Wataweih (“Hello” in Norf’k dialect). Norfolk Island, a friendly piece of paradise, is just over two hours flying time from Sydney. On arrival we will be transferred to the Aloha Apartments, our home for the next 7 nights.

Whilst Norfolk was once a convict settlement, today 20% of the population are descendants of the Bounty mutineers who still speak a mix of Tahitian and 18th century English. As well as hearing some different words you will soon notice that waving to every person you pass is mandatory, cows have right of way, and everyone seems to know everyone else.

With so many people sharing only a handful of surnames, Norfolk Island is the only place in the world where the telephone book lists people under their nicknames, such as Diddles, Pinky and Spud!

Tonight, we will come together for our first group dinner and get to know one another.

Enjoy a relaxing morning in our little piece of “Paradise”. After lunch we will explore the beauty and history of Norfolk on an Island Discovery tour which will include Cascade, Longridge and Kingston. During our Island Tour we will see beautiful beaches and the lovely St Barnabas (the renowned Melanesian Chapel) and learn about Island culture as our guide explains the unique laws & lifestyle.

Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the garden of an historic island home built by Fletcher Quintal, a descendant of “Bounty” mutineer Fletcher Christian & Matthew Quintal.

Enjoy a relaxed morning and after lunch we will visit the incredible Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. This amazing 360° panoramic painting uniquely explains the history of the Bounty adventures and how the world’s most famous mutiny created the Pitcairn and Norfolk Island communities.

Visitors walk inside the circular painting and are surrounded by the immense artwork. A spectacular 3D effect is achieved in this painting with its detailed artwork and realistic perspective, creating an incredible illusion for the viewer. Music and sound effects composed especially for the painting further enhance the Cyclorama experience.

Tonight offers something a little different as we enjoy a three- course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes. Always a fun night, the progressive dinner is a great way to meet the local people, and sample some of the delicious island dishes.

This morning we will have an in-depth tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. This World Heritage listed convict site dates from the brutal second penal colony that began in 1825 and it is where the “worst description of convicts” were banished. Walk through the cemetery and discover the interesting history of the convict & colonial headstones. Hear tales of the houses along Quality Row, walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed & the Crank Mill. Learn how Cook’s “paradise on Earth” soon became known as “The Hell of the Pacific.”

Then it’s time to discover the “Norfolk Whey” as Emily & her family welcome you to the Hilli Goat Farm. Located at stunning Anson Bay, you will learn the history of the family farm and “Hilli Goat” business, makers of Artisan Cheese & food grown, picked and cooked with love! Join in on the milking of the goats, collect the milk and then see the cheese making process next door in the cheese room. Test & sample the organic skincare products developed for sensitive and problem skin. It is suggested you come on the tour with a hungry tummy, and they will ensure you leave “bally ap”!

We are in for a treat tonight when we experience a favourite local tradition for dinner – the Island Fish Fry. Savour a feast of Island dishes, homemade bread and fresh fried fish, followed by Island desserts and tea/coffee. Sit back and relax as we watch the sunset from a private property on Norfolk’s beautiful western coastline.

Get ready to “time travel” when we go on the Yesterday, Today Tour on a bus complete with audio visual equipment to see how life used to be lived on the Island.

Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful two course dinner at our accommodation before we head out to experience Wonderland by Night, 10 acres of magical Norfolk pines & bushland lit up like an enchanted forest.

Meander along (or ride in the ‘moon buggy’) a gentle winding path with a descendant of the Bounty mutineers, as he recites his entertaining bush poetry and lights up the various dioramas.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before we explore another side of Norfolk Island. One of the highlights of Norfolk Island is the unique marine life and our local guide is keen to share his knowledge as we join him on his Glass Bottom Boat. Once you’ve “walked the plank” with this “mutineer descendant” it takes 60 seconds (yes, one minute!) to be at the reef where you can view beautiful coral gardens and tropical fish inside the calm, crystal waters of Norfolk’s lagoon. Donald will provide full and interesting commentary on this environmental tour – be prepared for a touch of Norfolk humour.

Today is Norfolk Island’s Foundation Day when locals commemorate the founding of one of Australia’s oldest colonial territories. On 6 March 1788 Lieutenant King arrived with the first settlers, a party of fifteen convicts (9 males, 6 females) and 7 free men, to take control of Norfolk Island so it didn’t fall into the hands of the French.

We will be picked up at the Resort to join the Foundation Day Celebrations which will include a re-enactment of the arrival of Lieutenant Philip Gidley King. Enjoy a picnic lunch whilst the re-enactment takes place and soak up the festival atmosphere.

This afternoon we have a wonderful opportunity to connect with local Christians during Evening Prayers and Singalong at the historic St Barnabas Chapel. The mother church of the Church of England’s missionary work in Melanesia, the Chapel was built as a memorial to Bishop Patterson (killed by natives in the Solomon Islands in 1871) and the large silver cross within is made out of Bishop Patterson’s own table-silver.

The Pitcairn Islander’s – descendants of Bounty mutineers and Tahitian women – who came to Norfolk in 1856 were brought up with strong faith through John Adams learning to read the HMS Bounty Bible. Today, St Barnabas still uses Adam’s most famous prayer in their services.

We end a memorable Sunday with a final group dinner, where we can reflect on our time spent together.

It is time to say goodbye to Island life as we return home feeling blessed after a wonderful holiday full of faith, fun and fellowship.