(This article was first published in “The Q Review – Autumn 2019″. To receive your copy, and to subscribe to future editions, click here)
Travel Destination Vanuatu
The tropical islands of the Pacific have long been a magnet for travellers…
The tropical islands of the Pacific have long been a magnet for travellers – swaying coconut palms, aquamarine lagoons, balmy weather and chic beachside resorts. Trying to choose between them is an exercise in pleasant futility. But for a short sojourn in the South Pacific, the combination of beach-combing bliss plus a healthy dose of adventure, including the opportunity to visit the world’s most accessible active volcano, should sway you in favour of Vanuatu.
Just a 3 hour flight from the Australian east coast, Vanuatu is an archipelago of more than 80 islands, dotted in a vertical chain through the South Pacific Ocean. With erupting volcanos, sumptuous natural scenery, traditional ni-Van culture, spectacular sea life and a wealth of WWII history, there is no shortage of adventures to experience.
When not exploring, Vanuatu also has an increasing number of luxury resorts in which to relax. Modern Pacific chic villas are bestowed with indulgent amenities including plunge pools, indoor-outdoor bathrooms, well-stocked bars manned by uber-friendly staff and open-air restaurants making the most of the sea’s bounty.
It is a thrilling experience – visceral and surreal.
Vanuatu is also considered a safe and simple destination to visit. English is widely spoken and there is good tourist infrastructure on the main islands. Plus the ni-Van people are considered one of the friendliest and happiest people in the South Pacific, proud and keen to extend a warm welcome to all visitors to their country. Add in balmy weather, at its best during the Australian winter, and Vanuatu makes an ideal short holiday destination.
Many islands in the South Pacific have been shaped by volcanic activity – the lush jungle islands surrounded by tranquil lagoons are frequently the remnants of volcanic calderas and craters. But the seismic forces that created these pockets of paradise are not just footnotes in history, they continue to shape the landscape. And one of the most active and most accessible volcanos in the world is located on the island of Tanna – the incredible Mount Yasur Volcano. A visit to this spectacular natural phenomenon is an experience like no other, and definitely should be added to an otherwise idyllic island itinerary.
Mount Yasur is not a famous tourist attraction (yet), but it is promoted locally as one of the world’s most accessible active volcanos – and this is absolutely true. The island of Tanna is just a 40 minute flight from the capital of Port Vila and once on the ground you can travel by 4WD all the way to the sloping side of the volcano. From here, it is an easy 10 minute walk up to the rim of the caldera, and the exhilarating sights and sounds and sensations (and smells) of a volcano erupting in front of you.
Reaching the erupting volcano is easy, getting that postcard perfect photograph is much harder. But if you are keen to learn, click the image for some tips!
While with many attractions, accessible may equate with underwhelming, at Mount Yasur Volcano, this could not be further from the truth! This phenomenal natural wonder is both accessible and active – not a few times a day, or even a few times an hour, but almost continuously, culminating every few minutes (yes, just minutes) in violent explosions that shoot boulders and glowing red magma high into the air. It is a thrilling experience – visceral and surreal.
It’s possible to visit Mount Yasur Volcano on a day trip from Port Vila, but this means missing out on seeing the volcano in its nocturnal splendour. Instead, stay at least a couple of nights on Tanna. The newest resort on the island is the highly-recommended Rockwater Resort, a charming and sophisticated retreat at one with the landscape on the western coast. The owners, John and Silvana, also ensure you can experience the other highlights of Tanna, such as idyllic snorkelling, impressive underwater caves and visits to traditional tribal villages.
Back on the main island of Efate, venture beyond the well-touristed capital, by circumnavigating the island. The Ring Road is an easy 122km drive, paved throughout (although a little pot-holed), and as the only main road, it is impossible to get lost. Attractions are well signposted, although often there are hardly any visitors other than yourself.
Havannah Harbour has beautiful beaches, stunning snorkelling and trips to offshore islands, including Moso Island and its turtle sanctuary. It also has one of Vanuatu’s most indulgent resorts, The Havannah (sorry kids, couples only), as well as several excellent beachside restaurants.
A little further on, another unique, and surprisingly accessible, experience awaits at the World War II Relics Museum at Matanawora. While the museum is understated (to say the least), the highlight is the opportunity to snorkel on a sunken Corsair fighter plane from WWII in the shallows just offshore.
A highlight is snorkelling on a WWII plane wreck in the shallows just offshore.
Other points of interest on the Ring Road include the beautiful snorkelling and viewpoint at Samma, the Blue Lagoon, and a multitude of picture perfect beaches and bays.
Beyond Efate, a number of Vanuatu’s other islands are also well worth a visit. Santo, the largest island, has fabulous snorkelling and diving, postcard-esque beaches, and caves and hikes to explore, plus a couple of well regarded private island resorts. Further afield, a number of smaller islands have specific attractions, such as the naghol (land-diving) of Pentecost, the volcanos of Ambryn and the amazing tribal history of Malekula.
Where to stay – Efate
Where to stay – Tanna
What to do
To learn more about visiting Vanuatu, and other “adventures for the discerning traveller” visit YOLO Travel at youonlyliveoncetravel.com.au