Tasmania and South Pacific

Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it’s the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you’ll have plenty of time to go exploring.

Although some parts of the mountainous island of Tasmania are filled with impenetrable rain forests, others are foggy meadowlands that resemble the Yorkshire countryside. Hobart is perfect for a walking tour; many streets feature historic cottages and rows of antiques shoppes. The city’s long-ago days as a penal colony are recalled in the handsome sandstone buildings constructed by convicts.

No call at Port Arthur is complete without visiting its once-feared and ever-infamous prison colony, a UNESCO historical site. Explore the fascinating ruins, once booming dockyard and restored houses.
After a spell in prison, you might like to visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, where you’ll get to meet some notoriously bad-tempered and increasingly rare marsupials.

Flower gardens and graceful, tree-lined boulevards add a refined air to Melbourne, regarded as the hub of Australia’s cultural, intellectual and financial life – at least by Melbournians! Modern skyscrapers mingle comfortably with Victorian homes, and an aura of upper-class elegance pervades. If you find country pleasures more appealing, ride the historic steam train “Puffing Billy” past forests and farms, before having lunch at a Yarra Glen vineyard.

Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it’s the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you’ll have plenty of time to go exploring.

Perched on the west coast, Lautoka, is not only the second largest city among Fiji’s 332 islands, it is also the second gateway, after the capital city Suva, to Fiji’s experience of tropical paradise.
Idyllic beaches lead to the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon that forms a circle around the land. In itself, this is a blissful scene to behold, framed with lush terrain.

Try the ceremonial drink yaqona or kava, made from the root of the pepper tree. You’ll find it everywhere, including Suva’s must-see market, piled high with tropical fruits, exotic vegetables, freshly caught fish and – reflecting Fiji’s rich cultural flavour – brightly coloured Indian sweets.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, and has plenty of rambling streets and cafés to wander and appreciate. As you explore, every now and then you’ll catch yet another glimpse of the stunning harbour.

Luganville is the second largest city in Vanuatu. Its population is 16,312. The city is called Santo by people from Vanuatu’s northern islands, who use Luganville as their big city. It is called Kanal by rural residents of the large island of Espiritu Santo on which the city lies.

This South Seas ‘Riveria’ has a distinctive French flavour among its boutiques and cafés. Noumea enjoys more sunshine than any other Pacific island, and beach lovers will fall for its string of bays.

Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”. With an area that sprawls 670 square miles, Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world. But it’s the exquisite Sydney Harbour that draws world-wide acclaim – that, along with its magnificent Opera House. And with nearly three days, you’ll have plenty of time to go exploring.