South Pacific

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

A melting pot of ethnicity and culture, sunny Noumea will quickly win you over with its upbeat city vibe. The capital city of New Caledonia offers some of the best weather in the South Pacific. Noumea’s cultural pride shines through in its museums, theatres and art galleries – check out the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre to explore the traditional Kanak culture. Head to the top of the Noumea Cathedral for views of the island, dotted with palms, hibiscuses and coconut trees. Hop a ferry out to Amedee Island to see its lighthouse and swim with turtles. Cruise to Noumea and relax on the picturesque beach at lemon tree-lined Baie des Citrons, or go snorkelling in Anse Vata Bay.

The largest of three islands in the diverse Loyalty Island coral archipelago, Lifou is surrounded by secluded coral reefs, limestone grottoes and powdery white beaches. The locals protect their coral reefs with reverence — head to Jinek Bay to find some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched coral gardens. Cruise to Lifou and take a dip in the natural pool at Jinek, surrounded by steep cliffs, or go snorkeling with the vast array of tropical fish. Stroll the village of Easo, and visit the Notre Dame de Lourdes church, dating back to 1898 — its cliff-top perch is the perfect spot for views of the coral sea.

Time will stop when you first lay eyes on the Isle of Pines’ glittering blue water and white, powdery beaches. Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific,” this small isle greets you with the spiny trees that line its shores — these pines give the island its name. Formed from nutritious volcanic rock, the isle is surrounded by the New Calendonia Barrier Reef. Cruise to Isle of Pines and head to secluded Upi Bay, where you can go snorkeling and see the reef up-close, as well as clownfish, sea turtles and other exotic sea life. Or take the one-hour hike through lush rainforest to the top of N’Ga Peak. From the summit, you can spot the natural pool at Oro Bay — head there afterward to relax and splash around in the clear waters surrounded by pines.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.