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Dreaming of an overseas holiday? These heavenly islands are easy to get to and destined to please anyone looking for a little fun in the sun.
Vanuatu
Port Vila, on Vanuatu's Efate island, is a quick flight from Australia (3.5 hours from Sydney) and a popular stop on cruise ship itineraries. Browse the handicrafts at Port Vila's local markets for wood carvings, woven baskets and beaded jewellery before kicking back at one of the portside restaurants with a coconut, cold beer or cocktail.
When you're ready to see what else the island has to offer, take a tour or taxi to Blue Lagoon on the east coast for a swim and rope swing over the blue water. Seeing the island from every angle via zipline, snorkel and kayak will reveal its many natural wonders, and there are plenty of secluded bays and beaches to while away the hours.
A visit to Ekasup Cultural Village, 10 minutes from Port Vila, is a good chance to learn about Vanuatu's traditions and history.
Fiji
You can count on Fiji to offer you a warm welcome, and that's no bula. There are 333 islands for you to choose from, but the 80km Coral Coast on Viti Levu is popular among visitors for its palm-fringed beaches, amazing resorts, and variety of things to do. Couples and singles love the Coral Coast for its snorkelling, diving and surfing, while families flock here for kid-friendly beaches, kids' clubs and unbeatable babysitting (Fijians love little ones!).
If you can tear yourself away from your resort, take an electric bike ride along the old sugar cane railway (you can pedal or not) to Frangipani Beach. Families will want to set aside a day at KULA WILD Adventure Park (think wildlife, waterslides and nature walks), golfers will marvel at the dramatic backdrops at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course (keep your eye on the ball!), hikers will be drawn to the tracks winding through Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, and just about everyone will want to visit the markets of Sigatoka – get there early to see the full array of fruits, herbs and seafood.
Solomon Islands
Less visited than Fiji or Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands offer everything a South Pacific paradise should – pristine beaches, traditional villages, rich history, and some of the world's best diving.
With 1,000 islands to choose from, it's hard to pick just one, but the Western Province's group of islands stand out for their mix of culture and adventure. Munda, on New Georgia Island, is the largest settlement – there are numerous resorts in town or a short boat ride away. The Roviana and Vona Vona Lagoons here offer fantastic wall diving and WWII shipwrecks teeming with marine life.
The other nearby islands make for great day trips. Explore Kolombangara, a lush sanctuary perfect for hiking and bird-watching, and check out panoramic views from the top of its dormant volcano. Visit an eerie skull shrine on Skull Island. Go kayaking on Marovo Lagoon, the world's largest saltwater lagoon, and watch sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles guide beneath your boat. Take on the world-class surfing breaks around Gizo. And once you've worked up an appetite, sample local specialties like poisson cru, a fresh and tangy fish dish marinated in coconut milk and lime.
The Solomon Islands are a 3.5-hour flight from Brisbane.
Bora Bora
This postcard-perfect French Polynesian island is a magnet for honeymooners dreaming of lazy days in paradise. Bora Bora's powder-soft beaches and turquoise waters set the scene for romance, and the scent of wild gardenia wafting about is sure to make an already memorable stay magical. Stay in an overwater bungalow (room service arrives via outrigger canoe) or book a cruise to the island and use the ship as your base.
Go shopping at Vaitape, the main village, indulge at a local restaurant (Bora Bora's cuisine is influenced by French, Asian and Tahitian flavours), or treat yourself to a massage. Dive or snorkel the coral reef, try stand-up paddle boarding, kite surfing or jet skiing, or see the island from above with a paragliding or skydiving experience. Getting out of your comfort zone has never been so much fun.
Lord Howe Island
With just 400 visitors allowed entry at any one time, Lord Howe Island is as serene as it is beautiful. Peaceful it may be, but there's plenty to do, and the island's World-Heritage-listed natural surrounds can be explored in all manner of ways. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the turtles, hand feed the fish at Ned's Beach, or snorkel the world's southernmost reef. If diving's more your thing, the clear waters around Ball's Pyramid (the world's tallest sea stack) is the place to do it.
Break up all that water play with a hike through subtropical forests. At 875 metres, Mt Gower is the island's tallest peak and spectacular views await hikers willing to climb to the top.
Lord Howe Island is a two-hour flight from Sydney. Easy!
Health and safety tips
Traveling to the South Pacific is generally safe and trouble-tree, but it's important to take some precautions. You don't want your romantic getaway or fun-filled vacation spoiled by an accident or illness.
Vanuatu
- Health precautions: Vanuatu is at risk for diseases such as dengue fever and malaria. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in air-conditioned accommodations where possible.
- Safety: Vanuatu is generally safe, but travelers should use caution in crowded areas and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or unknown water quality.
- Emergency services: Dial 115 for medical emergencies and 111 for police. Local hospitals are equipped for most routine issues, but for serious conditions, evacuation to a larger facility may be necessary.
Fiji
- Health precautions: Beware of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.
- Safety: Always swim in designated safe areas and heed local advice on water conditions and weather warnings. Be cautious of strong ocean currents and high waves.
- Emergency services: Dial 911 for emergency services.
Solomon Islands
- Health precautions: Dengue fever and malaria are a risk. Use mosquito nets and consult with your doctor about medication to protect against malaria.
- Safety: The Solomon Islands are prone to tropical cyclones. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay informed on emergency procedures.
- Emergency services: Dial 911 for emergency services.
Lord Howe Island
- Safety: Lord Howe Island is very safe with low crime rates. However, always follow local guidelines for hiking and swimming, particularly in remote areas.
- Emergency Services: Dial 000 for emergency services. The island has a local medical clinic for minor issues, but serious cases might require evacuation to the mainland.
Bora Bora
- Safety: Take standard precautions with personal belongings and avoid swimming alone in isolated areas. Always use reputable operators for water activities.
- Emergency services: Dial 15 for emergency services and 17 for police. The island has a local clinic for minor health issues, but more severe cases may require medical evacuation to Tahiti or beyond.
General travel tips
- Local laws and customs: Respect local customs and regulations, including dress codes and environmental guidelines, especially in protected areas and cultural sites.
- Climate considerations: The South Pacific islands have a tropical climate, so stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and be aware of weather warnings, including cyclone alerts.
Travel Insurance
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