New Caledonia

7 reasons why you need to get to New Caledonia

It's surely Australia's best kept travel secret.

New Caledonia is one of Australia’s closest neighbours, yet somehow manages to fly under the radar as a destination, despite boasting extraordinary beach vistas that look like they've been photoshopped (they haven't) plus a broad range of adventure activities and a unique culture to immerse yourself in.

Flights to our neighbours have just opened up again from Melbourne, joining the 3-hour flights further north up Australia’s East Coast, from Brisbane and Sydney.

Here’s seven reasons why you should drop absolutely everything you are doing, and book some flights:

1. Swim with turtles

Amedee Island, a tiny coral atoll located around 24 kilometres south of Noumea, is a great place to spot these gentle creatures. Make sure to wear reef-friendly sunscreen.

2. Paddle the Drowned Forest

It isn't hard to work out how the 'Drowned Forest' in Blue River Park got its name. Paddle between the trees in a kayak for a bit of adventure in between days lazing on the beach.

3. Max chill Ouvea Island

Gorgeous clear waters and 25km of immaculate sand – which should be enough. We’re not sure what heaven looks like, but it could do worse than this.

4. Max chill at Oure Lodge Beach Resort

Barefoot luxury personified, take a few steps at be on the beach. The thing we like about this place is it doesn’t try too hard for premium luxury – there’s not much concrete, it blends into the environment…and the environment here is ace.

5. Go for a (proper) hike

It’s little known that New Caledonia boasts some incredible hikes. The Koniambo Trail is a difficult, but rewarding 17km trail that can be done in a day or two. Glorious panoramas included.

6. Get some waves

I mean, we’re in the Pacific after all? Some epic swells hit this country, even if they can be tricky to get to at times. Bourail is one of the most accessible, and one of the most beautiful too, with rocky outposts flanking the two right handers that break here.

7. Get some whales

There's heaps of em.