Explore the Gardens & Green Escape at Sunset Villa Norfolk Island

If you love gardens, Norfolk Island will steal your heart.

Here, nature feels close — in every shade of green, in the quiet rustle of palms, and in the gentle scent of frangipani after rain. At Sunset Villa, your days begin and end surrounded by this beauty. It’s the perfect place to stay for those who find peace, joy, and inspiration in the garden.

Why Sunset Villa is Your Garden Getaway

Set on 18 acres of lush coastal farmland, Sunset Villa offers sweeping 180-degree views of the coastline and the ever-changing moods of the sea. The Mediterranean-inspired villa blends luxury with nature: a private lap pool, poolside cabana, verdant surrounds, premium furnishings, and the gentle melodies of birdsong each morning.

You’ll fall in love with the colours that surround you — bright bougainvillea, cheerful daisies, and the green tapestry of farmland rolling down toward the ocean. Staying here feels like stepping into your own private garden retreat.

A Garden-Focused Itinerary for Your Norfolk Island Stay

Here’s how to make the most of the gardens, green spaces, and natural beauty — both on-site at Sunset Villa and across the island.

1. Start Your Day at the Villa

Wake slowly and step out into the soft morning light. Wander through the grounds or across the road to Puppies Point coastal lookout, and listen to the native birds — green parrots, fantails, and white terns flitting through the treetops. The scent of the ocean breeze mixes with the sweetness of nearby blooms.

Enjoy breakfast by the pool, framed by gardens that reflect the island’s subtropical calm, before heading out to explore Norfolk’s living landscapes.

2. Explore Norfolk’s Gardens — Tours and Self-Guided Gems

Join a Guided Experience

To truly understand the island’s plant life and garden culture, a local tour is the best place to start. Many tours give you access to private island homes and gardens, where you can see the pride locals take in their land and the beauty they’ve created.

• Pinetree Tours – Over the Cattlestop: Meet the skilled artisans and entrepreneurs behind Norfolk Island’s thriving small businesses as they share their crafts, stories, and passions. From handcrafted pottery and island-made soft drinks to locally produced art and specialty foods, you’ll have the chance to sample and purchase some of the island’s finest creations. The tour also includes a stop at one of Norfolk’s scenic lookouts for morning tea — the perfect opportunity to relax, take in the view, and appreciate the island’s remarkable natural beauty.

  
  

• Baunti Tours – Progressive Dinner: Dine across several island homes, often set within manicured gardens bursting with hibiscus and fruit trees. Between courses, your hosts share stories of island life, community, and the land that sustains them.

  
  

• Baunti Tours – Island Culture Tour: This experience weaves together history, heritage, and horticulture. Visit working farms, family gardens, and sites where traditional food and medicine plants continue to thrive.

  
  

• Pinetree Tours – Paddock to Plate: Experience Norfolk Island’s true paddock-to-plate lifestyle on this guided tour. Visit a market garden, cattle farm, and free-range chicken farm to see how the island produces fresh, seasonal food. Finish with a two-course lunch at a local home, featuring ingredients grown and raised right here on the island.

  
  

Each experience connects you with locals who know the island’s growing rhythms — a blend of knowledge, humour, and pride that turns a simple walk through a garden into something memorable.

Self-Guided Garden Highlights

For those who prefer to explore independently, make use of your included hire car to visit some of Norfolk Island’s most picturesque gardens and green spaces.

• Queen Victoria Gardens: Set on Queen Elizabeth Avenue, these beautifully maintained gardens pay tribute to Queen Victoria’s influence on Norfolk Island’s heritage and provide a serene setting of lush tropical plants, a charming rotunda, and shaded lawns.

• Government House Gardens (open select days): Wander through the well-maintained heritage grounds and enjoy panoramic coastal views across Kingston.

• Norfolk Island Botanic Garden (off Mission Road): A peaceful network of trails and lookout points showcasing native species, from tree ferns to orchids.

• Anson Bay and Hundred Acres Reserve: While not formal gardens, these coastal landscapes are rich with subtropical plants and wildflowers, providing a natural contrast to manicured spaces.

  
  

Along the way, stop at café gardens such as The Olive Café or Prinke Eco Store, where you can relax with a coffee surrounded by greenery.

3. Return to Your Private Green Haven

After a day spent exploring the island’s gardens, return to the tranquillity of Sunset Villa. Sit on the wide verandah, enjoy a drink by the pool, and watch the late afternoon light turn the farmland golden.

Here, the island’s beauty feels close and personal — the sound of birds, the scent of grass, and the peace that comes with the setting sun.

Garden Moments That Linger

Birdlife and Native Plants: The villa’s 18 acres are home to native flora and open farmland where nature thrives.

Light, Colour, and Texture: From the vivid greens of palms to the soft gold of sunset over the sea, the landscape changes throughout the day.

Tranquillity: “Cool ocean breezes, melodious bird calls, and general peace and quiet” — as one guest described it.

Garden to Adventure: Stay surrounded by nature, explore further each day, and return to your own sanctuary each night.

Tips for Garden Lovers

• Visit in spring or early summer (September to December) for the most vibrant displays.

• Book popular tours such as Over the Cattlestop and the Progressive Dinner early, as they often sell out.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes and a hat for exploring.

• Allow time to linger — the island’s gardens reward those who move slowly.

  
  

In Summary

A stay at Sunset Villa means waking each day to the sights and sounds of nature. It’s the perfect retreat for travellers who find joy in the simple beauty of gardens, and an ideal base for exploring Norfolk Island’s remarkable green spaces — both cultivated and wild.

Here, you don’t just admire the island’s beauty. You live within it.