Vanuatu– The South Pacific's untouched paradise

DESTINATION VANUATU

Vanuatu is renowned for its blue seas, lush green palms, rugged volcanic landscapes, coral islands, dense tropical rainforests and pristine beaches. With a taste of French sophistication in its language, lifestyle, restaurants and cuisine – Vanuatu offers some of the world’s best snorkelling, scuba diving and incredible game fishing. Lying 2,500km Northeast of Sydney, 2,000km north of Auckland and 800km west of Nadi, Fiji Vanuatu is a ‘Y’ shaped chain of 83 islands. The total landmass is around 13,000 km2.

Vanuatu – SO much to see and do

Vanuatu is so much more than just Port Vila, the capital. The mainland of Efate offers a selection of fantastic tours and activities. There is relaxing sightseeing, cultural village visits, cascades, blue holes, historical tours and much, much more.

For the more adventurous, there’s abseiling, paintball and team building at Survivor Beach – a day combining fun and icebreaking activities. Whatever your preferences, Iririki Island Resort & Spa will tailor your itinerary to suit your group requirements and objectives.

General information for travellers

Travel Time: Vanuatu is only 4 hours from Melbourne, 3.5 hours from Sydney, 2.5 hours from Brisbane and just under 3 hours flying time from Auckland.

Climate: Vanuatu varies from tropical in the north to sub tropical in the south. The hot season spans from November to March when temperatures are around 30ºC. During the rest of the year, temperatures range from 21ºC - 28ºC with very little humidity.

Time Zone: GMT plus 11 hours

Local Currency is Vatu. Currency can be changed at the resort, at both Westpac and ANZ banks, and at several currency exchange outlets in Port Vila.

Visas: No visa is required for Australian or New Zealand citizens to enter Vanuatu. Please check with you local travel agent or consular representative for further information.

People: Melanesian & Polynesian (94%), French (4%), Chinese, Pacific Islanders and Vietnamese (2%).

Language: Bislama, French, English.

Electricity: 220-280 volts 50Hz AC.

Telecommunications: Worldwide satellite communications, 24-hour telephone, fax, email and Internet services are widely available. Internet cafés operate in Port Vila and Luganville.

Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most retail outlets and restaurants catering to the travel market, and by hotels and travel operators. The local markets and stores outside Port Vila are strictly a cash economy.

Local Considerations: Light and casual clothing – not too brief in public places. Tropical clothes for evening wear – no ties. Public displays of affection between couples, including handholding, are not part of the cultural norm, though same sex friends will often hold hands. Neither tipping nor bargaining is considered civilised behaviour. If you wish to express gratitude, we suggest you send a T-shirt from your own country or a post card.

Medical: No vaccinations are required but anti-malarial precautions are recommended for visits to the outer islands. Check with your doctor.

Tap water is safe to drink, though high in calcium/mineral content.

Hospital facilities exist in Port Villa and Luganville, Espiritu Santo.

Vanuatu – Pre and post tour options

If you are looking for add-on tours for a group or to offer special incentives, then you can’t go past the outer islands of Vanuatu.

Here is a brief sample of some outer islands and features:

• Pentecost - traditional ways and religions abound, including the famous land dive.
• Ambrym - the island of mysteries featuring awesome lava landscapes.
• Malekula - the second largest of the islands is famous for its remarkable tribes and complex culture.
• Espirito Santo - featuring Vanuatu’s highest mountain, spectacular marine life and diving spots, including the SS President Coolidge
• Tanna - renowned for its wild horses, custom villages, cargo cults and of course, Mt. Yasur – one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes.