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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There’s heaps of em.
National carrier Aircalin has announced the resumption of the Melbourne route, which was paused as a result of the pandemic. The airline will be back bringing Melburnians to Noumea from the 8th of December, timed perfectly in time for a holiday in the destination over the Christmas break!