What You’ll Experience with a Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour

I’ve just come back from hosting 15 people for a Norfolk Island holiday for 7 nights on our Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour. Our tour included accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, plus touring with free time to explore the town centre. Join me on this amazing journey to discover just how much you can fit in with a Norfolk Island escorted tour.

Day 1 – Wataweih! Hello Norfolk Island

I met the group at the Brisbane International Airport for our departure at 9am.

Hot tip: if you travel with your passport, you can buy duty free at the airport in both directions!

Upon arrival on Norfolk Island, we were transferred by coach to our accommodation for the next seven nights, Governor’s Lodge. The afternoon was at our leisure before we headed off to a spoooooky Ghost Tour with Dinner & Lantern Walk. We listened to tales and stories of those that have been before us. Even though I did not see any ghosts, the stories still sent shivers down my spine! If you do see a ghost, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Day 2 – Discover the convict history of Norfolk Island

After a leisurely breakfast, we had a private transfer downtown to the markets so we could check out the local products. Guava Jelly and Norfolk Island Pine products are a must. We then took a leisurely stroll to Bounty Lodge for High Tea, which was amazing. High Tea was held on the verandah of the historic house and included bubbles, sandwiches and sweets. Yum.

Afterwards we were transferred down to Kingston to learn about the first settlers, the Polynesians who came 900 years ago and the infamous Bounty mutiny. We finished with a walk through the historic jail and cemetery as we learnt about the horrible reality of convict life. The day was finished with a Murder Mystery Dinner – Who Killed the Surveyor? We went back in time to 1859 as we dined in one of the historic buildings on Quality Row. We were all given a part to play and a costume to wear - I played Arthur Quintal. I can’t tell you any more as it will give the ending away, so book this tour if you want to find out who killed the surveyor!

Day 3 – Discover Norfolk Island

Our morning was spent on an Island Orientation Tour. Our driver John was very informative about the past of Norfolk, along with the current day. We stopped at Queen Elizabeth Lookout that overlooks the whole of Kingston. Absolutely stunning. We drove around to Emily Bay with gorgeous blue water and the lone Pine Tree – which Captain Cook drew when he landed here. We passed the famous convict buildings, beautiful beaches and golf course before arriving at a stunning location on the cliff for morning tea of scones, jam and tea or coffee. We also stopped at the renowned Melanesian Chapel with one of the oldest pipe organs.

This afternoon we explored more of Kingston with History in the Making. Stuart our guide explained all about the 4 settlements and how they impacted the island and how they still impact today’s culture on the island. We stopped into a working museum set in the grounds of an island home that shows how they used to make flax and shingles for roofs. The owner Arthur also is self-sufficient and grows enough fruit and veggies to get him and his family through most of the year.

Dinner tonight was two courses at Bailey's Restaurant, Governors Lodge. This beautifully restored house is the centrepiece of the resort. I can highly recommend the rack of lamb or the local fish of the day.

Day 4 – Colleen McCullough’s House and Island Fish Fry

This morning was at our leisure with so much to see and do, there is something for everyone.

Today the group participated in a couple of options:

• Botanical Gardens to take in the local plants and wildlife
• The Bounty Folk Museum

The Bounty Folk Museum houses a collection of anything and everything, including the Cyclorama which is a 360-degree painting of the Bounty journey (it actually looks like it’s moving!). I took time out to do some shopping and purchased some locally made goat soap and handmade chocolates.

After lunch we toured Colleen McCullough’s house – the world-renowned author of 24 books. She called Norfolk Island home for almost 36 years. Her husband, Ric Robinson is a Norfolk Resident and still resides there today. We were escorted through her beloved property “Out Yenna” where you will see priceless collection of artefacts gathered on their travels all over the world. There was a cup and saucer from Napoleon Bonaparte, a chair from the Palace of Versailles, a Waterford Crystal globe that is only 1 of 2 made and so much more. At the end of the tour, you have a chance to purchase some of her many books, including “Tim”, “The Thornbirds” and “Morgan’s Run”.

Our day was finished with The Island Fish Fry – held at Orn Daa Cliff. It was a bit cloudy so we didn’t see the sunset but we did enjoy an amazing feast of island dishes, salads, homemade bread and fresh fried fish – freshly caught Trumpeter fish. We were entertained by Trent – who is an 8th generation Pitcairn Islander and by the Bounty Beauties – a local dance troupe keeping the Tahitian dancing alive.

Day 5 – Thanksgiving Day Picnic

Breakfast was at our leisure before we joined the locals at the Church of England Thanksgiving Service in the historic All Saints Church at Kingston. It was beautifully decorated with local produce such as stalks of corn, bunches of bananas, carrots etc. At the end of the service the produce is auctioned off for use in the community. Norfolk Island is the only country outside the United States that celebrates Thanksgiving Day, dating back to the time the American whalers were living on Norfolk Island. Many of their descendants continue the tradition. After the service, we had morning tea at Kingston, before heading off to check out the 250-year-old Moreton Bay Figs at Hundred Acres Reserve. We then headed off for a traditional island lunch where we had local salads, turkey and of course pumpkin pie. We finished the day with a 2-course dinner at The Boatshed. Even though I was still full from lunch it was an awesome way to finish the day.

Day 6 – Exploring local island businesses

Todays half day tour Over the Cattlestops took us to parts of the island we had not yet seen while giving us a real insight into the lifestyle on Norfolk Island. We met the locals as they explained to us how they live and the many industries that have been born on the island. Ukulele making, goat milking, making moisturisers, pottery and salt extraction – it is amazing how many local businesses are thriving on such a small island. The afternoon was at our leisure so I joined some of the group for the Tea Shire Drive – a horse and carriage ride through Hundred Acres Reserve followed by a delicious afternoon tea. This is an intimate experience for six people as you travel past Colleen McCullough’s house on the way to Hundred Acres Reserve. We admired the 250-year-old Moreton Bay figs, before heading through the pine forest and back to the stables for afternoon tea.

Tonight, we experienced a three course Progressive Dinner with each of the three courses at a different house. The food was all home cooked and an excellent way to get to know the locals. The highlight for me was meeting Wiggy, one of the last whalers from the 50s and 60s.

Day 7 – Island Life Tour focusing on the modern-day life

Even though it was a rainy day it did not stop us from exploring the island and learning about current day life including the Norfolk language, how they are educated, the ethnic groups and how being part of Australia has changed the way locals live. The island is planning to be totally powered by Tesla battery within the next few years and are doing everything possible to keep nature preserved for future generations. Our last dinner was full of fun and frivolity as we dressed up as convicts to partake in a dinner show - Night as A Convict. This consisted of a 3-course meal, singing and dancing. Great food and fun way to wrap up our Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour.

Day 8 – Farewell Norfolk Island (SEE YORLYE GANE)

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Book Your Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour Today!

Our week-long Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour was absolutely amazing – full of fun, laughter and learning. A must do for anyone wishing to experience Norfolk Island. If you would like to experience an Escorted Tour please contact us 1800 800 722.

Book Your Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour Today!

Our week-long Norfolk Island Escorted Thanksgiving Tour was absolutely amazing – full of fun, laughter and learning. A must-do for anyone wishing to experience Norfolk.

Experience the wonders of a Norfolk Island holiday with Spacifica Travel. Our dedicated team of travel specialists are here to craft a Norfolk Island holiday package that perfectly suits you. Whether you envision a tranquil retreat or an action-packed exploration, we'll ensure your Norfolk Island holiday is nothing short of extraordinary. Get in touch with us on 1800 800 722 to start planning your Norfolk Island tours!