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South Pacific

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Diving from the wreck into prestine blue water's in Byron Bay Australia.

Overview

Adrift in the daydreamy South Pacific – deliciously remote and surprisingly diverse – you can de-stress or ramp up the action, with some super-fresh seafood awaiting at day's end.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Place des Cocotiers

    Place des Cocotiers

    Noumea

    This is the heart of the city. The square slopes gently from east to west and at the top is a band rotunda, a famous landmark dating back to the late…

  • Mele Cascades Waterfall Port Vila Vanuatu

    Mele Cascades

    Port Vila

    This popular and photogenic swimming spot is 10km from Port Vila. A series of clear aquamarine pools terrace up the hillside, culminating in an impressive…

  • Pont de Mouli

    Pont de Mouli

    Loyalty Islands

    It may seem unusual to recommend a road bridge as a top sightseeing spot, but at Pont de Mouli, Ouvéa’s tip, Mouli island, is cut off by a wide channel…

  • Anse Vata

    Anse Vata

    Noumea

    Orientated east–west, this popular beach is a hotspot for visitors to Noumea, with hotels, restaurants, shopping and other attractions. Only 10 minutes…

  • Baie des Citrons

    Baie des Citrons

    Noumea

    Orientated north–south and less than 10 minutes from the city centre, trendy Baie des Citrons attracts locals and visitors alike. The beach is great for…

  • Aquarium des Lagons

    Aquarium des Lagons

    Noumea

    This aquarium is stunning. Species found in New Caledonian waters – including nautilus, sea snakes, stone fish, turtles, sharks and stingrays – have…

  • Le Saut du Guerrier

    Le Saut du Guerrier

    Loyalty Islands

    Seven kilometres east of La Roche by sealed road is this gap in the cliffs, 5m wide and 30m above the pounding surf. Legend tells of a warrior who escaped…

  • Statue of St Maurice

    Statue of St Maurice

    Île des Pins

    At Baie de St Maurice, this statue commemorates the arrival of the first missionaries on the island and is also a war memorial. There's a solemn line of…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Places to Visit

It would take a lifetime to visit every island in the vast South Pacific. Let us help you pick your next tropical holiday destination.

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