A beginner's guide to Vanuatu

ESCAPE

Photography by David Kirkland/Vanuatu Tourism Office

Just over two hours flying time from Brisbane Airport, Vanuatu is one of Australia’s closest island neighbours and a nation of contrasts.

Air Vanuatu and Virgin Australia fly direct between Brisbane and Port Vila, Vanuatu, several times weekly

NEED TO KNOW

• No visa required for Australian passport holders for a maximum stay of 30 days.

• The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is milder.

• There are no dangerous sharks (great whites, bull sharks or tiger sharks), snakes or spiders in Vanuatu so explore, snorkel or dive with confidence.

• Save your hip pocket and the planet by ditching plastic bottled water, the local water is safe to drink.

• Take strong mosquito spray. Use it liberally. Keep doors closed at night and spray your room before sleeping.

• The Vanuatu vatu/Australian dollar conversion is approximately 100/1.

MUST DO ADVENTURES

Native Round Island Day Tour: It helps to get your bearings, highlights hot spots to visit later, provides access to private villages and the hosts Tom and Noah share a wonderful personal commentary and history of Vanuatu on the way.

Club Hippique horse riding tours: Meander through forests to secluded waterfalls or to the ocean where you can swim with your horse to cool off. If you’re not an experienced rider book the half day or pay with a sore backside the next day. Totally worth it though!

Coongoola Day Cruise: Cruise on board the classic timber tall ship Coongoola (built in Brisbane circa 1940) through Havannah Harbour to Hideaway Island turtle sanctuary, before mooring at a secluded coral cove where you can snorkel the reef in crystal clear water or relax on the fine white sand after a barbecue lunch.

HOT TIPS

• Avoid downtown Port Vila on cruise ship days. It’s hectic, the locals leave and prices go up.

• Choose tours or activities that employ or are owned and operated by ‘Ni-Vanuatu’ (locals). By doing this your money directly supports village communities and goes toward schooling and health care which are not free.

• Take small change or school supplies instead of sweets when visiting villages to gift to the children.

• If you love Tusker beer as much as we did, buy a carton at the supermarket to save on your resort bill.

• Grab some duty free wine or spirits at Brisbane Airport International Terminal to enjoy on your holiday. You can take up to two litres each.