Norfolk Island’s most worthwhile tours center on its fascinating convict heritage and cultural gems. The standout Convict Settlement Tour takes you through centuries-old ruins and stone buildings, bringing the island’s dark past to life. We especially love the Convict Kingston Tour for its knowledgeable guides who share gripping tales of Australia’s most notorious penal colony.
The intimate Colleen McCullough Home Tour offers a rare look inside the beloved author’s residence, complete with her personal artifacts and impressive art collection. For evening thrills, the atmospheric Ghost Tour & Dinner combines spine-tingling historical stories with traditional island cuisine.
Let’s explore the island’s top tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
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The Convict Settlement Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Norfolk Island’s convict history and heritage sites, with a high traveler recommendation rate of 94%.
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The Colleen McCullough Home Tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the private residence and access the rare artifacts of the renowned Australian author.
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The Norfolk Island Culture Experience Tour provides a 3-hour immersive experience, including a local wetles tasting and air-conditioned transportation, with a 4.1 rating from 7 reviews.
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The Convict Kingston Tour focuses on the island’s convict history, with round-trip transport, light refreshments, and live commentary, and is highly recommended by 96% of reviewers.
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The Ghost Tour & Dinner combines a lantern-lit journey with eerie stories and a local dinner, offering a budget-friendly and unique experience with a 4.3/5 rating.
Norfolk Island Culture Experience Tour
The Norfolk Island Culture Experience Tour offers visitors an immersive look into the unique cultural heritage of this remote Australian island. Priced from $54.61 per person, this small-group tour takes guests on a journey to explore the island’s history and traditions, with a maximum of 25 travelers.
Operated by Baunti Tours, the 3-hour tour departs from the company’s office in Burnt Pine at 1:00 PM, with return to the same meeting point.
Travelers will enjoy an air-conditioned vehicle ride and a tasting of local wetles, accompanied by tea, coffee, and water. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and infants can join on laps.
With an overall rating of 4.1 from 7 reviews, this tour offers a convenient and immersive cultural experience for most visitors to Norfolk Island. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Norfolk Island Culture Experience Tour Review
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Convict Kingston Tour
Convict Kingston Tour offers visitors an immersive look into Norfolk Island’s convict past. The 24-review, 96% recommended tour takes guests to the Kingston convict site, part of the Australian Convict Sites UNESCO World Heritage.
Travelers will learn about Australia’s convict history and explore the settlement of the island’s first penal colony. The tour includes round-trip transport, light refreshments, and a knowledgeable driver/guide who provides live commentary.
Pickup and drop-off are available at designated meeting points, and gratuities are included. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly. Infants must sit on laps, and the maximum group size is 34.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, travelers can book now and pay later. The Convict Kingston Tour earns a 4.7 rating, with reviewers praising the guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling, as well as the tour’s informative insights into convict life and historical sites.
Read our full review: Convict Kingston Tour Review
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Colleen McCullough Home Tour On Norfolk Island
A rare opportunity awaits visitors to Norfolk Island – the chance to step inside the former home of renowned author Colleen McCullough.
Creator of “The Thorn Birds” TV series and author of 24 books, McCullough lived on the island for 36 years. The exclusive Colleen McCullough Home Tour offers small groups of up to 15 travelers personal access to her property, Out Yenna.
Guests will enjoy attentive guidance as they view McCullough’s rare artefacts and experience the serene environment that inspired her novels.
The tour includes round-trip transfers from selected Burnt Pine hotels. While food and drinks aren’t included, the tour price of $40.48 per person covers the driver/guide, pickup/drop-off, and gratuities.
Feedback on the tour has been mixed, with some positive reviews highlighting fascinating insights into McCullough’s life, but concerns have been raised about refund policies.
Nonetheless, this is a unique chance to connect with the legacy of one of Australia’s most celebrated authors.
Read our full review: Colleen McCullough Home Tour On Norfolk Island Review
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Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island
One of the top tours in Norfolk Island is the Convict Settlement Tour, which takes visitors on an exploration of the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area – a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the island’s rich Polynesian, convict, and Pitcairn Islander history.
This 1-hour afternoon tour features highlights such as colonial headstones, the ruins of the New Gaol, the Pier Store, and the historic Quality Row homes.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an insightful and engaging look into the island’s convict past, with opportunities to learn about significant historical figures.
The experience concludes with an afternoon tea, further enhancing the tour.
Priced at $38.55 per person, the Convict Settlement Tour accommodates up to 120 travelers and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
With a 94% traveler recommendation rate, this tour offers a compelling and informative glimpse into Norfolk Island’s captivating history.
Read our full review: Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island Review
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Ghost Tour & Dinner Norfolk Island
Though not as well-known as the Convict Settlement Tour, the Ghost Tour & Dinner in Norfolk Island offers a captivating and spooky exploration of the island’s historic Kingston ruins.
With a maximum of 32 travelers, this 4.3/5 rated tour led by Pinetree Tours takes visitors on a lantern-lit journey to discover the island’s haunted past. Along the way, a local guide shares eerie stories and tales that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
After the tour, guests can enjoy a dinner of corned beef, salad, and potato, served in a historic Georgian building. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Dessert options include mud cake and crumble.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The tour also features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, making it a convenient option for travelers.
At just $62.96 per person, the Ghost Tour & Dinner is a budget-friendly way to explore Norfolk Island’s haunted history.
Read our full review: Ghost Tour & Dinner Norfolk Island Review
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Island Orientation Tour With Airport Transfer Norfolk Island
The Island Orientation Tour with Airport Transfer on Norfolk Island provides visitors with a comprehensive introduction to the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty. This 3-hour tour, which has a 93% traveler recommendation, takes guests on a journey through the scenic landscapes and historic sites of Norfolk Island.
The tour includes airport transfers, an island orientation, and a delightful Devonshire tea with scones, jam, and cream. Guests will be picked up from the Norfolk Island Airport and taken to the meeting point for the orientation tour.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the island’s unique heritage and explore destinations like historic plantations. The knowledgeable guides receive praise for their friendly demeanor and deep understanding of the island. With a maximum of 120 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience.
Priced from $19.27 per person, the Island Orientation Tour is an excellent value and a must-do activity for anyone visiting Norfolk Island. The tour’s flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, makes it easy to fit into any travel itinerary.
Read our full review: Island Orientation Tour With Airport Transfer Norfolk Island Review
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Breakfast Bushwalk & Clifftop BBQ Tour
Embarking on the Breakfast Bushwalk & Clifftop BBQ Tour, visitors to Norfolk Island can enjoy the island’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
This guided excursion offers two hiking options – an easy walk to the Captain Cook Monument or a more challenging trail up Mt. Bates. Regardless of the route, guests will be rewarded with a freshly cooked breakfast BBQ on a scenic clifftop.
The tour’s inclusions are well-rounded, providing hotel transfers and catering for non-hikers who wish to join for the breakfast only.
With a reasonable start time of 7 am and prices from $44.97 per person, the tour offers excellent value. Reviewers have praised the guides’ expertise and the stunning views, though some have suggested additional breakfast options.
Read our full review: Breakfast Bushwalk & Clifftop BBQ Tour Review
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Recap
Norfolk Island offers a range of fascinating tours that explore its rich history and culture. From exploring the Convict Kingston settlement to discovering the Colleen McCullough Home, visitors can enjoy the island’s unique heritage. Whether it’s a ghost tour, a bushwalk, or an island orientation, there’s something to suit every interest. These tours provide an insightful and memorable experience for those seeking to uncover the captivating story of Norfolk Island.