Norfolk 2023

Norfolk Island 2 3

FULLY ESCORTED SMALL GROUP TOUR

INCLUDES COMPREHENSIVE SIGHT-SEEING & RETURN FLIGHTS FROM BRISBANE

7 NIGHTS - DEPARTS 5th DECEMBER 2023

REMOTE AUSTRALIAN ISLAND AND A FASCINATING HISTORY PEACEFUL PARADISE WITH DISTINCTIVE CULTURE & LIFESTYLE!

Norfolk, an external Australian territory of approx 1,750 permanent residents, is universally picturesque and uniquely different! Over 1,500 kilometres from the Australian mainland (actually much closer to New Zealand), this tiny 8 km by 5 km volcanic outcrop is covered in lush rolling green hills with spectacular rocky shorelines.

Shaped by their genealogy and isolation, Norfolk Islanders have created a homeland far removed from the complications of modern life. They will tell you Norfolk is the ‘Best Place on Earth’ - children here grow up with a strong sense of family and community.

A CHEQUERED HISTORY

Settled just six weeks after Australia’s founding colony at Sydney Cove, the island’s scenic historic area (Kingston) is recognised for its peaceful character, outstanding Georgian buildings and evocative ruins. Kingston was previously occupied by seafaring polynesians, then as a British convict settlement, before being settled by the Pitcairn Islanddescendants of Fletcher Christian and the Bounty mutineers, together with their Tahitian wives, in 1865.

Beautifully clean, there is no sign of graffiti or rubbish on Norfolk - this is pristine living. About 25% of the island is a permanent pasture, and although none of the island’s beaches have ever been patrolled, beautiful Emily beach (at Kingston village) is today swim-safe and protected by a natural coral reef.

The island is the eroded remnant of a basaltic volcano. The area around Mt Bates is preserved as a National Park containing parts of the original forests, and the tallest tree ferns in the world. Among other things, this is also the birthplace of the iconic Norfolk Pine - the symbol and key export of the island. Norfolk is also an important birding location, recognised internationally.

Many of the modern day residents (about 30%) are descendants of these original mutineers. Their legacy remains strong - four public museums keep their stories alive. One of the most interesting sights is the waterfront cemetery, where hand-hewn gravestones record the stories of early pioneers, and are dotted with the names of the mutineersAdams, Quintal, Young and McCoy etc. Bounty Day, the island’s most important annual historical event, celebrates the birth of the current unique Norfolk culture.

CULTURALLY VERY DIFFERENT

There’s just one traffic roundabout on the island, no traffic lights, street lights are almost non-existent, no house numbers, and no public transport. Cows, rather than cars, have legal right-of-way here, and freely roam on all the roads.

Visitors to the island get around mostly by hire car or bicycle - there’s only one taxi. Norfolk is still a place where drivers leave their cars unlocked while they go about their business. Locals (and visitors alike) greet each other while driving, with the ‘Norfolk Wave’ - raising of the index finger from the steering wheel as you pass an oncoming vehicle!

English is the main language, but Norfolk has its own unique local creole language (Norfuk, or Norf’k) which combines Old English with Tahitian from the Bounty descendants - ‘Hello’ is Wataweih, and ‘How are you’ is Wataweih Yoriye. Norfuk is one of the world’s rarest languages. The island has a locally based radio station and a TV station, plus transmitters for Australian channels.

Reflecting their Bounty heritage, many locals share a common surname - there are 380 Adams! Everyone is much more familiar with each others nickname than their birth names, so the distinctive Norfolk Island official phone book features a section where phone numbers are listed by nickname - some of them (Toad, Tarzan, Truck, Moo, Quack, etc) are quite colourful. Some of the locals have even forgotten their birth names!

INFRASTRUCTURE APPROPRIATE FOR THE ISLAND

Burnt Pine is the island’s only commercial centre, location also of the only ATM (at the Commonwealth Bank). Some of the shops that line the only street in Burnt Pine are self-described as ‘Department Stores’, which is quaint - they’re just like all the other stores, but with a slightly wider range of merchandise. On Sunday mornings, an open-air market is held in the carpark of the Post Office.

Strict customs laws and quarantine rules are designed to protect the island’s delicate eco-system of unique plants and fabulous fruit. There are 40 unique plant species on the island, as well as the famous Norfolk Pine tree - no snakes or sandflies, centipedes or fruit flies. A slice of heaven really!

Due to the rugged coastline, there are no safe harbour facilities on Norfolk. Supplies arrive by ship from the mainland, usually monthly. Unloading cargo can be quite an adventure. Ships have to anchor about a kilometre offshore and ferry the cargo in small whaleboats towed by launches. They can only unload at either of two tiny docks where antiquated cranes hoist the goods ashore - which jetty is used depends on the prevailing weather of the day.

The excellent airstrip was constructed by Australian, NZ and US servicemen during WW2, and occupies a significant elevated part of the island. It was a key refuelling airbase for flights between Australia, NZ and the Solomon Islands during WW2.

PRISTINE & Almost SELF SUFFICIENT

Many islanders are land-rich but cash-poor, and most grow their own fresh food - of which there is plenty (particularly tropical fruit). The farming sector has become selfsufficient in the production of beef, poultry and eggs. Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm seeds, cereals and vegetables are grown. The pine and palm seeds, and avocados are actually exported. Norfolk is renowned for its cornbread and pumpkin pies, and seafood (snapper, trevally & kingfish) is plentiful - it’s the only major natural resource.

There are 35 local restaurants on the island, just one supermarket and no fast food outlets. Most wine is imported from Australia but there is a local winery, Two Chimneys Wines, with cellar door sales.

Islanders organise their own annual Food Festival, and progressive dinners in private homes are a popular way of giving visitors an opportunity to meet the locals and sample local produce.

Thanks to early Americans who lived on the island over a century ago (and American whalers), celebrating Thanksgiving each year is a big deal - the island even has a holiday for it. The festival features fresh produce and island cooking at harvest time, but local roast pork replaces the traditional American turkey.

HERE HAS TO BE A CONTROVERSY

From 1979, Norfolk was a self-governing territory of Australia. In 2015, the island sought significant financial assistance from the Australian Government, setting in train events that brought the island under the control of the NSW Government as a local council. Norfolk today has a NSW postcode (2899) and comes under NSW law, although it has no state member and politically belongs to the ACT federal seat of Bean.

The island’s parliament of 9 was abolished and Norfolk lost its tax-free status, but gained access to Australia’s medicare system, Centrelink and a range of other services. Anti-Commonwealth sentiment still simmers on the island, and some locals continue their defiance against the territory’s current governance.

EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE RESIDENT

The island’s much-loved long-term resident, married a descendant of the original Bounty mutineers. Best-selling author, the late Colleen McCullough (died 2015 at age 77) lived on the island for nearly four decades. McCullough was most famous for two of her globally acclaimed novels ‘Thornbirds’ and ‘Morgans Run’, set (in large part) on Norfolk Island. She was a vocal advocate for the island’s self governance model. Visitors can tour her quirky house where she lived to the end of her life, offering a glimpse of where her books were researched and written.

TOO GOOD TO MISS

A uniquely island holiday destination, with a pristine lifestyle, powerful historic and cultural story to share, absolutely idyllic scenery everywhere, great food and hospitality - the tiny island of Norfolk provides your perfect escape from the recent isolation and restrictions of mainland Australia (and the world). So close, and so unique! Make the most of this fabulous opportunity!

GARDEN ROOM

Our Superior rooms are located on the ground floor and provide easy access to the hotel lobby. Offering stylish accommodation for two guests, each room features modern appliances and comprises either a double (Queen) bed, or twin bed configuration.

As for our cosy Garden Rooms, they are located on both the ground and first floors with many on the ground floor boasting a private terrace to enjoy the hotel gardens and swimming pool. Each Garden Room is comprises of either a king, queen or twin beds.

Both rooms have a private bathroom, satellite television, DVD player, refrigerator, IDD phones, clock radio, fan, iron/board, hair dryer and tea/coffee facilities.

SUPERIOR ROOM

PARADISE HOTEL & RESORT

The Paradise Hotel & Resort on Norfolk Island is a family owned and operated hotel and has recently undergone a significant amount of renovation to a majority of it’s rooms.

Set among 11 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens, the Paradise Hotel & Resort has 49 spacious rooms in four accommodation styles spread across two levels (primarily ground floor). All of our comfortable rooms are located in close proximity to reception, the restaurant and swimming pool

All Tours are included for us

1/2 Day Orientation Tour

The half day orientation tour is a must for every visitor! Visit historic Kingston, Cascade, Longridge & much more. See & hear about the famous convict buildings, beautiful beaches & golf course, the renowned Melanesian Chapel, Island Government, our laws & lifestyle. Enjoy views from scenic spots on this full commentary conducted tour. Rest for a delicious morning or afternoon tea at a private home with fantastic views!

Island Fish Fry

Enjoy a feast of Island dishes, salads, homemade bread & fresh fried fish, followed by Island desserts & tea or coffee. Enjoy some local entertainment on Norfolk’s beautiful Puppy’s Point.

Convict Settlement Tour

An ‘In Depth’ tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. Walk through the cemetery & hear the history of interesting convict & colonial headstones, hear stories of the houses along Quality Row. Walk through the ruins of the New Jail, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed & the Crank Mill.

Ghost Tour

Dinner and Lantern Walk. Listen to tales and stories that will delight you, make you sad and through it all send shivers down your spine! Includes dinner in historic Kingston, and a lantern walk through the ruins.

Progressive Dinner

Enjoy a 3 course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes. You will join a group of other Norfolk Island visitors and be taken to carefully selected island homes where you hear Norfolk stories from your dinner hosts. The Progressive Dinner is a fun night and a great way to meet the local people.

Breakfast Bush Walk

Take your choice of a stroll through ‘One Hundred Acres Reserve’ or for the more energetic, a leisurely 3.5km walk through scenic Mt. Bates to Captain Cook Monument. At the end of the walks, we meet on the clifftop for a delicious breakfast barbeque.

Murder Mystery Dinner

The Norfolk Island Murder Mystery Dinner is a 3 course meal fit for the commandants whilst the mystery unfolds… Meet the Commandant, Clergyman and Convicts of this period. Includes true characters from the second settlement. Audience participation is required for a Guaranteed great, fun night out! Solve the mystery and win a prize!!

Pitcairn Settlers Village

Discover the colourful history of Norfolk Island’s most recent settlement, the ‘Pitcairners’, from their descendants - on one of the last remaining original settler’s properties. You will learn about the history & culture of the Pitcairn Settlers. View the pristine homestead gardens (including many of the traditional crops) visit a blacksmith’s forge, a WWII Army hut, the Museum of Memorabilia and other significant locations.

Farm & Industry

Make your way to a private farm property on the western side of the island to discover how seasonal produce is grown. Next stop is a visit to a family sheep farm. Listen along the way, to an old 1954 recording in the Norf’k language with elders talking about the bean industry on the Island.

Continuing on to the eastern side of the island, explore a home industry farm with ducks, chickens, bees and more. Enjoy afternoon tea and lively conversation about all things ‘farm & industry’ on the Island. On the way back, stop off at the liqueur factory.

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 & costumed actors, the stillness is broken as you are taken through the horrifying decades of Norfolk Island’s convict era.

Night as a Convict

A fun night out for all ages! Dress as a convict & join in with the Commandant for an evening of gaiety, feasting, singing & dancing. Great food! Great fun! (outfit supplied) Norfolk’s only dinner & dance night –this is the most popular feature dinner on Norfolk.

Cyclorama

The Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama is regarded as one of Norfolk Island’s most popular attractions and has won several Tourism Awards. You will walk inside a circular panoramic painting to be completely surrounded by the artwork. It is a truly unique way to experience the history of the Bounty adventures, and discover how the world’s most famous mutiny created the Pitcairn and Norfolk Island communities.

Wonderland by Night

The setting is 10 acres of magical Norfolk Pines, which are lit up like a magical enchanted forest.Meander along (or ride in the ‘moon buggy’) through a gentle winding path with a descendant of the Bounty Mutineers, as they recite poems and light up the dioramas. with entertaining stories.

4WD Tour

This 4WD tour takes you through Norfolk’s National Park where you see not only the beauty of the gum forest, but also the different growth stages of the Norfolk Pine. View the many varieties of both native and imported plants as well as the newly constructed Boo Book Owl nests.

Indulgence Tour

The Indulgence Tour takes you to some of the most beautiful coastal views Norfolk Island has to offer. Start at the south-eastern coastal views at Ball Bay, and learn about the remote Norfolk Island resupplies, before travelling to Steeles Point & the Captain Cook Monument, reveling in early settler’s history and the island’s unique rock formations. In the afternoon, depart to Lavender Farms for wine, cheese & crackers, while enjoying a 360° view of the whole island.

Package Inclusions

• Return flights ex Brisbane

• Group transfers between airport & hotel

• 7 nights at the Paradise Hotel

• Full programme of daily sightseeing & activity

• 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners

• Services of a Travel Masters/Travel Studio Tour Escort

Opt out choice

Price

$3,595pp Garden Twin $3,795pp Superior Twin $4,395pp Garden Single

You don’t have to participate in every program activity - but it’s all included if you do!

FIRST PASSENGER

Title: ________________ Surname (as shown on photo identification): _____________________________________________

First Name(as shown on photo identification):_____________________________ Preferred First Name:__________________

If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE

Do you require single supplement? YES / NO

Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO

(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)

Are you an Air New Zealand Frequent Flyer/Virgin Velocity Member? Member No: ____________________________________

Do you have any dietary or seating requests: _________________________________________________________________

Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality:_____________________________________

SECOND PASSENGER

Title:_____________________________ Surname (as shown on photo identification):_________________________________

First Name(as shown on photo identification):_____________________________ Preferred First Name:__________________

Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE

Do you require single supplement? YES / NO

Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO

(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)

Are you an Air New Zealand Frequent Flyer/Virgin Velocity Member? Member No: ____________________________________

Do you have any dietary or seating requests: _________________________________________________________________

Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality:____________________________________

PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS (Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different)

Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Suburb: _____________________________________________State: ___________________ Postcode: _______________

Postal Address (If different from Street Address: _____________________________________________________________

Suburb: ______________________________________________State: ___________________ Postcode: ______________

Home Tel: _________________________Work Tel: _______________________Fax: ____________________

Mobile No: ______________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of cancellation. Would you like us to send a travel insurance brochure to you? YES / NO

I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed below on this form and the General Information and Booking Conditions and accept them on behalf of myself and my party. I declare that I/they are not travelling against any medical advice.

Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ______/______/______

Please also complete the reverse side of this form and return it to one of our Travel Consultants, or to: Group Tour Co-ordinator, PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211

EMERGENCY CONTACT (Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas)

Complete

PAYMENT OPTIONS

1. Mail – Enclosed is a cheque / money order as a deposit (Please make payable to Mistvale Pty Ltd)

2. Credit Card – Please debit my: Visa / Mastercard

Card No: ______________________________________________________

Cardholder’s Name: __________________________________________________

Cardholder’s Signature: _______________________________________________

(Payments by credit card will be subject to a 1.5% Merchant Administration fee)

3. Direct Deposit into Travel Masters bank account. Please call for bank details.

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT

The deposit $500 is accepted as a first instalment of the tour cost and will be fully refunded if the arrangements cannot be confirmed or the tour is cancelled by Travel Masters. A detailed invoice is sent out to all passengers booked on the tour, approximately two weeks prior to due date of the final payment. Final payment for the tour needs to be received by 31 July 2023

CANCELLATION FEES

If it is necessary for you to cancel your holiday, notification of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges will apply: up to 8 weeks prior to departure - loss of deposit; 7-4 weeks prior - up to 50% of tour cost; and less than 4 weeks - up to full tour cost. No refund is available for cancellation of the tour or any service not used after commencement of the tour. Deposits are non-transferable.

PRICES

Tour prices stated on the tour brochure has been calculated on the basis of exchange rates and tariffs valid at time of print and are subject to change up until final payment for the tour has been received. Once final payment is received, no surcharges will apply. Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a change of price, then normal cancellation charges will apply.

RESPONSIBILITY

Expiry: ______/______/______

TRAVEL MASTERS Group

(Travel Masters)

PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211

Phone:

(07) 5596 0511 / 1800 672 988

Email: sales@travelmasters.com.au

(The Travel Studio)

PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218

Phone: (07)5572 7272

Email: lifestyle@thetravelstudio.com.

au

TOUR LEADER

Michelle Yates Tel: (07) 55 72 72 72

michelle@thetravelstudio.com.

au Visit our website: www.travelmasters.com.au

Mistvale Pty Ltd trading as Travel Masters and/or its associated Companies or Agents, act only in the capacity of agents for the passenger in all matters of transportation, tour operation and other services. All receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and other services are provided. Travel Masters and/or its associated companies or Agents assume no responsibility for loss, injury, accident, delay or damage or irregularity that may be caused to person or property, however caused arising before commencement and/or during any tour under its management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/she is in possession of the proper visas and other travel documents and that they are in compliance with current government and transportation companies’ regulations. The right is reserved to modify the itinerary in any way considered necessary or desirable, or to change any reservation, hotel feature and/or means of conveyance, without allowance or refund but the extra cost (if any) resulting therefrom must be paid by the passenger. The right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour, to replace any tour leader with another, to cancel or withdraw any booking made for a passenger, or to decline to accept any person as a member of a tour. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever caused and of whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a carrier or conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms. The contract of passage in use by the transportation companies or firms concerned shall constitute the sole contract between transportation companies or firms, and the purchase of these tours and/or passenger. All tickets, deposit tickets, coupons or orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided there by are offered or supplied by owners, public carriers, or managing agents. The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons, or exchange orders shall be deemed consent to the above conditions. The tour is based on flights as detailed in the itinerary, however any other IATA or non-IATA carrier may be used for tour co-ordination.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by every moment that takes your breath away.”

MEET YOUR TOUR ESCORT

The tour will be escorted by our Senior Travel Adviser Michelle Yates from The Travel Studio.

Michelle will travel with you on this outstanding itinerary, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and previous travel experience, along with a passion for people, places and different cultures.

You will find that Michelle will take every opportunity to make this tour one of life’s most outstanding memories.

We hope you can join this exciting tour.

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