What to see while you’re in Vanuatu…
Only a two and a half hour flight from Brisbane (three and an half from Sydney) Vanuatu received its name, which means ‘rising land’, after several earthquakes formed an archipelago of more than 80 coral and volcanic islands in the South Pacific.
Today, the French-influenced Vanuatu is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. Each island of Vanuatu has something special to offer:
- Efate is the main island of Vanuatu, where the capital Port Villa is located – here you can find a relaxed lifestyle, ample water sports, shops and great restaurants
- The island of Tanna is home to the active Yasur volcano
- Santo, the largest island, offers some of the world’s best scuba dives, including the famous ship wreck of ‘President Coolidge’, and is where Champagne Beach is situated
- Watch tribesmen festivities on Pentecost during April and May
With so much to see, why not book a holiday package deal that takes care of all your travel needs?
Holiday Package Deals
Virgin Blue flies regularly to Vanuatu, and its package deals incorporate airfares, accommodation and optional tours of the island. Prices can start as low as $951 (5 nights, leaving Brisbane) which includes accommodation at Mangoes Resorts Vanuatu.
Other online deals can be found at www.hideawayholidays.com.au, where holiday accommodation deals include discounts at resorts, such as: 50% off a second room, children under 13 years eat free, the Honeymoon Bonus, Stay 5 nights pay for 4, stay 12 nights pay for 10 and day spa discounts.
Best Flights provides cheap holiday packages to Vanuatu, such as:
- The Melanesian Port Villa Option (4 nights, from $615 out of Brisbane), and includes return airfares, 4 nights accommodation, breakfast and transfers
- The Le Lagon Vanuatu Option (4 nights, from $1099 out of Brisbane), and includes return airfares, 4 nights accommodation, all meals, and return transfers
Flight Centre often provides many Vanuatu package deals, such as the ‘Vanuatu Holiday Package’, 5 nights from $979, which includes return airfares, breakfast and hotel transfers.
Or, you can contact Vanuatu Escapes to combine accommodation deals with cheap flights, which start from $358 return (plus taxes).
Tours
Your first stop for more information on sightseeing around the island should be Tourism Vanuatu, which outlines a range of different tour options, such as:
- Round Island Tour – full day tour of swimming and firewalking, from $80
- Ekasup Village Tour – a half day Melanesian cultural visit, from $59
- Glass Bottom Boat – includes swimming, snorkeling, fish feeding, from $37
- Ambrym Volcano Tour – see an active volcano from the air!
- Cascades Waterfall Tour – two hour guided tours, from $40
- Hideaway Island Tour – a half-day tour to the Marine Sanctuary, from $61
Or, you can sign up for a dive tour – there are many dive companies situated in Port Vila. Popular dive sites include: Twin Bombies, Mele Reef, Cathedral and Lacksands Reef among others.
More information
If you’re looking for a Vanuatu holiday that the whole family can enjoy, head to Kids Holidays Online for a range of family travel package deals, such as:
- Le Lagon Resort (7 nights, 2 adults and 2 children from $5465)
- Le Meridien Resort (7 nights, 2 adults and 2 children from $3820)