Norfolk Island with Lord Howe option View Basket

Norfolk Island

Almost 800 kms east of Coffs Harbour in the South Pacific ocean, Norfolk Island measures five kilometres one way, eight the other... a speck in the ocean... around 2.5 hours from Australia. With towering Norfolk pines, sheer cliff faces, crystal clear lagoons and undulating green pastures, Norfolk Island is for "paradise found". With around four cars per head of population, including many "tourist hire cars", the island speed of 40 kph (cows have "right of way") reflects the famous "no rush" Norfolk time and way of life.

Discovered by Captain Cook in 1774 and later home to two convict settlements, the second ended in 1856 when the remaining convicts were moved to Port Arthur, considered less inhumane than Norfolk!

The 1791 "Mutiny on the Bounty" saw Fletcher Christian and some crew, plus Tahitian girlfriends, sail to Pitcairn Island. Queen Victoria, in 1856, resettled the now overcrowded Pitcairners with a gift to them of Norfolk Island. Subsistence farming was joined in 1850 by whaling and in 1870 by the Melanesian Mission, all important in earlier history. The current airstrip was constructed during WW11 and revolutionised the economy making tourism the leading industry.

Norfolk boasts well preserved convict era buildings, especially at Kingston, site of one convict colony and a world heritage site. A visit to the cemetery and its "convict" section is most rewarding for history lovers. Coral viewing within the reef, a walk though hundred acre reserve, the 360 degree view from Mt Pitt, a gentle Clydesdale horse and cart ride through private land, or a farm and industry tour are just a few of many diverse activities to enjoy, not to mention relaxing with a book, a coffee in the township and gourmet meals at island restaurants, and, of course, shopping!

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Norfolk Island is not your traditional palm tree clad shored Island. It is something quite different unlike anywhere else in the world. With towering Norfolk pines, sheer cliff faces, crystal clear lagoons and undulating green pastures, Norfolk Island is paradise found.

Fly to Norfolk Island direct from Melbourne

Your Fokker 70 flight includes:

• Melbourne and metropolitan home/hotel pick up
• Pre-tour overnight accommodation and dinner for Victorian country and interstate travellers
• Direct flight from Melbourne to Norfolk Island including cooked breakfast, morning tea and full lunch with drinks on return journey to Melbourne
• All passenger taxes and charges
• Return transfer to Melbourne or metropolitan home/hotel or interstate flight

Flight-only fares (subject to availability)

• Meet at Tullamarine Airport for your flights. Airport transfers not included

Australian Air Holidays 2016 program

Ultimate Norfolk Island

All inclusive premium holiday at Governors Lodge Resort Hotel, scenic historic and cultural attractions, with local gourmet food.

Fly Drive Holiday

Holiday at your own pace as you explore Norfolk Island. Includes apartment accommodation, car hire, some local tours and meals.

Fly Stay Holiday

Excellent accommodation centrally located at Burnt Pine, Norfolk's main township. Relax, enjoy, plan tours, restaurants and activities to suit.

Group Holidays

For small to larger groups with an itinerary to suit your interests. All inclusive or pay as you go for meals and activities.

Special interest weeks - 2016

• May 2 - Bounty Bowls tournament
• May 16 - Country Music Festival
• May 23 - Quilt Retreat
• June 4 - Bounty Week
• Sep 19 - Scrabble Festival
• Nov 21 - Bird Week
• Nov 21 - Gourmet Gardener's Week & Taste Norfolk Food Festival
• Nov 28 - Jazz Festival

Lord Howe Island

Almost 700 kms off the east coast of Australia, Lord Howe Island is another "tiny speck" in the ocean, just 11 kms long and about twice the size of Norfolk Island. It was discovered by Lieutenant Henry Ball, commander of the First Fleet ship Supply and named after the British Admiral, Richard Howe.

In 1833 three couples from New Zealand arrived to begin the first settlement, one couple being forebears of John Harris, who with his wife Kathy are proprietors of Earl's Anchorage hosts on Lord Howe Island.

A provisioning station for whaling ships, and later a major source of the famous indoor pot plant kentia palm, tourists, originally arrived by flying boat from Sydney prior to the establishment of a suitable airport for commercial planes.

Residents total 370 residents with no more than 400 visitors permitted on the island. Bicycles are the main mode of transport, although there are limited hire cars available. The speed limit is 25 kph, there are no high rise buildings, no overhead power lines and no mobile phones.

This World Heritage island is a birdwatchers paradise with fourteen species of seabirds breeding on the island, over 200 species of birds recorded including the almost extinct flightless woodhen, now thriving. The island's rich volcanic soil is home to over 100 unique plants. Lord Howe Island Marine Park was proclaimed in 1999, a six kilometre coral reef protecting a large variety of corals and marine species.

The famous twin peaks and other tracks provide a variety of walks from 2 to 14 km. Those who enjoy a more leisurely stroll will long remember the breathtaking views and forest walks.

Friendly "locals", an easy pace lifestyle, pleasant weather, stunning location – a perfect holiday destination.

Australian Air Holidays offers coach transport throughout the AAH island program, however all passengers may choose special interest activities such as climbing, bike riding, golf, fishing or bird watching. In some cases additional costs may apply.

Twin Island Holiday

Visit both Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands in your 8 day holidays, direct flight from Norfolk to Lord Howe and return.