About Vanuatu
With a tropical pace, it is the perfect place to slow down, immerse yourself and be in the moment. Just a few hours from Australia and New Zealand, Vanuatu Islands are the perfect place to take time out from the busyness of life and recalibrate.
It’s scattered 80 plus archipelago islands are far beyond any notions of flashy resorts and cruise-ship ports. World-class diving, deserted beaches, waterfalls, remote and rugged islands, ancient cultures are just a small part of the appeal.
The resorts and restaurants have little in common with traditional custom village life in the outer islands, but it’s contrasts like these that make Vanuatu a surprise. Where else can you hike to an active volcano to stare down into crater then swing from a tree into a blue hole and drink kava with the local village chief – all in the same day?
Resilient and laid-back as ever you will be in awe of the local Ni-Vanuatu people. Vanuatu was devastated by Cyclone Pam in 2015 but the locals take times like this in a smiling stride. See why Vanuatu has been named the happiest place on earth on numerous occasions.
The Vanuatu Island’s are an adventure within easy reach. They have been right in front of you all along, waiting to be discovered. Come explore today, you won’t be disappointed!
Some Port Vila, Efate highlights to help with your round island adventure planning, just to name a few in no particular order;
- Rarru Waterfalls – Refreshing rock pools and cascading waterfalls. Try your aerial acrobatic skills from various rope swings.
- Eden on the River – Bridges of Eden suspension bridge walks, tubing river fun, mini golf, playground, amenities and café.
- Banana Bay Beach Club – Swimming, snorkeling, jumping off rocks, pristine waters. Light lunch, hot and cold drinks available.
- Blue lagoon – One of Efate’s most popular locations. Rope swing into crystal blue waters.
- Eton Beach – One of Efate’s most famous beaches. White sands and crystal-clear water.
- Mele Cascade Waterfalls – A series of clear aquamarine pools terrace up the hillside, culminating in an impressive 35m waterfall flowing into a natural plunge pool. A slippery path with guide ropes directs you to the top.
- Jungle Zipline – Experience the fabulous rain forest, spectacular ocean views and canyon crossing by traversing on ziplines at height.
- World War Museum – North Efate, roadside and has the world’s largest glass coke bottle collection from war times.
- Back to Eden – Swim with the turtles in their environment and stay for lunch.
- Nasinu Hot Springs, Takara – Thermal hot pools believed by the locals to have healing properties.
- Top Rock – A beautiful viewing area of limestone cliffs and clear waters below looking out to the neighboring Nguna and Pele islands. Easy walk to snorkeling and swimming area.
- Honeymoon Beach, Pango – Relax, swim and snorkel. Sunsets here never disappoint.
- Breakas Surf Beach, Pango – Closest surfing location to town. Check out vanuatu-kitesurfing.com for board hire, lessons (beginners to advance). Fabulous family holiday activity.
- Hideaway Island Marine Reserve – Day passes available for lunch and snorkeling. Send a postcard at the famous underwater post office surrounded by hundreds of tropical fish.
- The Beach Bar, Mele – Famous fire show every Friday night. Fun night of fire magic with an awesome atmosphere. Booking essential, get there early for spectacular sunsets.
- The Reef Vanuatu Zoological – A wildlife conservation and education centre. Take a tour, lots of photo opportunities, hand feeding baby turtles and seeing some of Vanuatu’s amazing and rare animals.
- Vanuatu Craft Association – Vanuatu’s first local distillery. Supporting local communities only using 100% local fruits and vegetables. Also producing jams, jelly spreads, cordials, vinegars and extracts to avoid wastage. Take a free intro tour with tasting.
- 83 Island Distillery – Micro distillery supporting local farmers. Tours coming soon.
- Activ Association, Aelan Chocolate Makers – Local handicrafts, tour and taste at the chocolate factory.
- Gaston Chocolate – Production café in downtown Port Vila for tasting. Chocoholics heaven.
- Tanna Coffee – Stop and indulge in 100% Arabica Coffee direct from their plantation on Tanna whilst enjoying the delights of locally made cake. See for yourself the coffee roaster in action and relax as you experience a culture that has supported Vanuatu’s farmers for over 150 years.
- National Museum of Vanuatu – Ask for a guided tour.
- Iconic French Restaurant, Le Houstalet – 2023 celebrating 50 years, this says it all. This restaurant is a national treasure, had to add this to the list!
Check out the Vanuatu Travel website for more information on other amazing Vanuatu Island to explore too: Vanuatu Tourism Office – Welcome to Vanuatu