Paradise in the South Pacific

Posted 7 October, 2026 Alexis Buxton-Collins

Dramatic volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons and ancient traditions: get to know the South Pacific beyond the postcards.

With palms swaying gently over whitesand beaches and overwater bungalows perched above crystal-clear lagoons, the mere thought of the South Pacific is enough to reduce one’s heart rate.

Venture beyond the blissful beachside resorts and you’ll find a region that’s filled with immense natural beauty, vibrant local cultures and thrilling outdoor adventures.

Rugged beauty and warm hospitality

Daily flights via Brisbane mean Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila is just six-and-ahalf hours from Adelaide, but many outer islands still feel blissfully untouched by mass tourism.

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Located on the main island of Efate, Port Vila provides the perfect introduction to island life. Vanuatu’s laid-back capital combines waterfront dining and colourful produce markets with easy access to beaches, lagoons and nearby villages.

Just beyond the city limits, Nasama Resort offers self-contained apartments overlooking the South Pacific and a private beach and infinity pool where you can ease into island time.

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Divers and snorkellers flock to the northern island of Espiritu Santo, where colourful coral reefs teem with turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish and the waters are littered with World War II remnants. With more than 50 dive sites, the 200-metre-long SS President Coolidge is one of the world’s premier wreck dives, while the treasure trove of discarded military vehicles and equipment at Million Dollar Point is shallow enough for snorkellers to enjoy as well.

On land, the star attraction is Tanna Island’s Mount Yasur, where intrepid travellers can walk to the edge of the crater and feel the heat radiating from an active volcano as molten lava bubbles up below.

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With more than 100 Indigenous languages, Vanuatu is one of the most culturally diverse nations on the planet. The traditional kastom way of life remains strong throughout the archipelago, and each island has its own distinct practices.

The famous ‘water ladies’ of Gaua stand waist-deep in the ocean and create music by slapping and swirling the water’s surface, while Rah island’s hypnotic dancers paint themselves to resemble sea snakes.

The most spectacular cultural event is Pentecost Island’s famous Naghol (land diving) ceremonies. Between April and June, local daredevils celebrate the yam harvest by leaping from handmade wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. Witnessing these low-tech bungee jumpers is an unforgettable experience.

A tropical paradise with French flair

The beautiful New Caledonia combines Melanesian warmth with French sophistication.

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Base yourself in the main city of Nouméa and you’ll be treated to a tropical take on the French Riviera. Palm-shaded boulevards connect well-preserved colonial buildings, and inviting pâtisseries and supermarchés (supermarkets) are stocked with French wines, cheeses and charcuterie, but the ocean is never far away.

The stylish Nouvata Hotel has balcony rooms with views of kitesurfers skimming across the world’s largest lagoon, and the charming bistros and boutiques of Nouméa are just a short stroll away.

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New Caledonia’s central archipelago is surrounded by one of the world’s longest barrier reef systems, which creates an enormous lagoon covering a mindboggling 24,000 square kilometres. This giant aquatic playground is filled with marine life, and its protected waters are ideal for diving and snorkelling as well as sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

For a more secluded retreat, head to the idyllic Île des Pins (Isle of Pines), which is a twenty-minute flight from Nouméa but feels like another world. Dubbed ‘the closest island to paradise’, it’s famous for powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear rock pools and the towering native pines that give the island its name.

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New Caledonia’s fascinating culture is informed by its French heritage and the longstanding traditions of the Indigenous Kanak people. The best place to get a taste of this unique blend is at Nouméa’s Tjibaou Cultural Centre.

Designed to resemble a collection of traditional ceremonial houses, the striking complex showcases artworks and ceremonial objects from New Caledonia and across the Pacific, and holds regular dance and music performances.

Outside the museum, less formal cultural experiences beckon at every turn. Join the locals in a game of pétanque before visiting Nouméa’s bustling fresh produce markets.

Browse the many stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, flowers, pastries and locally made crafts as fishermen unload their catch and live music drifts on the tropical breeze.

The ultimate South Pacific fantasy

Think of the South Pacific and there’s a good chance you’re picturing French Polynesia, where a dazzling world of volcanic peaks, impossibly blue lagoons and overwater bungalows fulfil every tropical island dream.

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Luxury has been raised to an art on heartshaped Moorea, where one of the first overwater bungalows transformed French Polynesia into the ultimate island escape.

Tahiti’s sister island is just a short flight or ferry ride from the capital of Papeete, and offers a more accessible and relaxed alternative to the much-hyped Bora Bora. Lush gardens and views of rainforest-clad mountains welcome guests to Manava Beach Resort & Spa, but the undisputed highlight is a stay in an overwater bungalow with direct access to the lagoon below.

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Away from the dreamy honeymoon stays, the small village of Teahupo’o hosted the surfing events at the 2024 Olympic Games, and regular lagoon tours allow non-pros to see one of the world’s most legendary surf breaks up close.

On land, countless hiking trails lead through thick rainforest to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints atop volcanic peaks. If that sounds like too much exertion, four-wheel-drive and all-terrain-vehicle tours take the effort out of the climb.

Thrill seekers can take the quick way down by swimming, leaping and abseiling through a series of waterfalls and natural pools on a guided canyoning adventure suitable for ages 12 and up.

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French Polynesia’s spectacular scenery often steals the headlines, but the islands’ rich cultural heritage is every bit as memorable.

Visit the capital of Papeete to see traditional tatau (tattoo) artists at work, sample the national dish of poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk) or paddle a traditional Tahitian canoe while learning about ancient Polynesian navigation techniques.

To get a sense of pre-European Polynesian society, visit one of the ancient marae (temples) that dot the islands. Many of the larger examples are well-preserved, and the most impressive is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taputapuātea – a monumental open-air ceremonial complex that stretches across land and sea.

See more by sea

The greatest challenge when visiting the South Pacific is deciding which destinations to visit. Travelling between island groups can be time-consuming, so cruising is an easy way to combine multiple locations into a single trip.

Sail from Sydney on a 10-day cruise with Anthem of the Seas and you’ll be able to take in the volcanic landscapes of Vanuatu and the French charm of New Caledonia in between sea days spent enjoying the on-board musicals, bumper cars and skydiving simulator.

Explore the islands of French Polynesia on a luxury cruise aboard m/s Paul Gauguin that takes in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and the more remote Society Islands.