance
Please note: Whilst a passport is not mandatory for travel to Norfolk Island, we do recommend that if you have one that you travel with it. As we depart from the International Airport it does make for a much more smooth transition through Customs & Immigration.
Please also note: Due to the limited airline schedule to Norfolk Island, this tour only departs from Brisbane. Passengers from other cities wishing to join the tour will need to meet in Brisbane. This may require arriving and/ or departing Brisbane the day before/after the tour dates. We can assist with these additional arrangement on request or you can see speak with your favourite travel agent.
For more information, or to secure your place, call us today at 1300 044 444
Day 1
Brisbane – Norfolk Island (D)
This morning you will meet your Tour Host and fellow travellers at Brisbane International Airport for our flights to Norfolk Island. On arrival we will be welcomed by a representative who will assist with luggage and coach transfer to our centrally located accommodation. There will be plenty of time to relax and settle in with the afternoon at leisure. This evening we are taken on a Progressive Dinner to Island Homes. We get to enjoy a 3-course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes throughout the evening. This is a fun night and a great way to meet the local people and sample some of the Island dishes.
Hotel: Aloha Apartments (7 Nights)
Relax and unwind in comfort and privacy at Aloha Apartments, set in the heart of Burnt Pine on private landscaped grounds in Norfolk Island’s shopping and cafe district, the apartments have fully equipped kitchens, and offer all the comforts and conveniences of home if you need them.
Day 2
Norfolk Island (B,D)
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a visit to the local markets, a short walk away from our accommodation. After lunch (own expense) we will be picked up for a Half Day Island Orientation Tour. The half day tour is a must-do Norfolk Island experience, introducing travellers to the island’s history and life as it is today. From the historic Kingston to famous convict buildings and beautiful beaches the tour offers plenty of opportunities for everyone to take some photos and be fully informed about this fascinating island. This evening we are taken to an Island home, for a ‘Night with the Mutineers‘. Savour the island culture, music, and laughs while you enjoy a delicious, two-course feast, fit for a mutineer and be entertained by descendants of the Bounty Mutineers.
Day 3
Norfolk Island (B,D)
After breakfast we are picked and taken to Kingston, for the Convict Settlement Tour, an in depth tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Norfolk’s penal settlements and wander through some of the historic ruins. Early afternoon we are taken to Fletchers Mutiny Cyclorama, a continuous 360degree panoramic painting. This will be followed by a stroll through Queen Victoria’s Garden. The bus will be available to take us back to our accommodation or you may like to walk back. This evening we go back in time to 1859 on Norfolk Island and dine with the chief magistrate Frederick Young and his Wife Mary. Dine on a 3 Course dinner while you help solve the mystery of “Who killed the surveyor?”
Day 4
Norfolk Island (B,D)
This morning after breakfast we are transferred to Emily Bay for a Glass Bottom Boat* tour. Norfolk Islanders, Donald and George, will share their knowledge of Norfolk’s unique marine life. Once you’ve ‘walked the plank’ with these Mutineer descendants it takes 60 seconds (yes, one minute!) to be at the reef. View beautiful coral gardens and tropical fish inside the calm crystal waters of Norfolk’s lagoon. Donald and George provide full interesting commentary on this environmental tour. *Please note that this tour could change if the weather is inclement. Returning to the hotel, we have the afternoon at leisure. We will meet early evening and make our way to the Norfolk Island RSL Club for dinner. After dinner we embark on the 1856 The Untold Story. On 8 June 1856 a total of 194 people, descendants from the Bounty, arrived on Norfolk Island from Pitcairn Island aboard the Morayshire. This consisted of 40 men, 47 women, 54 boys, and 53 girls. They arrived in cold, wet blustery conditions. Few had ever been to sea before, they were seasick, homesick and heartsick. The journey of 6,000 km/3,700 miles took five weeks. They arrived to a recently abandoned penal settlement set aside for the ‘worst of the worst’ it was full of ghosts and memories. It was a large and frightening testimony of man’s inhumanity to man. This tour will follow their journey in the World Heritage Listed Kingston area and will bring the past to life with an audio aboard their coach, recounting stories of the families, where they lived and how they adapted to their new life on Norfolk Island.
Day 5
Norfolk Island (B,D)
An early start today sees us taking a leisurely Breakfast Bushwalk through the National Park. At the end of the walk, we meet on the clifftop for a delicious breakfast barbeque. The mid-morning is at leisure. Later we are collected for a local Farm & Industry tour – exploring the hidden Norfolk! We visit some private farms to meet local producers, hear their stories, and sample some of the amazing locally grown, homemade produce and liqueurs of Norfolk Island. We will meet early evening and then be transferred to Bounty Lodge Bar & Grill for dinner.
Day 6
Norfolk Island (B,D)
After breakfast we are taken on an exclusive guided tour to the home of world renowned author, the late Colleen McCullough, who made Norfolk Island her home in 1979 and stayed until her passing in 2015 with her husband Ric Robinson. After lunch (own expense) we take The Taste of Norfolk tour. Explore the beekeeper’s home where we’ll see the honeybees, followed by a stop to see the beef and dairy farm where we learn about supplying milk to make local produce as well as learning about the traditional island way of cooking. Late afternoon we will be collected and transferred to this evening’s Island Fish Fry. Enjoy the stunning cliff top scenery and feast of Island dishes, along with local entertainment and the sunset. Following dinner we return to our accommodation. Those that are not ready to turn in for the night may like to wander next door to the Bowling Club.
Day 7
Norfolk Island (B,D)
This morning, after breakfast, we visit The Hilli Goat Farm. Learn the history around the family farm and Hilli goat business. We will get to see the Hilli Goats whilst strolling through the property learning about the local produce and the production of the Hilli Goat cheeses. The afternoon is free for time at leisure for shopping or relaxing. As this is our last night on the Island, it’s only fitting that we have a Night as Convict Dinner. Tonight is bound to be a fun time as we dress* like convicts and join in with the Commandant for an evening of gaiety, feasting, singing & dancing. Be sure to bring along your fun spirit and good sense of humour!
*convict outfit supplied.
Day 8
Norfolk Island – Brisbane (B)
Sadly, today is our final day in this remote paradise. We enjoy breakfast and then our morning is at leisure. For those wanting to do a bit more shopping you can stroll down to Burnt Pine Shopping Centre and pick up those last minute purchases or just relax in your apartment until it’s time to check out. We will be transferred to the Norfolk Island airport to check in for our return flight to Brisbane.
*Please note: Itinerary is subject to change
For more information, or to secure your place, call us today at 1300 044 444
Karen G – This was my first Solo Connections tour and I felt very comfortable with the group. Being met at the airport and having a friendly coffee to start off really broke the ice and was such a wonderful introduction to everyone. I would highly recommend Solo Connections. – September 2021
Lorraine R – Local tour guides were very good at all times. I was very happy with the accommodation – great position with easy walking to all the shops. It was really lovely to revisit Norfolk Island. – September 2021
Judy P – Tricia was a great tour leader and all coach drivers were professional & helpful. Accommodation was in a very handy & central position. – September 2021
Nelya A – I had a good time on this tour, our host and drivers were very knowledgeable. – September 2021
Ria V – All our drivers were excellent, it was nice tasting Norfolk food and our accommodation was very inviting.
Robyn F – Tricia’s local knowledge was an added bonus, Norfolk Islands history is fascinating and the island is as beautiful as the advertising shows. I would love to go back again. – September 2021
Linda T – A very well organised tour with very good and knowledgeable host who was very easy going. – September 2021
Kay N – A great tour with a good amount of free time. Tricia is a delightful host. – September 2021
Natalie D – I enjoyed the tour very much, it brought back memories of a past visit. Trish was a very helpful host. Her knowledge of the island was a bonus. This tour tour suited my needs in every way, thank you! – September 2021
Leonie B – Good tour, good accommodation, good friends and very good (almost too good!) food – what more could one want! – February 2021
Glenys W – I have thoroughly enjoyed dealing with Solo Connections. Absolutely terrifc experience and our tour host was a lot fun. Love all the unexpected extras. – February 2021
Lyn G – Well organised tour. Excellent meals. Drivers & local guides were were very knowledgable and tour host always courtous and professional. – February 2021
Sue W – Tricia is the best! Knowledgable, warm and good fun! Had heaps of laughs & good conversation with the group. All the activites chosen were most enjoyable. – February 2021
Ben A – Tour Host was extremely helpful, knowledgable and professional. Meals were delish and sightseeing excellent.- February 2021
Geraldine P – Tricia was excellent and the tour was very good value.- February 2021
Jess R – Tour host was excellent, local drivers and guides went out of their way to please and meals were well above expectations. – February 2021
Wendy G – Tricia’s local knowledge was so great! – February 2021
Kathie B – Loved it, I had a ball! – February 2021
Anne B – Tour could not have been better! – February 2021
Daina N – Thoroughly enjoyable tour. – February 2021
Brigita N – Just returned from Norfolk Island with Solo Connections. Really enjoyed it. Solo looked after us so well. – February 2021
Vicki W – Fantastic holiday, beautiful Island and Gigi, our host, is an all round superstar! – March 2020
Lois L – Exceptionally good lunch at the Hilli Goat, also enjoyed the Progressive Dinner and Island Fish Fry. Gigi, our host, was also quite exceptional. – March 2020
Sharon A – I really enjoyed the Hilli Goat Farm, Cyclorama and especially meeting up with descendants of the Bounty Mutineers. – March 2020
Veronica B – A fabulous tour. Gigi is by far the best tour host I have ever had. – March 2020
Marty G – Enjoyed it all and love the people! – March 2020
Di T – I had an amazing trip with Solo Connections, my first and my first trip on my own. The accommodation was perfect, the tours were informative with everywhere having a fun & relaxed atmosphere. It felt like you really experienced the culture, not just observed it as a tourist. Tricia, our tour host, was excellent and went out of her way to make sure our holiday was memorable! Our group of 16 was a great mix & we had lots of fun together (making new friendships along the way). Overall the trip exceeded my expectations and I’ll be looking out for a new adventure with Solo Connections! – September 2019
Jann P – Wonderful group of people. Tour host was exceptional! – September 2019
Beverley W – Tricia was an excellent host, very knowledgeable, nothing was a bother and she answered all our questions. Tricia is a credit to Solo Connections. Our coach drivers were fantastic, courteous, helpful and very nice people. Local homes and restaurants where we dined were very enjoyable. – September 2019
Margaret A – Loved go with Solo! I cannot praise Tricia enough for her dedication to her job. Thank you Solo Connections for an amazing trip! – September 2019
Rhonda C – Brilliant tour! So so fortunate to have Tricia as our host, she is AWESOME! – September 2019
Christine H – Wonderful group and Tricia was a bonus! – September 2019
John W – Excellent tour and host. – September 2019
Ray P – Mind blowing! Norfolk Island had always been on my late wife and I’s bucket list from year dot. I was prepared for the rugged coastlines and fields of green grass with convict history past, but the greatest attraction are the locals and their enthusiasm of sharing their beautiful, bountiful, home and culture. – March 2019
Jeanette N – Great tour! – March 2019
Denise M – Thank you Bek for everything you did to make our holiday so memorable! – November 2018
Wendy C – Excellent Tour! November 2018
Pamela G – 10/10 – November 2018
Christine S – Excellent tour. Bek, our tour host, was great. We were well looked after and nothing was too much trouble. – March 2018
Bruce L – I rate this tour excellent! – March 2018
Barry F – Bek, our host, could not have done anything more for us. She went over and beyond my expectations. I would rate this tour 110%. – March 2018
Barb P – A wonderful, beautiful place to visit. Each day was special, food delicious. The people on Norfolk Island are very friendly with good senses of humour. Bek, our host, was so amazing and looked after us so wonderfully. Thank you. – March 2018
Lyn G – Really enjoyed this tour, it covered so much. Bek was an excellent tour host, very knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. – March 2018
Chris G – As my first trip I was a little daunted at first, but found that I could give the group a few laughs and had great fun and made new friendships. I would travel this group again! Bek was a great tour host that knew the right places and locals with their fantastic hospitality. I really enjoyed the progressive dinner. I was also fascinated by the birdlife on the Island!I hope to be on another Solo Connections tour soon. – September 2017
June B – Everyone in our group got on so well. Bek made our trip so perfect. She is such a lovely person and I’m thinking I’ll got back with her again! – September 2017
Lorraine R – I chose to go to Norfolk Island on this tour because Bek is a local. This tour was extra special because everyone knew Bek. Our accommodation was excellent and very centrally located. Our group was also wonderful. – September 2017
Pat M – Bek is a 10+, couldn’t ask for a better tour host. The tour more than met my expectations and has set the bar very high. The tour included so much, plenty of variety and excellent food. It couldn’t have been better! – September 2017
Diane W – Keep up the great work Solo Connections. I just loved Norfolk Island and Bek’s help & knowledge. – September 2017
Margaret L – Thank you Bek – a memorable week spent with friends – old & new! Every day was an adventure, and the friendliness & generosity of everyone was just superb! Was sorry to leave this Island paradise. – September 2017
Joan J – Awesome tour! Bek and the group were great – thank you! – September 2017