fuzzylogic

Hello all,

I am in thinking mode and in the early research stages - so please bear with me.

I've thought of revisiting Fiji - 8 years since I was there last - and so that would be an easy option. But then I wondered if I shouldn't check out some of the other island nations within striking distance of Australia.

Been to the Cooks too and not sure I want to revisit - prefer to remember how it was.

But how about Vanuatu or Nouvelle Caledonie? Anywhere else?

The sort of holiday I want is where I can lie on a beach and swim in calm waters; snorkel at beginner level; but as I get bored spending all day on the beach - somewhere I can go on medium grade walks too.

Best of all would be somewhere where inter island ferries still run. So you could hop around. Don't much care about the standard of accommodation as long as there is some.

Or I could take a tent.

Where would you go?

Thx all.

tropo

Here are some of my recommendations. For islolation & beauty...Lord Howe Island.
For culture....Vanuatu, but do try & stay on the outer island, eg. Tanna, Santo or even little Bokisa near Santo.
Accommodation on some of these more isolated islands is a lower star rating, than you would get Port Vila, but hey, isn't that what holidays are all about...experiencing the native culture and way of life. Go for a small 2 star cabin, on the beach, possibly owned by the local tribe....lots of fun, and you will save heaps. You won't stop talking about your unusual island holiday experience for months, trust me.

poll162

Western Samoa. Gert accommodation on Savai'i.

fuzzylogic

Thank you both. Tropo - I didn't include Lord Howe in my post because it seems that the only way to visit is on an all inclusive package. And I see them advertised in the SMH and think 'hey, I'd like to go there'. But there's a catch - when you read the small print - twin share.

Do you know any way to visit Lord Howe independently? Or, if I must, in a package with cheap accommodation? I'm not too fussed about spas, champers, chocolates on the pillow. Are there ary camp sites. If yes, how do you book a space?

I would be eternally grateful if you can come up with an answer.

travellin

We are from Canada and visited Lord Howe on our last trip to Oz. We booked the flight with QANTAS (only choice) and then booked a motel online. We picked one of the 'cheaper' options - most seemed to have kitchenettes. Not sure if there is camping but I somehow doubt it due to the restrictions on visitor numbers. There are lots of hikes, bike rentals etc. but as much as we love the quiet life for us a week was enough time on LH. It is very wild and beautiful and is not at all touristy.

dotty

Hi fuzzylogic,
Have you considered Norfolk Island? I haven't been there yet - going in September - so I can't speak from personal experience. I believe a week is long enough - you can snorkel, swim, take walks through the national park, and eat at a different place each mealtime. I think you can only fly in and out on certain days - Wednesdays and Sundays from NZ. My brother goes there regularly, on his way back to England where he now lives, and loves it for its peace and tranquility. I just typed Norfolk Island into google, and chose the first site that was mentioned - very informative.
Our daughter and her man loved Vanuatu. They spent 8 days there diving and snorkelling, and were sad to leave. They are heading for Borneo in June on a diving / snorkelling tour.
Good luck with your decision - it is really hard to find new places, isn't it - so many choices!
Dot