First held in the late 1700s in East Tanna, the Nekowiar Festival is one of Vanuatu’s biggest and brightest events and originally marked the end of a conflict between neighbouring tribes.
There isn’t a set date and time for the festival – it takes place when Tanna’s kastom chiefs collectively decide when it is most fortuitous to hold. In fact, the 2020 event was the first time the festival took place since 2012!
The festival is an extravaganza of the senses, taking place across three full days and nights. Hundreds of dancers join together and paint their faces with brightly coloured designs, significant to their tribal community, and the following days are filled with kastom song and dance.
The female dancers kick proceedings off. They sing in harmony and dance a traditional dance of Napen Napen, until they’re too exhausted to continue – swapping in and out with one another throughout the day and well into the evening. On the second day, it’s the men’s turn to perform the traditional Toka dance, chanting and dancing energetically to the beat for hours on end.
On the last day, everyone gathers together for a feast and food, pigs and other goods are exchanged between tribes at a ceremony known as the Niel, to reconcile any quarrels and disagreements between them.
There’s remote island escapes and there’s ‘remote island escapes’. The Conflict are genuine paradise escapes and are made up of 21 privately owned, pristine and completely uninhabited islands covering a total landmass of 375 hectares / 3.75km square). That’s a lot of space to get lost and found in.
How’s this for remote: at the Conflict Islands Resort you’ll find just six private beachfront ensuite bungalows, situated on the main island of Panasesa. There’s also a main house where guests can enjoy peace and tranquility whilst enjoying delicious fresh-caught local food, refreshing drinks, and even free wi-fi (if you want or need it).
There’s also a beachfront deck and a balcony overlooking the stunning archipelago and lagoon waters, with other-worldly aqua-blue colours.
With only 14 guests able to stay at Lissenung Island Resort at any one time, this is the secluded Pacific island hideaway you have been looking for! The resort features six deluxe oceanfront rooms, all with private facilities, and all with hardwood floors and spacious, relaxing verandahs.
The heart of the island and where guests come together to eat their meals is the Haus Win; the thatched-roof main building with sandy floors and walls open to nature, furnished with local art. For keen divers and water-based adventurers Lissenung Island Resort has it all: Pelagic fish action, currents, wall and muck diving, wrecks and beautiful reefs, clean surf breaks and authentically-colourful cultural experiences.
Plus the resort also runs its own turtle conservation programme from September to March every year to help protect the local population of turtles, with guests encouraged to help out with the resort’s efforts.
How does a long weekend in paradise sound? Loloata Island Resort is located a short boat ride from Port Moresby, making it an accessible overseas destination suitable for a long weekend away.
Loloata Island Resort is a contemporary, brand new resort, complete with 68 rooms (including 22 overwater villas), two restaurants, a swimming pool, private beach, and a day spa.
The island itself sits on the edge of the Papuan Barrier Reef and there are 29 surrounding dive sites where experienced divers can explore colourful reefs teeming with sea life, discover shipwrecks; and even come across a WWII Boston Bomber.
Or for those that feel like relaxing, spend some time by the pool with a cocktail in hand! Loloata Island Resort also offers day passes for approximately AUD $40, which includes boat transfers from Port Moresby.
Your next climbing challenge awaits. At 4,509m, Mount Wilhelm is not only the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea, but is also the highest point in all of Oceania. Led by Peter Doa, Papua New Guinean Mt Wilhelm head guide.
Despite its height, Mount Wilhelm is actually the country’s most accessible mountain to climb. Usually a 3-4 day hike (accessible from Mount Hagen) including overnight stays at camps / villages along the way, the expedition will find you crossing rivers, climbing through moss forests, alpine grasslands and glacial valleys. Mount Wilhelm has rugged peaks with a well formed trail leading to its summit. The ascent crosses diverse and beautiful terrain with open grassland on the slopes and granite predominant in the higher levels. While it is not a technical mountain to climb it does take a reasonable level of fitness to complete with 3 – 4 days to ascend.
Generally trekkers summit before sunrise to truly enjoy the view out to the north coast and surrounding valleys, and if you’re lucky enough you might even get to spot a beautiful bird of paradise too. While it’s not compulsory to reach the summit it is to come back down – the scenery is simply breathtaking!
Located on a cliff in Kangaroo Island overlooking South Australia’s stunning Snelling’s Beach is the idyllic Cliff House. It comes complete with outdoor cliff-edge Jacuzzi and panoramic southern sea views where you can sip champagne and watch dolphins dip and dive under the gaze of the southern stars.
While this is the ideal setting for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, the Cliff House also caters for families wanting to entertain the whole family with sleeping configurations that cater for six guests – two king bed bedrooms (one of which could be a twin), one king-bed round tower room, and two bathrooms.
For those with a little more moolah to splash around, there’s a private helicopter landing area nearby, perfect wedding venue and last minute getaways… just in case the romantic weekend doesn’t go as planned.
New Britain and New Ireland islands in the Bismarck Sea are popular with divers, surfers, history buffs and adventure seekers alike. These two easy-to-get-to islands are perfect for first-time visitors to Papua New Guinea.
In West New Britain Province (accessible by flight to Kimbe) you can hike to the top of the active Gabuna Volcano crater, relax in a natural spa-like thermal hot river or visit the local firefly trees at night and see the rainforest light up. At the other end of the island in East New Britain Province (accessible by flight to Rabaul), a world of history awaits; from hidden Japanese WWII war tunnels and Admiral Yamamoto’s famed buker, to the ash-covered remains of old Rabaul town (destroyed by the nearby Mount Tavurvur volcanic eruption of 1937).
At New Ireland (accessible by flight to Kavieng) you can go on a 5-day cycling adventure, travelling down the length of the 260km mostly-flat Bulominski Highway, stopping to rest at traditional village homestays along the way.
After many months in lockdown, mountain bike enthusiasts hardly need an excuse to get among it, but they’ll be over the moon to know Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park is ready to rock ’n roll.
With 40 kilometres of world-class trails, designed and built by World Trail in Victoria’s stunning alpine terrain, Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park has been finessed with riders in mind to suit mountain-bikers of all experience levels.
For seasoned riders there’s the lofty altitude of the Summit, with plenty of drops, twists and turns to the thick forest of the Ticket Box. For the fearless, there’s Victoria’s longest unbroken gravity ride descending 535 metres through three of Falls Creek’s best trails. Hang one and hope for the best or, as the bikers say, “Huck and hope.”
Those with training wheels will enjoy Generator to Vortex, an easy combination ride through Falls Creek’s snowgum country back to the village.
The newest trail, Flowtown, features six kilometres of free-flowing trail. It’s stacked with gnarly berms, jumps and rollers, The final half that rides more like a pump track than gravity trail.
Riding doesn’t float your boat? There are plenty of stunning scenic hikes, trails, fishing and kayaking options in the High Country.
Compared to the hugely popular northern lights, very few people have had the opportunity to witness the magical aurora australis – often referred to as the southern lights – up close. But that’s all about to change with the news that Chimu Adventures are launching scenic flights over the Southern Ocean that will provide a front-row view to the captivating natural phenomenon.
Departing and returning to Australia’s major domestic terminals, the 10-hour flights will take place aboard a Qantas Boeing 789 Dreamliner. With 30 per cent larger windows than other Boeing aircraft, it’s the perfect plane for passengers to take in the aurora australis in all its glittery glory.
The flights will coincide with the autumn equinox, when the lights are at their brightest and most frequent, and a select crew of expert astronomers will be on-hand to provide information on how an aurora is created, and answer any questions. Budding shutterbugs keen to capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience will also be happy to know a professional photographer will be available to assist with any camera queries and dish out helpful tips.
Flying high above the clouds and far from any potential light pollution or weather systems, it won’t matter whether you’re seated in business or economy (Qantas will be offering services in both), as the aurora zone is sure to put on an unforgettable show.
Known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, pristine beaches and mirrored waterways, the southwest region of Tasmania has long been considered the state’s final frontier. And since it’s accessible only by foot, boat or light aircraft, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this untouched landscape is with Tasmanian Boat Charters, on the Port Davey Expedition Cruise.
The four-, five- and seven-day voyages begin in spectacular style, with a breathtaking scenic flight from Hobart to the tiny settlement of Melaleuca. Here, your mighty vessel awaits: Odalisque, a custom-built 20-metre boat best described as a floating luxury hotel. Equipped with all the creature comforts you could ever need – think cosy beds, soft outdoor lounges, fridges stocked with ice-cold bevs and your own private chef – it’s the ideal home-away-from-home.
While each cruise is different (and often guided by the tides and weather conditions), the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests. However, there are a few standout activities we think you won’t want to miss, including a six-hour hike to the summit of Mt Rugby, a jet boat excursion up the Huon Pine-lined Davey River and exploring ancient Indigenous middens at Stephens Bay. There are also plenty of opportunities to chat with local guides, take a dip at secluded swim spots and enjoy a gourmet picnic or two.
So if you’re eager for a taste of true Tassie wilderness (with a side of oysters and bubbles, thank you very much), jump aboard the Odalisque for one unforgettable adventure.
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