The South Pacific has so much to offer and in only a short hop across the ocean you can feel as if you're on the other side of the world.
Australia is a hard place for International travel. We're a big country, so that means big travel times. If you live on the East Coast and want to keep the travelling to a minimum on your holiday, the South Pacific is an ideal location. Of course, a huge amount of people choose to visit the islands on a cruise, which is fantastic for a taster of what's on offer. If you find you want to explore more in-depth, there is more than enough in every location for well over a 2-week trip. The South Pacific is a wonderland of different cultures, foods, landscapes and dreamscape islands. The hospitality is legendary and the locals are very well known for loving (and being fantastic with) children. Even getting adventurous by island hopping is completely possible with a family, so it's an amazing location if you want to relive your pre-children adventures without the worry.
Paradise awaits. Take an unspoiled view of life in Vanuatu.
Travelling with children? No time for a long-haul adventure? The South Pacific is for you.
There are a plethora of islands speckling our oceanic backyard. Just as Europeans have the Greek Islands, Australia and New Zealanders have the South Pacific. Both are well set up for beach holidays and unique adventures, but the wider South Pacific is refreshingly untouched in large parts. If you want a hotel base that you can return to at the end of a day on the beach or trekking in pristine forests, then this region has some of the best. You can choose from self-catering in style in modern, well equipped apartments, dreamy traditional style overwater bungalows (fares - 'Far-ehs') to total, adults-only, all-inclusive luxury.
The Melanesian and Polynesian people that populate the Pacific islands are legendarily laid back with a strong family ethos and a refreshing lack of concern for screens and online life. For the people here, it's all about personal connection and shared experiences. You'll find everywhere you go, there are smiles to be had and locals wanting to offer you their tips for the best sights and activities on hand. You can find anything from jungle-based adrenaline zips lines to gentle snorkelling, active volcanoes and unique cultural villages.
Ziplining in pristine rainforests less than an hour away from the centre of town
Polynesian traditional dancing at one of the unforgettable Cultural Village Tours
Total Relaxation - South Pacific Spas, Beaches, All Inclusive Resorts.
The obliging nature of the locals doesn't just extend to their time off. It seems as if nothing is too much trouble. A lot of tourism workers are ridiculously devoted to their job and determined to make sure you have the absolute best time possible. They will go out of their way to make your paradise dreams come true or to introduce you to their families for a taste of real island life. Make sure you talk to people - you will find they all love a good 'Storian', otherwise known as a 'good old chat'.
Traditionally, honeymooners have looked at the likes of French Polynesia or the Cook Islands for that real feeling of getting away from it all. However, if you want fewer miles on the clock and a lower carbon footprint, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji have amazing options on offer that will make you feel as if you're a million miles from your everyday life. Our recommendations would be to relax for a few days, then head off for a more remote location and a mini adventure before returning to wash off the travel and indulge for the rest of the trip. Most hotels and bungalows will willingly hold luggage for you, allowing you to just take a backpack with essentials for a 2 or 3-day trek or Robinson Crusoe experience.
Honeymooners delight. Make sure you check out Adults Only options closer to home to maximise your budget.
Get lost in adventure at one of the many fantastically presented, locally owned, eco-friendly resorts and bungalows.
Under the Sea - Pristine, untouched coral reefs and jaw-dropping wreck diving.
The South Pacific is rightfully known as one of the best areas in the world for snorkelling and SCUBA. The low density of the population and remote location means that there is less damage to the environment here than you would find in other more touristed destinations. In some areas, you may find you have the reef entirely to yourselves. Remember to talk to the locals before going for a swim and they'll tell you the best times of day to go and the places they go themselves when nobody else is looking. You could even score yourself an expert reef guide. For those of you with a more heavy SCUBA habit, this area of the world is packed with adventures that can see you exploring the biggest WWII wreck in the world. Alternatively, you can post a letter at the one and only original underwater post office (complete with postmark) or mask up for an underwater swim from the coast to the interior of the island. Don't forget to watch out for the aquatic wildlife - reef sharks, rays, dolphins, dugongs and turtles frequent these waters.
Amazing SCUBA options from untouched reefs to WWII wrecks.
Don't miss the amazing Blue Holes in the area where the crystal clear water reflects the bright blue of the sky. Once again, if you time your trip well, you'll find you have the whole place to yourself. Blue Holes are very like the Cenotes you will find in Mexico. You'll have an odd, unrepeatable feeling of diving through a serene portal between the water and the sky. Deep, cool, mesmerising pools, that often come with their very own cave - perfect for those interested in otherworldly experiences and the perfect 'oh no you didn't' Instagram shot.
One of the many hidden away Blue Holes. Perfect for an excursion on a hot day.
Of course, there is SO much more to do, that you'll leave wondering why most people only spend a week or two on these unique islands. There's certainly enough to do to keep you busy for a month. Save something up for next time! Maybe tackle the world's most accessible active volcano? Or even get married on your own private white sand beach. The memories will last a lifetime.
The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji await you with open hearts and mile-wide smiles. Speak to a South Pacific expert today.
