Colleen McCullough Home Tour On Norfolk Island
3.5

Colleen McCullough Home Tour On Norfolk Island

By Baunti Tours
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Ages 2-95, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Driver/guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
  • 79c Taylors Rd, Burnt Pine 2899, Norfolk Island
    Baunti Tours Office 79C Taylors Road, Burnt Pine
Pickup details
  • Please visit the Baunti Tours Office before to departure to confirm your pick-up time and exchange your voucher for a Baunti ticket.
Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Not wheelchair accessible
      • Infants must sit on laps
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 91908P2

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Pick-up and drop off is included for hotels in the Burnt Pine township.
      • Clients are required to visit the Baunti Escape office in Burnt Pine prior to their tour to confirm pick-up details.
      • Most travellers can participate
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 91908P2

      From
      AU$63.00
      per adult
      Select date and travellers
      Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
      Itinerary
      • 1
        Colleen McCullough, world-renowned author of 24 books called Norfolk Island home for almost 36 years. She and husband, Norfolk Islander, Ric Robinson, created a luxurious hideaway and maintained their privacy to ensure that Colleen had the perfect environment for her writing. Some of her most powerful titles were created in this much-loved sanctuary. Her beloved property “Out Yenna” is now open exclusively to Baunti Escapes customers. Be escorted through her magnificent home and view Ric and Colleen’s priceless collection of artefacts gathered on their travels all over the world. This is a glimpse into the life of a modern day literary icon. If you have read her amazing books, you will love the experience of sharing the world of Colleen McCullough, author of “Tim”, “The Thornbirds” and “Morgan’s Run”.
      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Baunti Tours
        232
        Burnt Pine, Australia
        Joined in October 2018
      • MarkE20
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Norfolk Island 2025
        Baunti picked us up from the airport and delivered us to our accomodation. We went on the half day island orientation tour the following morning and finished with tea, coffee and biscuits at Baunti Office. Baunti also took us to the Fish Fry. On the day we flew home, Baunti picked us up from our accomodation and delivered us to the airport. Our plane was delayed and the driver said he'd take us back into town if we'd like and bring us back later.
        Written 7 February 2025
      • MarkE20
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Norfolk Island 2025
        We've done many of these Fish Frys as my wife and I have been to the Island more than 10 times and we've never been disappointed. You can be picked up by bus from your accomodation or self drive. The bus is more fun, you will meet other travellers and you can enjoy a drink or 3. The fry is situated on a cliff near Puppies Point where you can watch the sun go down. Local fish is served with fresh salad, sweet potato, banana cake and coconut bread all made island style. They will cook fish until you stop eating. Go up for seconds, thirds and more if you can. Byo or buy drinks at location. The Baunti Byuutis will do local hula dancing along with local music. Bong the local musician played and sang while we ate too. Make new friends
        Written 7 February 2025
      • ulrike r
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        3 best tours we did with Baunti
        When our group arrived on Norfolk Island we were surprised how many tours and restaurants we could have the choice of. Thanks to Helen at Baunti Tours we chose the right ones On Wednesday : Commandants dinner and show which had us in stitches and the actors ate at our tables with lots of banter and funny lines. 3 course meal was excellent too. Thursday : we did Baunti Fish Fry outside but under cover with amazing views. The young Pitcairn dancers were graceful and we bought their video. The taste of the fish was the best we ever had! Plus we had seconds and lovely dessert. Friday :we booked The Progressive dinner when we visited 3 homes for entree, main and dessert. We heard lots of stories about past history and how living on Norfolk is. The night was entertaining and the meals excellent. Great we had Debbie the bus driver who shared some info too. After lots of laughs, a full belly it was nice to be driven back to our accommodation. Thanks Baunti.
        Written 29 January 2025
      • ginnienb
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Yummy tour
        Wonderful tour. Princess welcomed us to her home with truely best fresh salad had probably ever. She is a scream with abundance of wit & humour. Next was a new location and a yummy main course (chicken bacon wrapped main) & finally last stop with yummy passion fruit cheese cake. All of this wrapped up with great people opening their homes 🩵
        Written 11 January 2025
      • ginnienb
        0 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Cancelled
        This got a poor rating as the dinner was cancelled on me. I was bit surprised but was told someone was unwell. Totally understand that but then other people who were with large tour group shared they went & wasn’t cancelled on them. Not sure what happened but tour company did sort a processed refund. However, have enjoyed other tours with company.
        Written 11 January 2025
      • Jenny T
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A stunning morning walk
        A lovely walk in the beautiful Norfolk Bushland. With interesting facts from George and Rachel and even a magical tree that is worth seeing. The views were stunning and the food wasn’t bad either.
        Written 8 January 2025
      • 581karynj
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A Taste of Norfolk
        Our Taste of Norfolk Tour was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative tour visiting home businesses of the lovely Norfolk Islanders who are always welcoming and accommodating. So easy being picked up at our hotel with a smallish group. I highly recommend this tour.
        Written 7 January 2025
      • Jamjam123456
        0 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        Home hydroponics a highlight
        I did this tour as after a week on Norfolk I was extremely curious about the availability of fresh produce for self catering visitors. The two small supermarkets had very limited supplies of vegetables (basically lettuce, potatoes and onions) . The only fruit for sale were cantaloupe and honeydew melons. First stop was a “commercial market garden”. The drought would not help but half a dozen unkept, unpruned fruit trees does not make a market garden! I am not interested in hibiscus flowers or ‘lavender’actually Salvia. Brook our driver pointed out a weed infested area further down the hill which I assume was the proper garden . I did learn however that the market gardens supply resorts and restaurants before any excess goes to the supermarket. Onto a commercial Kentia palm operation. It was very interesting but would have liked to heard from the woman who runs it. Highlight of the tour was a visit to a home garden where hydroponics are used extensively. The gardener was available for an enjoyable chat . The stop at the Liquer factory could have been more informative. The owner plied us with shots and seems a bit ‘over’ us tourists. Anyway would I do it again - probably not.
        Written 18 December 2024
      • mandyy502
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Lots of fun essential tour
        . Lots of fun. Food was average but it was a basic kitchen. Loved being in the historical building. Catching up with other tour new friends.
        Written 18 December 2024
      • J8521XGjillb
        0 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        A small taste of Norfolk.
        It was not what I/we expected. Very rustic. The people were knowledgeable. Watch out for prices at Alison's. They are marked up a few dollars dearer than I saw them in the local shops. The best presentation was the beekeeper. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Also gave us a great taste of Norfolk. Lots of fresh island fruit and honey.
        Written 14 December 2024
      • Mandy Y
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fun
        Experience was excellent well run lots of fun but the food was very average for the cost that was paid. The food on this tour was the only thing on my holiday that was a dissapointment.
        Written 11 December 2024
      • Willfish101
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fish fry on the cliff looking out to sea.
        We did the Baunti Tours fish fry this time. Great atmosphere, fresh fish and salads, plenty to eat, even some nice home made sweets. All done on cliff top looking out to sea with some nice entertainment with local girls performing some local dances. Great way to spend and evening on Norfolk.
        Written 4 December 2024
      • Willfish101
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        History tour of convict Australia
        Fabulous tour for the history buffs, or anyone interested in Australian colonial history. Very knowledgeable guide with informative and personal comments around gravesites. Pointed out significant headstones and gave background story to make the story very real, relevant and personal. Great tour with first class guide at Baunti Tours.
        Written 4 December 2024
      • HeatherD903
        0 contributions
        2.0 of 5 bubbles
        Not as advertised
        The local stories of growing up on the island and demo of weaving were interesting, but that was all the history and cultural info we were told. Not the long history or rich diversity or artifacts I was expecting. The plate of food on the brochure looks delicious, but we received 2 tiny spoonfuls of relish, a spoonful of fish pate and 4 rice crackers...unfortunately I don't have a photo. Not value for money at all.
        Written 24 November 2024
      • Wswrbb2018
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A great evening/night
        A large group but excellently catered for,. Plenty of seating but be advised it’s BYO though they run a bar with very good prices. We had a singer who was excellent and did a fabulous job entertaining the crowd even had us up dancing and singing. They had four young girls who performed Tahitian dances. They entertained the crowd well. The meal was delicious and seconds/thirds were offered. Also came with a delicious desert. We were able to watch the sunset. Highly recommended to one and all
        Written 22 November 2024
      See all 232 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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      3.5
      3.5 of 5 bubbles40 reviews
      Excellent
      18
      Very good
      7
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      5
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      6
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      4

      Willfish101
      Batemans Bay, Australia373 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Couples
      A real eye openner, and not to be missed. Old homestead with rich history of famous writer who was not afraid to spend money lavishing her house with historic artifacts and artworks from all over the world. Guide who worked with author had great stories to tell about famous people in film and politics who had visited the author, and authors role in promoting Norfolk Island
      Written 5 December 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      We are so glad you enjoyed one of our most popular and Interesting, tours
      Written 6 December 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      razza61
      Gatton, Australia436 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      May 2022
      What an honour it is to be allowed to visit Colleens home while her husband still lives there. What an eclectic mix of "treasures" are displayed for us to see and gain and greater understanding into her personality. She was clearly a dearly loved person by all around her, no matter whether famous or her assistant. Although many things you see would probably not be your "cup of tea", you can't help but appreciate their value & significance. The tour truly gives you an insight into her life and many little tales of the famous people who visited.
      Written 13 June 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi razza61, Thank you for your review on visiting Colleen's home tour. It is a privledge to be allowed to go into the home while her husband still lives in the house. We will pass your comments onto Ric.
      Written 15 June 2022
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Karen B
      Greater Adelaide, Australia150 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2021
      Colleen McCullough's name is iconic and synonymous with Norfolk Island. People familiar with her work will want to visit her house for an insight into her life. From that point of view you do get to see her collectables, art, entertaining area and work space. The tour is conducted by her housekeeper who exudes an 'over it' and 'rather be some where else' attitude which is disappointing. If you ask the right questions you are likely to get more information on Col. The office where you can purchase books is poorly maintained with many of the books damp and in poor condition unlikely to be saleable in a few more years.
      Certainly no social distancing or encouragement of social distancing with our group of 16 jammed in with a few more couples added to the mix. Too many people for the space.
      Recommended, yes but don't have high expectations.
      Written 8 March 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi L2155l, Thank you for taking the time to review your experience with this tour. We have passed this onto Colleen's family. We hope the rest of your time on Norfolk was memorable.
      Written 9 March 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Sharon S
      1 contribution
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      I was very disappointed with this tour. At $60 per head and described as a 2 hour tour, we had at most a 30 minute tour inside the house. The remainder of the time was taken up with getting to and from the house and then trying to sell Colleen’s books. Even so, we were finished within 1.5 hours, including the transport time! The housekeeper/tour guide was, as described in other reviews, less than enthusiastic. There is no tour of the grounds included. All in all, extremely disappointing and certainly not worth $60.
      Written 27 May 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Sharon S, We will pass on your comments to Colleen's husband who runs the tour & still lives in the house. Baunti does the transfers to the house only. If you had popped into the office after the tour we would have had a chance to try to rectify this for you, before you felt to post a review once home.
      Written 29 May 2022
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Keith G
      Adelaide Hills, Australia5 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2023 • Solo
      A real thrill to visit the home of an author whose books you've read and largely enjoyed.
      Guided by her long time housekeeper who gave all relevant facts about Colleen but also related many little anecdotes about her that much more fully filled out the life she led and revealed quite a lot about her character.
      The house itself is kept as it was during her occupation and many of the pieces of art, sculpture and furnishing are of great interest in their own right.
      Absolutely worth experiencing.
      Written 10 January 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Kim C
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2025 • Solo
      Expecting a house that is calm and conducive to writing, I was rendered speechless from entering the front door. From the priceless art to the wild wallpaper and chair coverings we were given an insight into the colourful and creative world of "Col". I haven't stopped talking about it and won't for sometime. The tour was worth every bit of $63. Thank you Rebecca for the tour.
      Written 5 February 2025
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      We are so pleased you enjoyed COLS eclectic wonderland. She had such varied and interesting tastes, just like her books
      Written 9 February 2025
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      trevorrose
      Bunbury, Australia123 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2024 • Couples
      This tour was a complete surprise! Never having read a Colleen McCulloch book, I tagged along with my wife who was very keen. It turned out to be a most interesting morning, with an interesting drive out to the property and then a most personal and informative look into the house and the life of the famous writer.
      Our guide, Rebecca, having worked with McCulloch for many years, was a veritable mine of information and the exquisite furnishings, art and artefacts in the house was incredible.
      Definitely recommend this tour!
      Written 27 March 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Colleen M
      Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2021
      I did this tour in early March 2021 and was very pleasantly surprised after reading some less-than-stellar reviews.

      The 'mateship' for Colleen McCullough (as felt by the locals) was evident from the moment we stepped onto the bus, and our driver spoke lovingly of various incidents in her life - so much so that, by the time we got there, we felt that we actually knew her.

      The guided tour by Colleen's former housekeeper was thorough (for those rooms open to the public). The house is still the residence of her husband so tourists cannot expect to be poking through the entire place.
      Contrary to some reviews, I found the housekeeper to be warm, and keen to ensure we enjoyed ourselves. Doing this same task repeatedly must surely take its toll, and no doubt the attitude and demeanor of each group has an effect.
      Our group was not rushed and we asked lots of questions and had lots of interesting chats in a very relaxed manner.

      Whilst Colleen's decorating taste was all her own, she owned so many beautiful things that anyone paying attention could certainly find pieces to admire. This is not a public gallery where people come to judge the art etc., these are the personal belongings of someone who is surrounding themselves with the things THEY love. It was also fascinating to stand in her 'scriptorium' next to the desk on which so many great novels were created.

      Likewise, the gift/book shop was in thoroughly good order when I visited and I saw nothing to complain of.

      We got back on the bus as bunch of happy travelers and talked about the unique lady all the way back to town. I am very pleased that I chose to take this tour.
      Written 11 April 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Colleen, you have hit the nail on the head! It was Colleen's home and still her husband's home. Baunti Tours are very lucky to be able to take tourists to the home and then have Colleen's housekeeper guide those on the tour through the home. Thanks for the review....we will pass this onto those out at the house too.
      Written 15 May 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Deborah D
      Cessnock, Australia1,637 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Apr 2022
      If you are a fan of Colleen's books, you should go on the tour to find out about her life. The house keeper/tour guide was most interesting and happily answered any questions we had. The Scriptorium was lined with her research books and awards she had been given. The decor of the house is outlandish, eclectic and indulgent. Pieces from all over the world grace the shelves and walls. Paintings of many styles were collected, including one of three of Colleen that had been entered in the Archibald competition. The library is the envy of anyone who loves to read. Considering the time in which she was researching for her books, it was needed as there was no internet nor a big library on Norfolk Island. Some of the furnishings were not my taste, but I can respect what she did. Her husband Ric still lives there, so teh upper rooms are not accessible. Still, an interesting tour.
      Written 18 April 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Debora, we are very lucky that Ric allows visitors to go through the house while he still lives in the house. It is an amazing experience.
      Written 1 May 2022
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Harry
      Australia135 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Feb 2021
      Colleen McCullough was indeed a fascinating woman, but sadly this tour (with Baunti Tours of Norfolk Island) was a letdown. We were in a small group of about eight adults, and given a rather quick rundown of some of the collections and antiques in three or four rooms on the ground floor, as well as the kitchen layout and a peak into the closed-off library, by a current and former caretaker.
      Originally promised "a roughly two-hour tour" by the ticket sellers at Baunti, we were only in the McCullough homestead for a little under an hour.
      Instead of a general rundown on Colleen's life, we were only given tidbits of information and left to fill in the blanks ourselves. The guide seemed more interested in knowing whether we were all having a nice time on Norfolk, and how they we were all surviving in this COVID world.
      My wife and I paid $57 each to join the tour. It seemed a little pricey at the outset, but when it was all over, you'd have to say it was a total rip-off. Obviously the tour provider(s) can get away with this act because there is no competition.
      Written 17 February 2021
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Peter M, thank you for your review. We will pass this on to the correct departments. Norfolk Island is very lucky that this private house (still being lived in by her family) is opened for tourists to view at certain times guided by Colleen's own housekeeper.
      Written 9 March 2021
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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      Colleen McCullough Home Tour On Norfolk Island provided by Baunti Tours

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