NORFOLK ISLAND 24 th MARCH to 1 st APRIL 2018 Personally Escorted by Jacinta Anderson Exclusive Tour for Warragul Probus Members Captain James Cook was the first to officially discover Norfolk Island, describing it as paradise a term he did not use liberally in his journals. From 1788 to 1854, this paradise became a harsh penal colony and home to hapless convicts. Today, it is home to the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers whose barefoot manners, warmth and hospitality have been woven into the island s unique and timeless rhythm a special charm that draws visitors back time and time again. Norfolk Island offers excitement, fun, relaxation, adventure, indulgence, culture, history and surprise for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Saturday, 24 th March 2018 D We depart Warragul in the late morning for our coach transfer to Melbourne Airport for a Virgin Australia afternoon flight to Sydney. On arrival in Sydney, we shall be transferred to the RYDGES SYDNEY AIRPORT HOTEL for an overnight stay. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel. Sunday 25 th March 2018 This morning we transfer to the Air New Zealand terminal for our flight to Norfolk Island. On arrival at Norfolk Island, we shall be met and transferred to the SOUTH PACIFIC RESORT HOTEL. This hotel is set in 5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and is the most conveniently located hotel on Norfolk Island. After we are checked in we will meet for a Welcome Dinner at the Hilli Restaurant. Monday 26 th March After breakfast we will enjoy a Half Day Island Tour, a must-do Norfolk Island experience, introducing us 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 you to take some photos and be fully informed about this fascinating island. We shall also visit Cascade, Longridge and much more. There will be some free time this afternoon before we have the opportunity to experience the local hospitality by joining a Progressive Dinner when we will enjoy a 3-course meal progressing to different Norfolk Island family homes. During our dinner we will hear Norfolk stories from our dinner hosts. Tuesday 27 th March For our Christians 4WD Tour today we will split up into two groups, either departing at 9am or 1pm. On the tour we will join John and his Island staff - all direct descendants of the Bounty Mutineers, on an exciting 3-hour tour to points of Norfolk, accessible only by 4WD. This back of beyond tour will take us through private properties and the national park featuring spectacular scenery, native flora & bird life. It also includes delicious homemade cakes with tea & coffee at a beautiful Island home. All vehicles are comfortable modern 4WDs. 2 P a g e
We shall get together for an early dinner at the South Pacific Resort Hotel before we head out to see the Sound & Light Show amongst the convict ruins where we will watch re-enactments of how the convicts were treated in days gone. 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 dramatic use of the real life sounds, theatrical lighting and costumed actors, the stillness is broken you learn of through the horrifying decades of Norfolk Island s convict era. Wednesday 28 th March There will be an opportunity this morning for a Breakfast Bush Walk. Take your choice of a stroll through 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 cliff top for a delicious breakfast barbeque. In the early afternoon we shall join a Convict Settlement Tour, an In Depth tour of the historic Georgian settlement of Kingston. We shall walk through the cemetery and hear the history of the interesting convict and colonial headstones, and hear stories of the houses along Quality Row. We can also walk through the ruins of the New Gaol, see the Pier Store, Boat Shed and the Crank Mill. Afternoon tea included. Our dinner tonight will be at the Jolly Roger Restaurant, a pirate themed restaurant with great entertainment, great food and will be a lot of fun. 3 P a g e
Thursday 29 th March This morning after breakfast we will travel to Anson Bay to visit a small hobby farm, which has been instrumental in improving the local livestock industry. We will see a demonstration at Norfolk s major pottery and browse at the Cottage pottery shop and after a delicious morning tea at a scenic location, we visit a beautiful private & commercial garden that supplies the local florists with their stock. We shall also visit one of the world s largest Banyan trees. We will have some free time for lunch and time to explore before we get together in the late afternoon for an Island Fish Fry, where we will enjoy a traditional island feast on the clifftop at Puppy s Point. Later tonight we will be treated to an event not to be missed. The Mutiny on the Bounty Show. Descendants of the mutineers bring the story of the famed Mutiny on the Bounty and Historic events to life in a 1.5 hour show performed in an outdoor amphitheatre on Norfolk s western coastline. Friday 30 th March Our Greenfingers tour this morning will feature some of the islands loveliest gardens. Through the morning, we visit a nursery owned & operated by a young Norfolk Islander, and view the hydroponics. We also visit a gorgeous private garden with a spectacular view and then enjoy morning tea at a scenic spot. 4 P a g e
Tonight, will be a lot of fun as we spend the evening as convicts. We shall dress up as convicts in outfits supplied and join in with the Commandant for an evening of gaiety, feasting, singing and dancing. Saturday 31 st March This morning we will visit the incredible experience of the Fletcher s Mutiny Cyclorama the stunning and realistic 360 artwork which brings to life the history of the Norfolk Island people and their connection with the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. We will discover how the world s most famous mutiny created the Pitcairn and Norfolk communities. We get together for an early dinner before we head out for a Wonderland by Night. The setting is 10 acres of magical Norfolk pines and bushland lit up like an enchanted forest. Meander (or ride in the moon buggy ) along a gentle winding path with Archie, a descendant of the Bounty Mutineers, as he recites his poems and lights up the dioramas. Sunday 1 st April B This morning is a free morning to check out the markets which cater to visitors and locals with supplies of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, home cooking, craft and souvenir items, books, jewellery, stamps, post cards and so much more! There is live entertainment and the coffee van selling locally grown coffee. The Sunday markets operate rain, hail or shine! There is sure to be something for you to take home as a memento if this delightful trip. We depart Norfolk Island in the early afternoon for our Air New Zealand flight back to Sydney before joining our Virgin Australia to Melbourne via Sydney. On arrival in Melbourne Airport at approximately 8pm, we shall be met and transferred by coach back to Warragul. 5 P a g e
Half Day Island Tour Progressive Dinner with local hosts Christians 4WD Tour Spectacular Sound & Light Show Breakfast bush Walk with clifftop breakfast BBQ Highlights Convict Settlement Tour Behind The Hedges Tour Island Fish Fry at Puppy s Point Mutiny on the Bounty Show Greenfingers Gardens Tour Night as a Convict Cyclorama Experience Wonderland By Night TOUR LEADER Jacinta has worked in the Travel Industry since 1994 dealing with both leisure & corporate travellers. Having visited many destinations extensively, her favourite destinations are Egypt, Turkey, South Korea and more recently Bhutan, China and Patagonia. I am looking forward to experiencing all that Norfolk Island has to offer and sharing this experience with you all. I am sure we will take home some wonderful memories. NORFOLK ISLAND WARRAGUL PROBUS GROUP TOUR COST: $3069 per person on a twin share basis Single supplement $510 Payment Details: Deposit to secure booking: $600 per person due by Monday, 20 November 2017 (then becomes non-refundable) Final payment: due Wednesday, 5 January 2018 6 P a g e
INCLUSIONS Minimum group size will be 20 participants for tour to be fully escorted Melbourne/Sydney/Norfolk Island and return economy airfares and taxes Return transfers between Gippsland and Melbourne Airport Personally escorted throughout the entire tour (minimum 20 passengers) 8 nights 4 star hotel accommodation in twin or double bedded rooms with private facilities Amenities at South Pacific Resort Hotel garden rooms include: flat Screen TV; coffee/tea making facilities; mini fridge; iron and ironing board; hair dryer Private air-conditioned coach Experienced driver and local guides Meals as per itinerary - 8 Breakfasts (B),5Morning/Afternoon Tea, 8 Dinners (D) Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary Porterage (one suitcase per person) ALL tipping of drivers and local guides throughout the tour EXCLUSIONS Travel insurance (a surcharge may apply for passengers over 70 years or if there is a pre-existing medical condition) Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, medical expenses Any meals not included in the itinerary Norfolk Island where cows have right of way! SPECIAL NOTES Flight schedules to be advised. The order of the sightseeing may vary depending on local conditions. CANCELLATION FEES For cancellations received more than 75 days prior to tour departure, a cancellation fee of $600 pp will be charged, which cannot be credited to another booking. Notice of cancellation must be made in writing to Gippsland Travel Centre. If notice of cancellation is received 75 days or less, prior to departure, the following fees apply: No of days prior to tour departure Cancellation fee as a % of tour cost 75 days and over 100% All costs are based on the exchange rate prevailing as at 6 November 2017 7 P a g e
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