• Vanuatu
• History of Vanuatu
• The Ni-Vanuatu

Vanuatu

A tropical destination like no other, the islands of Vanuatu offer a diverse cultural landscape influencing a melting pot of dining tastes and flavours and a natural variety of amazing elements both above and below the earth.

The main island of Efate is where the capital Port Vila is located. The island has a rugged coastline and rolling verdant countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, isolated sandy bays and lagoons. The interior is verdant rain forest cut only by a few walking tracks to remote weather and radio beacons.

The Havannah is just 30 minutes away from Port Vila on the North West coast and is a spectacular natural haven and consequently used during World War II as a naval rear base by the entire U.S. 7th Fleet. It is also the site of some extraordinary archeological digs and gruesome discoveries.

Port Vila is where all the commercial and most tourism activities take place. Clean and uncluttered, the waterfront area is unpolluted, visitors are stunned to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish. It's also fast becoming known as the gourmet capital of the South Pacific.

The potpourri of expatriate cultures is reflected in food styles served in over forty restaurants and cafes - French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Melanesian and Mediterranean. You can buy an Aussie meat pie or American chili dog, sip cappuccino in one of the many outdoor cafes or purchase pates and salads from a patisserie in a supermarket to fill your picnic hamper.

Night life in Vila has blossomed steadily, the atmosphere fun, and caters for all ages. You can stroll along the waterfront, or darkened back streets late at night and feel safe. Passing locals are likely to wish you a soft "Good night", or perhaps strike up a friendly conversation.

Shopping is fun, easy going, and hassle free and you're likely to find some great bargains or souvenirs as Vanuatu doesn't charge a goods or services tax.