NORFOLK ISLAND
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 Beautifully clean, there is no sign of graffiti or rubbish on Norfolk - this is pristine living.
A CHEQUERED HISTORY
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
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 Island descendants of Fletcher Christian and the Bounty mutineers, together with their Tahitian wives, in 1865. 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 mutineers - Adams, Quintal, Young and McCoy etc. Bounty Day, the island’s most important annual historical event, celebrates the birth of the current unique Norfolk culture.
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!
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 ecosystem 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.
CULTURALLY VERY DIFFERENT
There’s just one traffic roundabout on the island, no traffic lights, street lights are almost nonexistent, no house numbers, and no public transport. Cows, rather than cars, have legal rightof-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 on-coming 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!
The island's cherished long-term resident, Colleen McCullough, forged a unique connection to Norfolk Island by marrying a descendant of the original Bounty mutineers. A renowned and best-selling author, McCullough made Norfolk Island her home for nearly four decades until her passing in 2015 at the age of 77
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.
THERE 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.
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 self-sufficient 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
Program Highlights ALL
TOURS ARE INCLUDED!
1/2 DAY ORIENTATION TOUR
The half day orientation tour is a mu visitor! Visit historic Kingston, Cascade, L much more. See & hear about the fam buildings, beautiful beaches & golf c renowned Melanesian Chapel, Island G Noroflk’s laws & lifestyle. Enjoy views f spots on this full commentary conducte for a delicious morning or afternoon fantastic views!
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 decades of Norfolk Island’s dark and terrifying decades of the convict era.
WONDERLAND BY NIGHT
CONVICT SETTLEMENT
The setting is 10 acres of magical Norfolk Pines,
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
BREAKFAST BUSH WALK
Take your choice of a stroll through ‘One Hundred
SCENIC VIEWS
INDULGENCE TOUR
The Indulgence Tour takes you most beautiful coastal views Norf offer. Start at the south-eastern Ball Bay, and learn about the Island resupplies, before travelling & Mount Pitt, revelling in early set the island’s unique rock formation
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Enjoy a 3 course meal progress Norfolk Island family homes. You of other Norfolk Island visitors a carefully selected island homes Norfolk stories from your din Progressive Dinner is a fun night to meet the local people
RN SETTLERS VILLAGE
the colourful history of Norfolk Island’s ent settlement, the ‘Pitcairners’, from their ants - on one of the last remaining original properties. You will learn about the history e of the Pitcairn Settlers. View the pristine ad gardens (including many of the al crops) visit a blacksmith’s forge, a WWII t, the Museum of Memorabilia and other nt locations
AS A CONVICT
ght out! Dress as a convict & join in with mmandant for an evening of gaiety, singing & dancing. Great food! Great fun!
NIGHT AS A CONVICT
western side of the island to discover how seasonal produce is grown Next stop is a visit to a family sheep farm Continuing on to the eastern side of the island, explore a home industry farm with ducks, chickens and more. Enjoy afternoon tea and lively conversation about all things ‘farm & industry’ on the Island. On the way back, stop at the fascinating Norfolk Island liqueurs distilled by the Forrester family since 1992
4WD TOUR
This 4WD tour takes you through Norfo National Park where you see not only the beauty the gum forest, but also the different grow stages of the Norfolk Pine. There may be opportunity to see the many varieties of bo native and imported plants as well as the new constructed Boo Book Owl nests
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
The Norfolk Island Murder Mystery Dinner is a 3 course meal fit for the commandants whilst mystery unfolds… Meet the Commanda Clergyman and Convicts of this period. Inclu true characters from the second settleme Audience participation is required for Guaranteed great, fun night out! Solve the myst and win a prize!!
FISH FRY
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.
ISLAND FISH FRY
Enjoy a feast of Island dishes, salads, homemade
OPT OUT C
You don’t have to participate in every progra
7 DAY COMPLETE SMALL-GROUP ESCORTED TOUR
DEPARTING BRISBANE: 6TH DECEMBER 2025
RETURNING BRISBANE: 13TH DECEMBER 2025
DELUXE
TOURING INCLUSIONS:
Return flights ex Brisbane
Group transfers between airport & hotel
Full programme of daily sightseeing & activity
7 nights at the Paradise Hotel
7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
Services of a Travel Masters/Travel
Studio Tour Escort
$3,795 Per Person Double Occupancy (Superior Room)
$4,595 Per Person Single Occupancy (Garden Room)
YOURTOURESCORT
The tour will be escorted by our Senior Travel Advisor Michelle Yates from The Travel Studio.
Michelle will travel with you on this outstanding journey, 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 on of life’s most outstanding memories
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 the comfortable rooms are located in close proximity to reception, the restaurant and
The 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 the 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.
FIRST PASSENGER
Title: Surname (as shown on photo identification):
First Name (as shown on photo ID):
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)
Do you have any dietary or seating requests:
Are you a Qantas Frequent Flyer? Member number:
Do you hold valid Government Issued Photo ID? YES / NO
ID Type: Number:
Date of Issue: / / Date of Expiry: / / Place of Issue:
Date of Birth: / / Occupation:
SECOND PASSENGER
Title: Surname (as shown on photo identification):
First Name (as shown on photo ID):
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)
Do you have any dietary or seating requests:
Are you a Qantas Frequent Flyer? Member number:
Do you hold valid Government Issued Photo ID? YES / NO
ID Type:
Number:
Date of Issue: / / Date of Expiry: / / Place of Issue:
Date of Birth: / / Occupation:
PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS
(Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different)
Mobile No: Email:
Home Tel: Work Tel:
Street Address:
Suburb: State:
Postal Address (if different from street address):
Suburb: State:
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Postcode:
Postcode:
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 in this brochure 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: / /
Your Travel Adviser:
EMERGENCY CONTACT
(Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas)
Name: Relationship:
Street Address:
Suburb: State:
Home Tel: Work Tel: Mobile No:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
1 Direct Deposit
2 Credit Card – Please debit my:
Visa / Mastercard / American Express / Diners Club
Card No:
Postcode:
Expiry: / /
Cardholder’s Name: Security code
Cardholder’s Signature:
(Payments by credit card will be subject to a 1 5% Merchant Administration fee/VISA & Mastercard
3 Direct Deposit into Travel Masters bank account Please call for bank details
DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT
The deposit of $500 per person 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 must be received by Friday 24th August 2025.
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 23rd August 2025, loss of deposit After 24th August 2025, no refund is applicable No refund is available for cancellation of the tour or any service not used after commencement of the tour Deposits are nontransferable/non refundable
PHOTO IDENTIFICATION
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that they possess the necessary travel documentation for the tour, such as a valid Government issued photo identification
PRICES
Tour prices stated on the tour brochure has been calculated on the basis tariffs valid at time of print (November 2024) and are subject to change up until final payment for the tour has been received Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a change of price, then normal cancellation charges will apply
The Travel Studio PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218
Phone: (07) 5572 7272
Email: lifestyle@thetravelstudio com au
Tour Leader
Travel Masters PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211
Phone: (07) 5596 0511 / 1800 672 988
Email: sales@travelmasters com au
Michelle Yates | Michelle@thetravelstudio com au
RESPONSIBILITY
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,delayordamageorirregularitythatmaybecausedtopersonor property, however caused arising before commencement and/or during any tour underitsmanagement,sponsorship,procurementorotherwise
It is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/she is in possession of thepropervisasandothertraveldocumentsandthattheyareincompliancewith current government and transportation companies’ regulations The right is reservedtomodifytheitineraryinanywayconsiderednecessaryordesirable,or to change any reservation, hotel feature and/or means of conveyance, without allowance or refund but the extra cost (if any) resulting there from must be paid by the passenger The right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour, to replaceanytourleaderwithanother,tocancelorwithdrawanybookingmadefor a passenger, or to decline to accept any person as a member of a tour The transportationcompaniesorfirmsshallbeexemptfromallliabilitiesinrespectof 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 operatedbythetransportationcompaniesorfirms
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 Thetourisbasedonflightsasdetailedintheitinerary,howeveranyotherIATA ornon-IATAcarriermaybeusedfortourco-ordination
UNAVOIDABLEANDEXTRAORDINARYCIRCUMSTANCES(FORCE MAJEURE)
Force Majeure - Travel Masters & The Travel Studio shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by you as a consequence of our agency or any of the suppliers being unable to perform its obligations under your contract(s) due to the unusual or unforeseeable circumstances (a “force majeure event”) beyond thecontrolofthepartyaffectedbytheforcemajeureevent Thecaninclude(but not be limited to) threat of war, industrial action, act of God, government enforced travel restrictions, riot, political unrest, global pandemic or natural disaster Should your travel arrangements be cancelled due to an Force Majeure event and a refund offered by the supplier(s) involved in your travel arrangements, Travel Masters & The Travel Studio retains the ability to deduct from any returned funds reasonable costs and/or the remuneration earned as partofthebookingprocedureandourcontinuedservice
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
If you are a sole traveller and would prefer to share, we will do our best to arrange a twin share, however this cannot be guaranteed If we are unable to find someone to share, the single supplement will be applicable
PRICE EXCLUDES
Meals other than specified, insurance, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, and phone calls
INSURANCE
Although medical assistance on Norfolk Island is covered by Medicare, it remains a condition of joining this tour that you take out comprehensive cancellation insurance Our agency will provide details of travel insurance providers and assist you with your holiday insurance.
HOLIDAY VARIATIONS
The group holiday cost is subject to surcharges should they occur as a result of increased costs due to changes in the itinerary, government action, currency exchange rates, fuel costs, overflying costs, airport charges and increases in scheduled airfares The tour itinerary is based on airline schedules, rail and launch schedules current at the time of preparation of this tour Hotel names are subject to change
Where these changes occur, it may be necessary to amend the tour to accommodate revised days of operation We will endeavour to include all the sightseeing and other features included, subject to the constraints of the revised scheduling You will be advised as these events occur The tour cost is based on scheduled airline fares, which are not guaranteed until tickets are issued Our chosen airline reserves the right to increase or decrease airfare at any time prior to ticketing The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time
All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agent The tour will be accompanied by an experienced Travel Masters escort We reserve the right to change tour leaders if circumstances determine this.
PLEASE NOTE – DEGREE OF FITNESS
All Travel Masters itineraries are carefully planned and well-paced to maximize the passenger experience, while at the same time ensuring a level of comfort is maintained at all times Given the nature of the journeys and cultural experiences etc , any person/s of a reasonable general fitness level will have no problems in gaining total satisfaction from the trip However, should any person be likely to find it necessary to require wheelchair assistance, or walking aid, it is unfortunately considered that participation on this tour would not be appropriate
GRATUITIES
As in Australia, tipping on Norfolk Island is neither expected or required
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations necessary However, we strongly recommend that you consult your local Doctor or the Travellers Medical Centre at Southport (Ph 55 264444) for full medical advice prior to travel
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
Visiting Norfolk Island in November usually offers the best weather experience on the island; however, the weather can change, and temperature can drop, especially in the evening. Light clothing is suitable; but it is also strongly recommended that you also have a light waterproof jacket with you just in case we experience wet weather
FINALLY....
We hope this information will assist you plan for your holiday
We would be delighted to have you join our Travel Masters escorted holiday tour Do not hesitate to telephone or call in, so that we can be of further assistance We want to make this a very happy and memorable tour for you
MAKE THE MOST OF THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE REGION OF AUSTRALIA ON OUR EXPERTLY PLANNED AND ESCORTED TOUR.
