ESCAPE
VIVA VANUATU A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
18 | BNE July/August 2018
Photography by David Kirkland/Vanuatu Tourism Office
Leonie Vandeven discovers Vanuatu and finds a very special welcome waiting for Australians
T
o my left, dense forest threatens to swallow everything in its path if not for the busy roadway that halts its creeping tendrils. To my right, I see glimpses of the turquoise Pacific Ocean between simple huts with thatched rooves and walls woven from bush materials, and fancy resorts offering deep sea fishing adventures. Just over two hours flying time from Brisbane Airport, Vanuatu is one of Australia’s closest island neighbours and a nation of contrasts. In town, ladies in colourful traditional island dress sell fish on woven mats, sitting beside teenagers in shorts and t-shirts staring at their iPhones. Passengers on a day trip from a mega cruise ship flood the handicraft markets, casino, shops and bars bringing vital tourism dollars, while just outside Port Vila a small village makes a meagre income showing tourists how to hull coconuts. Children who finish schooling after Year 8 play in front of a regional university that supports undergraduates from 12 Pacific Island nations. You can fly by helicopter to your own private island or get back to nature exploring wild forest and remote waterfalls on horseback, sip French Champagne from crystal glasses or chug down a bottle of the local Tusker beer. During a day trip along the single stretch of roadway that is the only access route around the entire circumference of Vanuatu’s main island
