2026 Art Adventure with host artist Louise Collier and featured guest artist LEON HOLMES
08 May 2026 - 15 May 2026
PriceFrom $5,395 per person twin share
DetailsJoin host artist LOUISE COLLIER and FEATURED GUEST ARTIST LEON HOLMES for a week of tours, dinner and fabulous painting workshops on Norfolk Island.
Holiday Package Inclusions
About the event..
Art Outdoors, in collaboration with Plein Air Down Under, presents the 2026 Norfolk Island Art Adventure.
Norfolk Island is the hidden gem of the South Pacific Ocean. Abundant with natural beauty, breathtaking scenery, and unique history - add in the art factor and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience. The vibrant colours, the rich history, and the stunning views at every turn will inspire you to interpret what you see and feel, capturing the essence of this magnificent place in your oil paintings.
Leon Holmes is a professional oil painter, international award-winning artist, lecturer and ambassador of Plein Air (Outdoor Painting). His work is showcased in numerous galleries worldwide, and he is often invited to art events across Australia and beyond to teach, demonstrate, and exhibit. A highlight of this tour is that Leon will be sharing his expertise, teaching techniques, and guiding you in the art of capturing Norfolk Island’s inspiring scenery in oils. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from a master artist.
Louise Collier has personal ties to Norfolk Island and has gained valuable local knowledge. She has extensive experience in hosting art adventures and events - she successfully launched the inaugural Norfolk Island Art Adventure in August 2025, which was a high-demand, sell-out trip. Louise’s years of teaching art, along with her partnership with the Norfolk Island Travel Centre ensure you will get the most from this trip. She will be on hand to assist feature guest artist, Leon Holmes, to help you achieve your best results in oil painting during this exciting art adventure.
Norfolk Island is a true getaway - situated in the Pacific Ocean, a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney (1,676km northeast of Sydney). It is a volcanic outcrop, approximately 8km long and 5km wide, with two nearby uninhabited islands (Nepean and Philip). The island’s captivating history, combined with its stunning scenery - one-third of which is National Parks and Reserves – provides endless inspiration. With a community of around 2000 residents, many tracing their lineage back to HMS Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian partners, you may hear some of the locals speaking Norf’k such as “Watawieh yorli?” (Hello and how are you).
Numbers for this fabulous week are strictly limited!
Please visit Louise's website for a list of art materials that will be required for this trip. https://www.artoutdoorswa.com.au/detail-2026norfolkislandartadventure
Accommodation - Ocean Breeze Cottages
Experience modern comfort with stunning ocean views at Ocean Breeze Cottages!
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience at Ocean Breeze Cottages. Nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and overlooking Phillip Island, these 12 modern, self-contained one-bedroom cottages offer everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Each cottage features a modern kitchen, en-suite bathroom, separate bedrooms and open plan living areas. Take a deep breath of fresh Norfolk Island ocean air from the deck of your cottage as you admire the stunning views overlooking Phillip Island.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while staying just minutes from town.
Holiday Package Prices
Itinerary
Friday 8th May 2026 - Depart Sydney – Arrive Norfolk /Welcome Dinner (D)
This morning you’ll need to check in at Sydney International Airport for your short 2 1/2hr flight to beautiful Norfolk Island. On arrival you’ll be transferred to Ocean Breeze Cottages which will be your home for the next 7 nights. Ocean Breeze Cottages offers a modern and comfortable stay close to town. These one-bedroom, self-contained cottages each have a modern kitchen, en-suite bathroom, separate bedroom and open plan living areas all with outstanding ocean views. Take a deep breath of fresh Norfolk Island Ocean air from the deck of your cottage as you admire the stunning views overlooking Phillip Island.
Your hire car will be waiting for you at the accommodation and there is time for you to head into Burnt Pine to buy any groceries you may need for the week. Late this afternoon gather in the function room at Ocean Breeze for welcome drinks and nibbles (supplied by your host artist Louise Collier) and meet Louise, Leon and Sara. Your hosts will run through the itinerary for the adventures to come before dinner tonight. Self-drive to your 2-course buffet welcome dinner at Governor’s Lodge Hotel - just a short distance from your accommodation.
Saturday 9 May 2026 - Island Life Tour/Workshop/Ghost Tour (L,D)
This morning you’ll be collected by coach for the Island Life Tour. Spend the morning touring Norfolk Island, gaining a true insight into the intricate nature of modern island life. Your guide will share the latest information on the island's ethnic groups, nationalities and languages spoken, including the Norfolk Island indigenous language. Morning tea is included, and the tour will conclude with lunch at the Boatshed Restaurant at Governor’s Lodge Hotel. You’ll be transferred back to Ocean Breeze after lunch (or you might like a short walk uphill to walk off your lunch).
After lunch today join Leon for your first afternoon workshop in the function room at Ocean Breeze. This will be an intro and general skills session with Leon plus a run-through of the en plein air sessions for the week. Louise will give info around logistics, painting locations etc.
This evening you’ll be collected by bus to enjoy a delicious dinner in the annex of a beautiful Georgian building, where you'll have the chance to mingle with other guests and get ready for the ghostly adventure ahead. Once you have finished your meal, it's time to grab your lantern and prepare for the spooky walk ahead. As you wander through the ruins, your guide will regale you with tales of ghostly apparitions, tragic events, and mysterious happenings and you will hear about the island's dark history.
Sunday 10 May 2026 - En Plein Air Workshop/Afternoon Workshop/Dinner Bounty Bar & Grill (D)
You might like to begin the day with an optional slow yoga flow class with Louise. Today, weather permitting you’ll begin with your first En Plein Air workshop. Leon will do a demo/teaching session in the first hour or so. Artists will then pick a spot to paint, and Leon and Louise will circulate to give individual tuition/advice. Louise will provide a light morning tea and there will be a break for lunch. This afternoon Leon will paint en plein air with artists invited to watch his process. Late this afternoon you might like to head up to Mt Pitt or out Puppy’s Point to catch the Norfolk sunset. Lunch today is own arrangements.
Tonight make your way to Bounty Bar and Grill for a 2-course dinner in this lovely old island home.
Monday 11 May 2026 - En Plein Air Workshop/Lunch at Hilli Restaurant/Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama (L)
Today will be morning will be En Plein Air workshops with Leon doing a brief demo/teaching session first thing. Artists will then pick a spot to paint, and Leon will circulate and give individual tuition/advice as needed. Louise will be on hand to assist Leon and morning tea will be provided. At lunchtime visit Hilli Restaurant for lunch. The word ‘hilli’ is a word from the unique Norf'k language and can be defined as a drowsy, lazy feeling... A feeling of lethargy. After lunch today visit the fabulous Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama. This amazing 360° panoramic painting brings to life the history of the Norfolk Island people and their connection with the infamous mutiny on the ‘Bounty’. An outstanding attraction, this stunning 360° panoramic painting with realistic 3D effects has been impressing visitors to Norfolk Island with its ‘wow’ factor for over 18 years. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to enjoy at leisure. Late this afternoon you may like to join Louise for an optional yin yoga and meditation.
This evening you are invited to meet in the common Room for an Art Critique evening. This is a relaxed, informal gathering where artists are encouraged to bring along any paintings they’d like to be critiqued. Leon will share and provide advice, insights, and professional tips, creating a supportive environment that will be of benefit to everyone. BYO/plate for a share dinner and enjoy an evening of friendly artistic feedback and connection.
Tuesday 12 May 2026 - At Leisure/Island Fish Fry (D)
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Make use of your rental vehicle to explore some parts of the island you may not yet have visited. You might like to visit the shops in the Burnt Pine shopping area. Norfolk Island is a duty-free and GST-free shopping haven where you’ll find over 50 stores selling everything from sporting goods and imported shoes to cosmetics, jewellery and artwork. You won’t find chain stores here. Norfolk Island’s shops are locally owned and operated.
Is there a tour you’d like to add and that can be pre-booked before you leave home? A Natural Wonders Tour? Discover Norfolk Island's stunning geological wonders and natural beauty. Over the Cattlestops? Meet the skilled artisans and entrepreneurs behind the island's thriving businesses as they showcase their unique crafts and specialties. Museums? A 4-museum pass will give you multiple entries to all 5 museums at any time during your stay on island and 2 guided Tag-A-Long tours. You won’t run out of things to do! Ask the Reservations team if you’d like anything else pre-booked.
This afternoon there will be an optional studio art session at Ocean Breeze with Louise on hand to assist and advise where you can optionally work/tweak any of your painting so far”.
This evening you’ll be collected by coach to join an Island Fish Fry ‘Orn dar Cliff’. For over 40 years, this incredible event has been serving up a feast of local dishes, salads, and homemade coconut bread, all topped off with mouth-watering fried fish that will leave you wanting more. But the food is just the beginning - the real magic happens as the sun sets over the stunning coastal scenery. After your feast, sit back and relax as the Baunti Byuutis dancing group takes the stage to entertain you with their captivating local performances. Standard drinks are available for purchase, or you are welcome to BYO.
Wednesday 13 May 2026 - All Day En Plein Air Workshops/Picnic Lunch (L)
Weather permitting today will be an en plein air session (location to be confirmed). Leon will do a demo/teaching session in the first hour or so. Artists will then pick a spot to paint, and Leon will circulate and give individual tuition/advice as needed. Louise will be on hand to assist Leon. A delicious picnic lunch will be provided today.
Late this afternoon there is an optional yin yoga and meditation session with Louise. Dinner tonight is by own arrangement. You might like to try Salty Beer Garden, which has a great casual menu and relaxed atmosphere or again, try one of the local clubs. The Bowling Club, Leagues Club and RSL all offer great meals. Something a little more formal? Make a reservation in advance at Hilli Restaurant or Bailey’s Restaurant this evening.
Thursday 14 May 2026 - All Day En Plein Air Workshops, Farewell Dinner Homestead Restaurant (D)
You might like to join Louise this morning for an optional slow yoga session to begin the day. Weather permitting today will be an en plein air session (location to be confirmed). Leon will do a demo/teaching session in the first hour or so. Artists will then pick a spot to paint, and Leon will circulate and give individual tuition/advice as needed. Louise will be on hand to assist Leon. BYO lunch today.
Late this afternoon you might want to catch the sunset from one of the great vantage points. Try Headstone Reserve or Kingston Pier.
Farewell dinner tonight will be at the Homestead Restaurant. The Homestead is set in a 1930's island home on Norfolk Island and has been in the Menghetti family for 40 years. The menu is designed around cooking over embers to intensify and develop the depth of flavour of the seasonal local produce, meat and seafood found on Norfolk Island.
Friday 15 May 2026 - Depart Norfolk/Arrive Sydney
Sadly, the week has come to an end. After you have checked out of your accommodation by 10.00am this morning there is a little time for any last-minute shopping before you leave your rental car at Ocean Breeze and transfer to Norfolk Island Airport for your flight to Sydney. Your artworks are packed up with your memories of Norfolk to take home with you.
*Itinerary is subject to change
Terms and Conditions
Prices are a guide only, subject to change and availability, and are in Australian Dollars. Prices are correct as of 21 October 2025. Please check all prices, availability, fees, conditions and information with your travel agent before booking.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is due upon booking: $250 per person plus any supplier deposit requirements. Airfare may be required at time of booking to commit to Qantas booking terms and conditions.
Final Payment: Final payment is due: 28 January 2026. Payment can be made by personal or bank cheques or by direct deposit into our Commonwealth Bank account. If you would prefer to pay by Visa or Mastercard, please add 1.5% to the total cost of your holiday package.
Changes & Amendments: Changes can be made up to 48 hours (notification business days only) prior to departure at a change fee of $200 per person plus any applicable upgrade fees, subject to availability.
Cancellation: Airfare is subject to availability and non-refundable after issue. Accommodation cancellation penalties apply within 90 days prior to travel. Within 60 days of travel, up to 100% cancellation fees may apply.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect you against some unforeseen cancellations.
Quote: NIGR280250