1856 THE UNTOLD STORY
Tuesday & Saturday
1856 The Untold Story recounts the arrival of the Bounty Mutineers’ descendants from Pitcairn Island. The 8th of June saw 194 people arrive on Norfolk Island aboard the Morayshire. This consisted of 40 men, 47 women, 54 boys, and 53 girls. They arrived in cold, wet blustery conditions. Few had ever been to sea before; they were seasick, homesick and heartsick. The journey of 6,000 km/ 3,700 miles took five weeks. They arrived to a recently abandoned penal settlement set aside for the ‘worst of the worst’ it was full of ghosts and memories. It was a large and frightening testimony of man’s inhumanity to man. The 1856 untold story will follow their journey in the World Heritage Listed Kingston area. Baunti Tours will bring the past to life with an audio aboard their coach, recounting stories of the families, where they lived and how they adapted to their new life on Norfolk Island. This 1-hour tour is very evocative.
COLLEEN MCCULLOUGH TOUR
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
The Colleen McCullough Tour gives you a glimpse into the life of this modern-day literary icon. The world-renowned author called Norfolk Island home for almost 36 years. She and husband, Norfolk Islander, Ric Robinson, created a luxurious hideaway here. They maintained their privacy to ensure Colleen had the perfect environment for her writing. And it worked, she created some of her most powerful titles in their little sanctuary. Her beloved property “Out Yenna” is now open exclusively to Baunti Tours customers. Our escorted tour will take you through her magnificent home, see where Colleen worked on her novels. In addition, you’ll get to view Ric and Colleen’s priceless collection of artefacts gathered on their travels all over the world. Colleen authored some 24 books during her lifetime. Some of the more noteworthy, for instance, include “Tim”, “The Thornbirds” and “Morgan’s Run”. So, if you have read her amazing books, you will love the experience of sharing her world on the Colleen McCullough Tour.
ISLAND FISH FEAST
Thursday & Saturday
Island Fish Feast is another must-do on your Norfolk Island visit. You will have an eagle-eyed view of the tiny crescent-shaped beach and the magnificent spread of ocean stretching to the far horizon. The beautifully set tables will delight you – it’s the most glamorous picnic you will ever attend! Scrumptiously fresh, local fish is prepared the local way and accompanied with a range of seasonal island dishes including those passed down from our Polynesian fore-mothers. This extends even to dessert. Our feast kicks off with entertainment, by a local singer and Tahitian-style dancers. We feel sorry for poor old La Perouse – he missed out on so much. But don’t you – come ‘long for ucklun’ on our Island Fish Feast perched like an angel, between heaven and earth.
COMMANDANTS DINNER & SHOW
Wednesday – 6:30pm
The Commandants Dinner and Show is a night of great entertainment, delectable food and loads of fun. Make it a “must” for your itinerary. This factual yet fun dinner theatre is Norfolk Island’s newest interactive show and a great way to learn about Norfolk’s history. The cast of actors will take you on an entertaining journey back in time. The Commandant’s stories about the notorious Convict Settlements on Norfolk Island will have you enthralled. During the evening, hear how the convicts were treated by sadists and reformers alike. Listen to a chilling recall of one of the infamous rebellions. Then marvel at how the Commandants and their families adapted to life in a Norfolk Island penal colony, recreating a little piece of England in the Pacific. Explore their great challenges, impressive successes and shameful secrets. Our venue, has created a special three course dinner menu of traditional English fare to compliment the theatrical setting. Hearty, wholesome, British tucker fit for a Commandant and his good lady wife – fortunately prepared by free men in a modern kitchen not a poor convict over a wood stove! The Commandants Dinner and Show begins 6:15pm at Bounty Lodge Taylors Road.
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
Tuesday & Friday – 6:00pm
The Progressive Dinner is legendary, and a fixture on Norfolk Island itineraries. So, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of the real Norfolk lifestyle. Baunti’s progressive dinner, takes you to three lovely homes in three completely different parts of the island. Firstly on the Baunti Progressive experience, we take you to the northern tip of the island to enjoy predinner nibbles at a clifftop home with amazing ocean views. Your host, a Bounty mutineer descendant, will entertain you with his story of life on Norfolk and his fascinating adventures. Entrée is served at an old family Island home renovated by its current owner for her young family. As you enjoy her home cooked ‘wettles’ (food), she will tell you about her family and share her detailed research into the island’s remarkable history and cultural heritage. Finally, at a large family home in the south-east corner of Norfolk is your main course and dessert. While your hosts serve your meal and make you comfortable, a close family friend and local identity will reveal some of his island experiences and tell you about some of the historical Norfolk practices and industries. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the home-cooked food, bursting with the goodness of fresh island produce. Chat with your fellow diners and soak up the stories of your island hosts. They’ll share their passion for their little island paradise.
MARGARET’S BIRD FINDING TOUR
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
On Margaret’s Bird Finding Tour you’ll get to explore the world of Norfolk Island’s birds. This is a unique experience seeking out our rare and endemic bird life. Norfolk’s leading bird expert, Margaret Christian, will pick you up early for this personalised half day adventure. She knows exactly where to find our unique Native and Endemic bird species. So, you’ll get to visit areas of the rain forest looking for shy and sometimes reclusive fauna. There are 25 rare and endemic bird species to be found here. Then, you’ll also visit breathtaking clifftops to see our migratory sea birds and their rookeries (in season). You can be one of the many visitors who says, “This has been my best day on Norfolk!” after visiting easy access forest glades, private property and stunning coastal areas. Margaret’s Bird Finding Tour offers you some sensational photographic opportunities. This tour is weather dependent, so, to get the best results for you, the day of touring may be subject to change.
BREAKFAST BUSHWALK
Thursday – 7:30am
Your walk will take you through diverse habitats from rain forest to clifftops, between enormous pines and white-woods and surrounded by seabirds. While the topography is hilly, the pace is relaxed and our guides cater to a range of fitness levels. Your efforts will be richly rewarded by a delicious barbecue breakfast with all the trimmings, which awaits. Learn about our flora and fauna and see some of our 40 endemic species of plants and birds. For those that just want to join us for breakfast come along! We will relax and meet up with the others for breakfast. Three walk/ non-walk options available to suit all fitness levels!
GARDENERS DELIGHT TOUR
Friday
Gardeners Delight Tour takes you to the gardens of Bounty Mutineer Descendants. This personalised tour will take you on a journey behind the scenes to experience a market garden complete with a flower garden and an orchard. Secondly, visit a secluded old Island home surrounded by the most amazing gardens. A convict era, hand dug well irrigates these gardens. The next stop is the labour of love garden which is inspirational. Finally, you will also visit the picturesque gardens with amazing views. In addition, morning tea will be served at scenic location. The Gardeners Delight tour visits four amazing gardens exclusive to Baunti Tours. These gardens have been well received by gardening Australia.
WHO KILLED THE SURVEYOR? – mystery dinner
Monday – 6:30pm
Go back in time to 1859 on Norfolk Island and dine with the Chief Magistrate Frederick Young and his wife Mary. Frederick is hosting this dinner to honour His Excellency, Governor General Denison who is making yet another visit to the island. A young English surveyor from Sydney is found washed up on the cove southeast of Point Hunter. Dine on a 3-course dinner while you help solve the mystery of ‘Who Killed the Surveyor?’ The tour takes place in one of the original, elegantly restored Georgian houses at No. 9 Quality Row, on the beautiful Kingston foreshores and includes a glass of wine or soft drink on arrival and tea/ coffee and a liqueur with dessert.
CONVICT KINGSTON TOUR
Sunday & Wednesday – 1:00pm
On the Convict Kingston Tour you’ll learn about World Heritage Listed Kingston. You’ll hear about our first settlers, the Polynesians who came 900 years ago. And gain an insight into our First and second settlements as well as the facts and legends associated with each. After that you’ll learn how Norfolk became home to the descendants of the infamous Bounty mutiny. Walk through the historic cemetery. Refreshments provided.
A TASTE OF NORFOLK
Tuesday & Thursday
Taste of Norfolk will take you to a bee keepers home where you will view flow hives. Here you’ll learn about the fascinating local honey bees and view their incredible flight path to their hives. Next stop a local farm and the last visit will be a cooking demonstration. Here you will create green banana fritters flavoured with local honey, sit back and relax and enjoy. Great tour meeting passionate locals.
Please note: Tour information may change.