Imagine spending an evening on Norfolk Island enjoying freshly caught fish, traditional dishes, and lively entertainment—all set against the backdrop of a spectacular ocean view. The Baunti Fish Fry – Self Drive offers a relaxed, authentic taste of island life, with the added convenience of door-to-door transfers and a small-group atmosphere. At just over three hours and costing around $54 per person, this experience is designed for travelers looking to savor local flavors without the fuss of large crowds or complicated logistics.
What we love about this tour is the combination of authentic cuisine and scenic setting—a hilltop spot with sweeping views—plus the chance to listen to a local singer and watch Tahiti-style dancers. The intimacy of a group no larger than 15 makes for a friendly, laid-back vibe, ideal for an evening of good food and entertainment. One potential drawback? The cost can seem high if you’re only after a simple meal, especially since drinks are extra and transportation is optional. Still, if you’re seeking a memorable, culturally rich experience, this tour hits many marks. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, local-style dinner with a side of stunning scenery and lively entertainment.
This tour suits travelers who appreciate fresh, locally prepared food and enjoy a casual, small-group setting. It’s especially good for those who want door-to-door convenience and a touch of local culture without the crowds. If you enjoy scenic outdoor venues and genuine island cuisine, this experience is a solid choice.
Key Points
- Local Flavors: Freshly caught fish prepared in traditional island style, with seasonal produce.
- Scenic Setting: Dine on a hilltop with sweeping views of the ocean.
- Authentic Entertainment: Enjoy live music from a local singer and Tahiti-style dancers.
- Small Group: Limited to 15 guests for a more personal experience.
- Convenience: Door-to-door transfers included, with options to self-drive or pay for transportation.
- Value Consideration: Food quality and atmosphere are praised, but drinks and transport are extra costs.
An In-Depth Look at the Baunti Fish Fry Experience
Planning more time in Norfolk Island? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Setting and Atmosphere
The highlight of this tour, without question, is its spectacular outdoor location atop a scenic hill at Anson Bay. If the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline, making your dinner not just about the food but also about the environment. The setting is described as a “cliff top overlooking the ocean,” which offers a memorable backdrop that elevates the simplest meal into a special occasion.
However, the organizers are prepared for weather hiccups—if it rains or the wind picks up, the event moves to an alternate venue, ensuring you stay comfortable and dry. This flexibility is a thoughtful touch that shows their commitment to a good experience regardless of the weather.
The Itinerary and What to Expect
Start Point: You’ll meet at the Baunti Office on Taylors Road in Burnt Pine, where you’ll exchange your voucher for tickets and organize your transport if needed. The tour begins at 4:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to settle in before sunset.
Anson Bay Stop: The main event takes place at Anson Bay, a location that offers breathtaking views during the late afternoon and evening. Here, you’ll sit down for a locally prepared feast, featuring super-fresh fish cooked in the island style, accompanied by seasonal salads and desserts like coconut tart. The emphasis on paddock-to-plate food highlights the island’s pride in its produce.
What’s on the menu? Based on reviews, the fish is a highlight—some guests rave about how it’s the best they’ve tasted in years. The salads are seasonal, and the coconut pie is a popular dessert. Keep in mind, the menu may offer only one variety of fish and a limited selection of salads, which some reviewers found a bit simple or overpriced.
Entertainment: Throughout the evening, you’ll be entertained by a local singer and Tahiti-style dancers. Reviewers mention Bong, a performer who does “30 renditions of old-time favorites,” and others enjoyed the traditional dancing. The entertainment adds a genuine cultural flavor to the experience, making it more than just a dinner.
Additional Considerations: If you prefer not to self-drive, transport options are available at an extra cost, making this experience accessible even if you’re not comfortable navigating on your own.
Food Quality and Value
Many guests agree that the fish is the star—fresh, well-prepared, and typical of what you’d expect from a small island with a passion for seafood. One reviewer said, “The fish was nice,” while another claimed it was the best they’ve had in years. The coconut pie also receives praise for being a delicious finish to the meal.
However, some critics felt that the menu was limited—only one variety of fish and a few salads—and perceived the overall cost as somewhat high, especially considering drinks are not included. The review stating “way overpriced” for what was served highlights that this experience is about more than just the food; it’s about the setting, entertainment, and authenticity.
Entertainment and Cultural Experience
The live music and dance are integral parts of this outing. Guests often describe the entertainment as lively, engaging, and adding a joyful atmosphere. The Tahiti-style dancers and local singer contribute to an authentic island vibe, making it more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Norfolk Island’s culture.
Some reviews mention the music being “okay,” but most agree that the entertainment adds to the overall enjoyment, especially when paired with scenic views.
Group Size and Atmosphere
Limited to 15 guests, the tour offers an intimate setting. This small group size encourages conversation, creates a friendly vibe, and allows for better interaction with the hosts and performers. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a more personal, less commercialized experience.
Practicalities and Cost
At approximately $54.33 per person, the tour offers good value for those interested in local cuisine and cultural entertainment. The door-to-door transfers, if purchased, add convenience, especially after a day of sightseeing. Note that alcoholic drinks are not included but are available to purchase at the cash bar, and transport to the venue costs extra if you choose not to self-drive.
The tour is booked about 46 days in advance on average, suggesting it’s popular enough to require some planning.
Review Insights
From the 52 reviews, opinions vary:
- Positive: Many guests rave about the delicious fish and fun entertainment. One reviewer stated, “Fantastic evening. Delicious food served cliff top overlooking ocean,” emphasizing the unique setting. Others appreciated the local vibe, describing the experience as “worth it for the experience and the lovely coconut pie.”
- Critical: Some felt the experience was overpriced or too simple, with comments about limited menu options and additional costs for transport or drinks. A reviewer mentioned, “No Title,” expressing disappointment over the variety of fish and the overall value.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This fish fry is ideal for travelers who value authentic local flavors and scenic outdoor venues. If you appreciate small-group atmospheres and are open to spending a bit more for the experience, you’ll enjoy the friendly vibe, great entertainment, and fresh seafood. It’s especially fitting for those who want a relaxed, cultural evening without the crowds and commercial feel of larger tours.
It’s less suitable if you’re on a strict budget or prefer a more extensive menu, or if you have dietary restrictions that limit simple seafood and salads. Also, consider weather conditions—though the organizers are prepared for rain, outdoor venues are always weather-dependent.
Final Thoughts
The Baunti Fish Fry offers a laid-back, authentic taste of Norfolk Island with a lovely clifftop setting and lively local entertainment. The focus on fresh, locally caught fish and seasonal produce makes this a genuine experience, especially for those who enjoy seafood and cultural performances. The small group size adds an intimate touch, and door-to-door transport enhances convenience.
While the menu is straightforward, many guests find the quality of food, the setting, and the entertainment more than enough to justify the cost. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want to experience Norfolk Island’s culinary and cultural spirit in a relaxed, scenic environment.
If you’re looking for a unique dinner experience that combines fantastic views, local flavors, and live entertainment, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for additional costs for drinks and transport if you don’t self-drive, and keep an eye on the weather forecast to enjoy the outdoor setting to its fullest.
FAQs
- What time does the tour start?
It begins at 4:30 pm, giving you ample time to enjoy the sunset and settle into the scenic surroundings. -
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at the Baunti Office on Taylors Road, Burnt Pine to confirm your booking and exchange your voucher. -
Is this a self-drive experience?
Yes, it is primarily self-drive, but transportation can be arranged for an additional fee. -
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours. -
What’s included in the price?
You get fish fry, live entertainment, and dinner. Drinks are available for purchase, and transportation is optional. -
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may result in a venue change or full refund. -
Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included but can be bought at the cash bar. -
What is the group size?
Limited to 15 guests, ensuring a cozy, personal experience. -
Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but parents should consider the menu and entertainment options for younger children. -
How many reviews has this experience received?
It has 52 reviews, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5, indicating generally favorable feedback with some mixed opinions.
To sum it up, the Baunti Fish Fry offers a charming, authentic taste of Norfolk Island’s seafood and culture in an unforgettable seaside setting. It’s best suited for those seeking a small-group, relaxed evening that combines good food, local entertainment, and stunning views—an experience that will resonate with anyone eager to savor the island’s true spirit.