Norfolk Island stands out as a destination for travelers who love authentic, hands-on experiences. Its mix of rugged coastlines, historic sites, and warm community spirit makes it a natural choice for guided tours. Among the standout options are the Norfolk Island Fish Fry Experience, which offers a lively evening of local food, music, and dance, and the comprehensive Island Orientation Tour with Airport Transfer, perfect for arriving visitors eager to get their bearings. Whether you’re into history, food, or scenic adventures, Norfolk Island’s tours promise a taste of its unique character.
Let’s explore the top 15 tours that will help you make the most of your Norfolk Island visit—each offering something special, from convict history to delicious home-cooked dinners and unforgettable walks.
1. Norfolk Island Fish Fry Experience
This evening event has become a tradition on Norfolk Island for over 40 years. You’ll enjoy fresh ocean fish, local specialties like sweet potato mash, coconut pie, and savory banana slice, all while watching a sound and light show with traditional music and dance. The event lasts around 2.5 hours and costs about $54.24 per person, with dinner and coffee/tea included. Alcohol is available for purchase, making it a relaxed and festive way to end your day. The setting offers stunning sunset views, and the lively atmosphere makes this a favorite for foodies and night owls alike. With reviews praising its authenticity and joyful energy, it’s a memorable way to experience Norfolk’s vibrant community spirit. The entertainment and local cuisine set this apart as a lively, cultural highlight.
Bottom Line: An affordable, lively evening with delicious food and entertainment—great for those who want a true taste of Norfolk Island’s community vibe.
2. Island Orientation Tour with Airport Transfer Norfolk Island
Starting your holiday stress-free is easy with this airport transfer and orientation tour. For about $20.37, you get friendly meet-and-greet service, return airport transfers, and a 3-hour guided drive that covers beaches, mountains, valleys, and the main township, Burnt Pine. The guide shares insights into Norfolk’s geography, culture, history, and key attractions, making it ideal for first-timers. Reviewers highlight how helpful the tour is in making sense of the island’s layout and history, with some mentioning the delicious scones and jam as a delightful touch. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, informative overview without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: An inexpensive and practical way to orient yourself at the start of your trip, especially if you’re arriving late or have limited time.
3. Island Orientation Package incl. Return Airport Transfers & Tour
For those wanting a more comprehensive introduction, this package offers airport transfer plus a 4.5-hour guided tour covering major sights. At just over $20, it provides a comfortable transfer and an in-depth look at Norfolk’s art, history, and culture. The tour is flexible—lasting from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on your interests—and includes tea and coffee. Guests praise guide Brook’s knowledgeable narration and how helpful the overview is for planning the rest of their stay. It’s especially suited for visitors wanting a solid introduction without committing to a full-day tour.
Bottom Line: Great value for a broad-ranging, relaxed start to your stay with useful insights into the island’s highlights.
4. Convict Settlement Tour Norfolk Island
At number 4, the Convict Settlement Tour offers a deep dive into Norfolk’s colonial past. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll explore UNESCO-listed Kingston and Arthur’s Vale (KAVHA), seeing the ruins of the old jail, the colonial cemetery, and the Pier Store, among other sites. The tour includes afternoon tea and pickup from Burnt Pine hotels, making logistics easy. Guests love the passionate storytelling of guides like John, who share detailed insights into the convict era and the island’s role in Australian penal history. The tour balances history and scenery, making it perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: An enriching experience that vividly brings Norfolk’s penal past to life—ideal for those interested in history and architecture.
5. Convict Kingston Tour
Another look at Norfolk’s convict history, the Convict Kingston Tour focuses on the first penal colony established on the island. Lasting about 3.5 hours and costing around $40.74, the tour includes round-trip transport from Burnt Pine and visits to the historic cemetery, where you’ll see graves from both early settlers and convicts. The guide’s wealth of knowledge shines, with reviewers mentioning how engaging and informative the narration is. The tour offers a balanced mix of walking, storytelling, and scenic views, making it suitable for those eager to connect with Norfolk’s early European history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for anyone wanting a focused history tour combined with scenic views and storytelling.
6. Progressive Dinner to Island Homes
This 3-hour tour offers a true taste of local life with a dinner in Norfolk Island homes. For $64.51, you’ll visit three different homes, sampling local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Hosts share their personal stories, giving you insight into island traditions and family histories. Guests love the warm atmosphere and authentic experience, describing the food as “excellent” and the hosts as very engaging. It’s a superb choice for travelers who want to connect with locals and enjoy home-cooked cuisine.
Bottom Line: A meaningful way to experience Norfolk’s culinary and community culture firsthand.
7. Breakfast Bushwalk in Norfolk Island
For early risers, the Breakfast Bushwalk combines nature and a delicious breakfast. During this 3-hour walk, you’ll explore the national park, passing through rainforests and coastal cliffs, and see endemic flora and birdlife. The guided walk is at a relaxed pace suitable for most fitness levels. Afterward, a barbeque breakfast awaits with eggs, bacon, and toast. Reviewers emphasize the spectacular views and friendly guides. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine exercise and local scenery.
Bottom Line: A scenic, active start to your day with a hearty breakfast—ideal for nature lovers.
8. Norfolk Island Progressive Dinner to Island Homes
Another dinner experience, this tour offers a more intimate look at island life with a 3-course dinner at different local homes. Priced at $64.51, it’s an excellent way to dine in authentic settings, connect with local families, and hear stories about island descendants. Guests mention the great food and fascinating history, with some wishing for more local historical details. The opportunity to taste home-cooked dishes in a cozy atmosphere makes this tour stand out.
Bottom Line: A warm, authentic dinner that’s perfect for travelers eager to meet locals and savor traditional cuisine.
9. Breakfast Bushwalk & Clifftop BBQ Tour
Combining early morning exercise with a clifftop breakfast, this tour takes about 3 hours and costs roughly $47.54. You’ll hike to the Captain Cook Monument, enjoying sea views and coastal scenery, then gather for a BBQ breakfast overlooking the ocean. The walk can be easy or slightly more challenging, depending on your choice of trail. Reviewers love the stunning scenery and informative guides. It’s best suited for active travelers who want a combination of adventure and relaxation.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to combine nature, exercise, and a scenic breakfast—great for active explorers.
10. Commandants Dinner & Show
For a fun evening, the Commandants Dinner & Show offers live entertainment and a three-course meal inspired by British colonial cuisine. Lasting about 3 hours and costing $66.55, it features theatrical reenactments of Norfolk’s colonial commandants, with stories of convict treatment and rebellions. Reviewers praise it as informative, funny, and engaging, making it ideal for those interested in history with a side of entertainment. The dress code is smart casual, and dietary needs can be accommodated.
Bottom Line: A lively way to learn about Norfolk’s past through theater and food—great for history buffs who enjoy a show.
11. 1856 The Untold Story
This hour-long tour recounts the arrival of the Pitcairn descendants in 1856. The sound and light show on the coach vividly portrays their journey and subsequent life on Norfolk Island. Priced at around $37.33, it’s a compact, evocative experience suitable for those interested in personal stories and visual storytelling. Reviewers call it very informative and a worthwhile way to connect emotionally with Norfolk’s residents.
Bottom Line: A brief but powerful visual journey into the migration story that shaped Norfolk Island.
12. Who Killed the Surveyor Mystery Dinner
For a unique dinner experience, the Who Killed the Surveyor? combines interactive acting with a mystery plot set in Norfolk’s colonial era. For around $66.52, you’ll enjoy dinner and entertainment as you try to solve the case of a found drowned surveyor. Reviewers mention the fun and engaging atmosphere, with many appreciating the participatory element. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting an unusual night out.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive dinner that keeps everyone guessing—ideal for puzzle lovers and social travelers.
13. Ghost Tour & Dinner Norfolk Island
If spooky stories and haunted sights appeal, the Ghost Tour & Dinner combines lantern-lit visits to Kingston ruins with a Georgian dinner. It lasts 3 hours and costs about $66.55. Reviewers say the tour is fantastic, spooky, and atmospheric, especially appreciated for its storytelling and setting. It’s perfect for those who enjoy ghost stories and want to see Norfolk’s haunted history.
Bottom Line: An engaging, spooky night out—good for night owls and fans of ghost stories.
14. A Taste Of Norfolk
This food tour offers a delicious overview of local flavors in about 3.5 hours, costing roughly $47.54. You’ll sample green banana fritters, honey, local salt, and traditional dishes at various local producers. Guests love the informative commentary and the chance to taste Norfolk’s culinary heritage. It’s well-suited for foodies and curious travelers who want a hands-on experience of island produce.
Bottom Line: A tasty, practical way to understand Norfolk’s food culture through local flavors and stories.
15. Baunti Fish Fry – Self Drive
For a more independent experience, the Self-Drive Fish Fry lets you visit Anson Bay and enjoy freshly fried fish on a hilltop with ocean views. The cost is about $54.33, and it includes door-to-door transfers. You’ll be entertained by a local singer and Tahiti-style dancers, making it lively. This tour is limited to groups of no more than 15, giving an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers mention the best fish tasted in years and delicious coconut pie as highlights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting independent flexibility with a lively, scenic dinner experience.
$54.33 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Norfolk Island Tour
Choosing between these diverse options depends on your interests, budget, and time. If history is your passion, tours like Convict Settlement or Kingston convict site are excellent. For a fun, cultural evening, the Fish Fry Experience or Commandants Dinner & Show offer lively entertainment. Those seeking outdoor adventures can’t go wrong with the Breakfast Bushwalk or the Clifftop BBQ. For food lovers, the A Taste Of Norfolk provides a delicious, behind-the-scenes look at local cuisine. And if you want a flexible, self-paced experience, the Self-Drive Fish Fry gives you independence with scenic views.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the Island Orientation Tour or Fish Fry, to secure your spot during peak season.
Wrapping Up: Making the Most of Norfolk Island
This curated list offers a wide array of experiences suited to different interests and travel styles. For history enthusiasts, the Convict Tours and 1856 Untold Story provide compelling narratives, while food lovers will appreciate the Progressive Dinner and A Taste Of Norfolk. Adventurers should consider the Breakfast Bushwalk or Clifftop BBQ for active mornings.
No matter your choice, Norfolk Island’s tours offer an authentic slice of island life, history, and culture. Booking early and selecting the right tour for your interests will ensure your visit is memorable and meaningful.