Unearth Perth & Surrounds

Day 1 – Arrival in Norfolk Island

Touch down on the beautiful Norfolk Island in the early afternoon and settle into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is free for students to familiarise themselves with their surroundings, acclimatise to island life, and begin observing the natural and cultural environment that will frame their learning experiences over the week.

Day 2 – Island Discovery & Pitcairn Settlers Village

Begin with an Island Discovery Tour, where knowledgeable guides introduce students to Norfolk Island’s natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich heritage. This overview sets the scene for the rest of the stay.

Next, visit the Pitcairn Settlers Village to explore the Bailey Homestead and its enchanting gardens. Students can walk through historic barns, dairies, and out-buildings, each offering insights into the daily lives of the island’s early settlers. The museum showcases artefacts that bring the past to life, while the oldest working forge demonstrates traditional craftsmanship. Primary students will enjoy hands-on discovery and sensory engagement with history, while secondary students can examine themes of settlement, adaptation, and heritage conservation. A visit to an ex-New Zealand Army hut provides stories of wartime service, highlighting resilience and bravery, and students will also watch an exclusive film capturing Norfolk Island’s history and culture. The experience concludes with a tasting of local refreshments, connecting students to the island’s culinary traditions.

After dinner, students can participate in the Lantern Lit Ghost Tour, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Olde Town. Led by a local Ghost Host, the tour uncovers Norfolk Island’s mysterious past and macabre tales, providing students with an engaging way to learn about historical events, social customs, and folklore

Day 3 – Kingston: Stories of Convicts & Surveyors

Begin the day with a visit to local churches and markets, offering a glimpse into contemporary island life and community traditions.

The Convict Kingston Tour explores four key settlements spanning Norfolk Island’s history—from ancient Polynesian settlements to convict-era colonies and the legacy of the Bounty Mutineers. Students will gain a rich understanding of settlement patterns, colonial impacts, and social history, culminating in a reflective visit to the historic cemetery.

In the evening, students will participate in the “Who Killed the Surveyor” Dinner, an immersive historical experience set in 1859. While enjoying a three-course meal, students become active participants in solving a historical mystery, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and historical interpretation skills. Students enjoy the story and interactive elements and historical context of the in the early island community.

Day 4 – Leisure & Outdoor Learning

A day at leisure allows students to engage in self-directed educational activities. Options include orienteering challenges, outdoor lessons, or visits to Botanical Gardens, Bounty Museum, or convict ruins. Students can also enjoy a swim at Emily Bay or hike to explore the island’s stunning scenery. Teachers can use this day to integrate nature studies, environmental observations, or physical education activities, giving students flexibility in their learning focus.

Day 5 – Colleen McCullough & Culture

Visit “Old Yenna,” Colleen McCullough’s home, to explore her collection of artifacts and gain insight into her research and creative process. Students will learn how Norfolk Island’s landscapes and heritage inspired her writing. This visit highlights the connection between environment, culture, and literature, appealing to both primary and secondary students.

In the afternoon, embark on the Norfolk Culture Tour, learning about the island’s Polynesian heritage, traditional fishing, tapa cloth-making, and weaving. Students gain hands-on exposure to cultural practices, plant uses, and storytelling traditions. The tour includes tasting local Norfolk Wettles, giving students a sensory connection to culinary heritage.

In the evening, enjoy a Progressive Dinner, visiting several island homes to experience local hospitality and food traditions, providing insights into contemporary island life.

Day 6 – Norfolk in the 21st Century

The Norfolk Today Tour introduces students to modern island life, exploring essential services such as energy, waste management, and communication. Students will see how a small island community functions sustainably and practically.

The Farm & Industry Tour showcases agricultural practices, a palm nursery, and hydroponic home gardens. Students learn about food production, global trade, and heritage through connections to Bounty Mutineer descendants.

The evening concludes with a Dinner Theatre experience, combining historical storytelling and performance. Students gain insights into convict-era life, governance, and social systems, experiencing history in an engaging, multi-sensory format.

Day 7 – A Taste of Norfolk

Start the day with a Breakfast Bushwalk, exploring native flora and fauna while learning about local ecosystems, birdwatching, and conservation efforts led by National Park rangers.

Next, enjoy the Taste of Norfolk Tour, meeting local producers and participating in a cooking demonstration that highlights traditional recipes and agricultural heritage.

In the evening, students experience the Baunti Fish Fry, sampling fresh local seafood while enjoying performances from island singers and dancers. This activity combines cultural immersion, food studies, and social learning.

Day 8 – Norfolk Island Departure

Conclude the tour with a visit to the Cyclorama, a 360° panoramic painting depicting the Bounty Mutiny and the resilience of Norfolk Island’s people. Students witness history come to life, reinforcing learning about colonial settlement, cultural adaptation, and heritage preservation. Following this immersive experience, students transfer to the airport and reflect on a week of rich cultural, historical, and environmental learning.