Recent Events
NORFOLK ISLAND TOUR REPORT SEPTEMBER 2025
We have just returned from an 8 day fully escorted tour from Norfolk Island with a group of 24 members and friends. Some of the group spent the night before at Rydges Airport Hotel as we had an early check in. We were met by our tour guide Serina the next morning for our group bag drop and check in. After a short 2 ½ hour flight we arrived in Norfolk in the early afternoon and after checking in at the South Pacific Resort we had some spare time before dinner in house that evening.
The next 7 days were busy with all the different tours arranged for us around the island with local guides who had an extensive knowledge of the history of the island. The first morning we did and early morning bushwalk with options for a shorter walk as well. We all finished with a BBQ breakfast on the headland with fantastic views, followed by a discovery tour of the island. That night we had the famous Fish Fry with fish caught by the local fishermen.
The next day we split the group into two when we headed for the home of Colleen McCullough as space in her home was limited. An amazing woman to say the least. We had some spare time in the afternoon before our progressive dinner. We had dinner at Hilli’s restaurant one night and the following night Who Killed the Surveyor dinner and show. In the days that followed we did the Baunti Farm and Industry Tour, The Convict Kingston Tour and the Taste of Norfolk Tour. We had our Scenic BBQ Dinner on the bay on the second last night and the last night we had the Bounty Show and Dinner to finish on a high note for our tour.
These fully escorted tours and having a Guide/Hostess for the whole trip, and staying at the same resort for the duration made the getaway very enjoyable and easy. Everything was provided and organized. I must also mention that Trade Travel who organized this trip and with our hostess, Serina, who grew up on the island could not have been more helpful and went out of her way to make sure we were looked after. We were very fortunate to have her as our hostess as she is based in the Newcastle area and she only does a few tours. Also the local guides and coach drivers on these tours were most impressive with their knowledge. I was most impressed how smoothly everything went and would highly recommend more of these smaller group tours that can be done to suit everyone.
June’s Walks
The Pyrmont Historic Walk was held on Friday 3rd October with 12 participants. It was great to be able to use our public transport system which included the use of ferry, metro, train, bus or light rail depending on individual starting points from home. We met near the Maritime Museum and followed the pathways around the harbour foreshore with the aid of comprehensive instructions and a map provided by Sydney City Council. The peninsular once belonged to Sydney’s industrial heartlands. On the walk we visited key sites in the industrial and maritime history of Sydney, as well as exploring an often overlooked Sydney community including both new and historic apartment buildings and terrace houses. Some highlights were St Bede’s church, the 1920s public housing apartment block and the quarry. It was pleasing to be able to access the foreshores walking through the parklands. At the end of the walk we enjoyed lunch on the terrace rooftop of the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel.
June Johansson
Recent notable events included a Naval Tour east of Sydney Harbour Bridge showcasing the beauty and fascinating maritime history of the harbour - an enjoyable tour likely to be repeated in the future.
A luncheon in April was also a great success with members coming together to celebrate our Club's 20th year of success and achievement.
On Friday 6th September 16 members met at the Hunters Hill Town Hall for the Hunters Hill and Woolwich walk. As expected, the day was quite warm but there was a slight breeze, and we were well prepared with hats and water. The spring gardens of the gracious sandstone mansions were a riot of colour with orange clivias, purple wisteria and multi-coloured azaleas. There were spectacular views of the sparkling harbour and Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers from the foreshore parkland. The walk took about 2 hours. Afterwards the group enjoyed chatting over a casual lunch at the Woolwich Pier Hotel.
Meetings are held at Vikings Sports Club in Dundas
International Dinner at Tandoori Sizzler
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