If visiting an authentic tribe in their forest and flowered environment isn’t awe inspiring enough, the energy hits another level once the male warriors stomp dust, begin to sing their throaty chants and start to dance.
While not every dance is a war dance, let’s be honest…with a history of cannibalism, chiefs with multiple wives and alternative beliefs, the people of Malekula Island in the Vanuatu archipelago certainly have some pretty wild and wonderful stories to share. You are in for a real treat because telling a tale, which is known locally as ‘storian’, is one of the national pass times.
Malekula is one of Vanuatu’s 14 main islands and the second largest in the archipelago. It lies between the popular tourist destination of Espiritu Santo and the island of Efate where the capital Port Vila is located but Malekula is still quite remote and is shrouded in mystery.
Nothing in this tour is overtly commercial or touristy. As you sit in the ancient Malekula tribal forested homelands you will notice that there may not be any wifi but the air will be charged with spirit and energy. And best of all, the locals are known for being the friendliest people on earth. There will always be a laugh and genuine kindness.
For a slice of true blue nostalgia, get yourself down to the Gold Coast’s newest watering hole, Rosella’s. Inspired by good old-fashioned Aussie culture, the walls are appropriately adorned with slang-inspired art (‘flamin’ galah’ and ‘budgie smuggler’ feature heavily) and the space has an old-school pub vibe about it.
You’ll definitely feel at home here knocking back a couple of ice-cold tinnies after a day in the Burleigh surf. The menu is a playful homage to all things Australiana. Think cocktails inspired by Zooper Dooper icy poles and every Aussie kid’s favourite cereal, Nutri-Grain (the drink is called the Ironman, of course), served alongside fancy Vegemite jaffles and oysters served in Styrofoam eskies. You’re in for a bloody ripper of a time.
If it wasn’t for the Kiwi accents, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon one of Moscow’s finest drinking dens. Home to more than 150 varieties of the clear spirit, Auckland’s Vodka Room lives up to its name, serving rare and limited-edition drops, house-made infused varieties (cookie dough, anyone?) and flights of different voddies for the indecisive among us.
Any vodka drinker knows a solid sesh calls for a hearty feed, and the modern Russian menu doesn’t disappoint, with vareniki (potato and cheese dumplings), blini rolls, caviar and borsch just some of the drool-worthy options that should help fend off potential hangovers. Kick on in the private karaoke rooms, where ‘press for vodka’ buttons ensure you’re in good shape to give the performance of a lifetime.
The stunning Pacific Islands aren’t just synonymous with paradise – they are paradise! Well, that is if you consider clean, white stretches of sand being lapped by warm azure-blue water and fringed by tropical forests to be paradise. Then there’s the small villages full of friendly locals, amazing wildlife and almost constant sunshine. But it has got to be the warm, relaxing atmosphere that really makes the Pacific Islands such a heavenly place – it invigorates the soul and even the most stressed-out person can’t help but feel relaxed and pampered when visiting.
There are approximately 25,000 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean, and these are divided into the three primary groups of Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. We say approximately, because there are possibly some still to be discovered, and many are so remote that they haven’t yet been fully explored. So unless you want a Cast Away experience, you’re better off sticking to the larger, inhabited islands.
The best and most accessible region for visitors from Australia is Melanesia, which contains Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. And the best way to get there? Via a cruise ship with Carnival Cruise Line, of course. Here’s why you should experience the Pacific Islands on a cruise at least once in your life…
The name Fiji is probably one you’ve heard before, and that’s because the tropical oasis is one of the region’s most visited destinations. Having said that, its popularity does not take away from its pristine beauty and relaxed island vibes. Fiji is made up of 333 spectacular islands, each boasting beautiful beaches, amazing diving sites and colourful reefs, as well as smiling locals and all the mod-cons you’d expect from a luxury resort island.
There are so many things you can explore along the shores of this nirvana-like paradise, such as…
– Dive or snorkel among a rainbow of soft corals
– Take a longboat to visit Nailililili Historical Village
– Explore beautiful Taveuni Island with its lush forests and spectacular volcanic mountain
– Experience the fascinating island culture during a live show
– Take the plunge on a river rafting expedition
– Relax in a natural thermal pool
JOURNEY TO VANUATU
This scattered archipelago of more than 80 islands is the place to go if you want to combine adventure with relaxation. You can hike up an active volcano one minute, then come back down for a swim and a drink of kava with the local ni-Van people the next.
With stunning beaches, rugged rainforests, unbeatable diving spots (a few with shipwrecks!) and so much more, you’ll always find something to do in Vanuatu.
If you’re on a Carnival cruise, you can also…
– Experience Vanuatu’s ancient culture during a village visit
– Get the adrenaline pumping on a flying fox adventure through the Emerald Forest
– Try out zorbing at Wet ‘n’ Wild Adventure Park
– Enjoy a horseback safari
– Embark on a snorkelling trip to discover spectacular marine life
– Lounge under cool, cascading waterfalls (image the photos!)
Imagine an unspoiled tropical paradise with picturesque scenery and beaches that would make any professional photographer weak at the knees. Now add in a healthy dose of French culture and you’ll get some idea of what New Caledonia is like. Another destination that offers plenty of action, it’s also home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon, plus many more natural wonders.
Make sure you also…
– Relax on the white-sand beaches of the Isle of Pines
– Visit Lifou’s phenomenal forest and secret grotto
– Enjoy a guided Segway tour in Forest Parc
– Take a fun Zodiac ride to Duck Island
– Try stand-up paddle boarding at lovely Kuendu Beach
– See Noumea via the popular yellow Tchou Tchou train
DO IT ALL!
If that sounds like the makings of your dream holiday, you’ll be glad to know these experiences are available on a Carnival South Pacific cruise. In fact, you’ll also have more than 45 activities to choose from while you’re onboard, including mini golf, dive-in movies, a waterpark, Camp Ocean for the kids, plus a variety of bars for the adults to enjoy.
Carnival Splendor is now sailing from Sydney to the Pacific Islands. Join us on a cruise for an experience like no other!
It would take you at least 90 minutes to drive from Darwin to the Lodge at Dundee, the bar at the local holiday park in this remote, seaside town. In one of Airborne Solutions’ helicopters though, you’ll be ordering your first icy beer in a mere 25 minutes having taken in some pretty speccy views of the NT coastline along the way.
And that’s just the beginning of your day on a seven-hour Heli Pub Crawl that takes in five memorable Top End establishments. Interesting locals with tall tales, some of the country’s more colourful publicans and even a wildlife encounter – one of the stops is Goat Island Lodge on the Adelaide River, where Casey the Croc often comes for a feed – are guaranteed.
It’s 6.23am according to my Fitbit, and the hot trickle of sweat snaking its way from the back of my neck, down my cheek and directly into the furrowed crease of my brow tells me we’re in for another sultry day in the Solomons.
I’m struggling to hold a graceful downward dog position, and the gentle rocking of the boat is making it almost impossible to keep my balance. As for emptying my mind and focusing on nothing but the present – the slightest breath of a warm breeze and the gentle chant of “omm” – I’m failing miserably and already thinking ahead to breakfast, the day’s scuba dive and whether it’s possible to get sunburn at such an early hour.
This is the daily 5.30am yoga session aboard the MV Taka. Well, it would be if it started on time, but out here we’re on what’s affectionately known as ‘island time’, which means any semblance of punctuality no longer exists, replaced instead by a more relaxed ‘go with the flow’ vibe.
Myself and 11 others are travelling with Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises on a seven-night voyage exploring the gorgeous Florida and Russell Islands. Our trusty vessel is the aforementioned MV Taka, a 30-metre liveaboard that boasts 12 comfortable cabins, a communal dining area and more than enough space for lounging around. It’s no Queen Mary 2, but if you’ve come to the Sollies in search of five-star luxury, well, this probably isn’t the right trip for you.
Still untouched and relatively removed from the majority of the modern trappings that have infiltrated much of the South Pacific, there was little I knew of the Solomon Islands before touching down, apart from it being home to some of the friendliest people on Earth and also being ridiculously, rub-your-eyes-it-can’t-be-real beautiful.
Even the flight time was a surprise – it’s just a three-hour trip with Solomon Airlines to Honiara, the capital, from Brisbane.
Comprising 992 islands – of which just 147 are inhabited – the Solomons welcome only 30,000 tourists annually, most of them avid divers lured by the promise of pristine, healthy reefs or history buffs interested in the fierce violence that erupted in the archipelago between Japanese forces and the American allies during World War II.
It’s a narrative the team behind Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises is hoping to enhance via these new seafaring expeditions.
On a mission to showcase another side of the Solomons, the cruise has been carefully crafted to offer cultural experiences, an up-close look at some of the breathtaking natural attractions, plus a stack of water-based activities, all while still incorporating the ever-appealing diving and history components.
And that’s exactly what I get on my week-long adventure, during which time normally spent checking Instagram is replaced with surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, while regular Netflix sessions are swapped for nightly bouts of stargazing.
With yoga done and dusted by 7am it’s time for a hearty breakfast. Steaming somewhere out in the middle of the ocean, you’d be forgiven for expecting little more than cereal and toast on the menu. Not on the Taka.
With the kitchen manned by local chefs Charles and Fred – in fact, all Taka’s crew members are Solomon Islanders – it’s not long before a feast emerges from the depths of the galley. Bacon, eggs cooked to your preference, pancakes, sauteed veggies, fresh tropical fruit, yoghurt… You name it, they’ll cook it up for you, even cereal and toast, if that’s all you fancy.
It’s a meal designed to fuel us for our upcoming scuba dive at White Beach, the site of an old World War II wreck, in the Russell Islands. A former American military base, White Beach was abandoned hastily and all equipment simply pushed into the water by soldiers upon departure. That means there’s a plethora of vehicles, machinery and artefacts lying just below the surface.
Despite considering myself quite the water baby, I’ve never had the opportunity to go diving before, and I’m half terrified, half excited about the prospect of giving it a crack.
Our crew consists of two fully qualified PADI dive instructors, and our cruise leader, Chevone Whitaker, is also fully qualified. Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises was founded by Belinda Botha, who operates the highly successful Dive Munda in the Western Province of the Sollies, so naturally diving is part of the itinerary.
Newbies like myself are offered the opportunity to undertake the introductory PADI course, which permits guided dives down to 12 metres below sea level. Chevone, who also happens to be Belinda’s niece, takes our crew of four dive virgins through the required dry-land training, during which my initial buzz of excited nerves turns to full-blown terror.
“The most important thing to remember is to keep breathing,” Chevone states matter-of-factly. It sounds simple enough, but with various hand signals to remember and emergency procedures running through my head, I’m beginning to worry my natural breathing instincts may not kick in.
As I try to keep a lid on my heightened emotions, we head to the shallows to test our newly learned skills in the lukewarm, aquamarine waters. With every fibre of my mind and body convinced the act of surviving underwater is impossible, I’m shocked upon taking my first gasp and finding that, yes, the equipment actually works and, no, I haven’t drowned yet.
And that’s all it takes for me to completely relax. Before long I’m descending into the depths of the water, dappled sunlight illuminating the passing reef and highlighting corals the colours of Pantone swatches – lavender, peach, buttercup yellow and burnt orange. Tropical fish dart past leftover bullets and casings, while royal blue starfish cling to pieces of scrap metal once used for communication towers.
Time ceases to exist underwater, and after what feels like five minutes we slowly make our way back to the real world. I clumsily clamber back on the boat, a round of applause greeting my fellow first-timers and I, before a freshly cracked coconut is thrust into my hands. Through a giant grin I knock it back, quickly discovering nothing tastes sweeter than that first post-dive bev.
After that, a feeling of euphoria doesn’t quite leave me. It’s present during our visit to Roderick Bay, a place that has become somewhat of a reluctant tourist destination thanks to the wreck of the MS World Discoverer, a German cruise ship that ran aground in the bay in April 2000. A looming presence – the ship is more than 80 metres in length – it’s now an unorthodox playground for the island’s kids, who have built flying foxes, rope swings and diving platforms on the upper levels.
The warm welcome we receive from Chief Patrick and his community is one of flowered leis, fresh coconuts, dancing and music. They’ve come to embrace the increased interest in their island since the wreck turned their home into an attraction, and aren’t shy about sharing stories, showing us their wares and offering tours of the village.
That feeling is there again when we drop anchor at Mane Bay. Enticed into the water by the promise of waterskiing, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling, it doesn’t take long for word of our arrival to spread.
Within minutes we’re surrounded by children of all ages – some as young as two, who seem barely able to walk let alone paddle – in wooden dug-out canoes, eager to trade their form of transport for ours. SUP boards and blow-up unicorns are quickly commandeered and my fellow cruisers and I realise we’ve fallen victim to a calculated and well-practised ambush. There’s nothing we can do about it, of course, as these kids rule the waters.
Over by the Taka, business is getting underway. An important ethos of the Solomon Island Discovery Cruises is a focus on sustainable tourism, and a way of delivering on that promise is by actively involving the local communities. It’s the reason why island visits and hosted performances are so integral to the cruise, and why more than 30 canoes, loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables, have suddenly converged on the boat.
This makeshift floating marketplace – every bit as loud and enthusiastic as one you’d expect in Southeast Asia – allows for both the boat to top up its supplies (the use of fresh, local ingredients for our meals is an outstanding feature of the trip) and provides a monetary opportunity for the residents of Mane to sell and trade their produce. It’s an ongoing agreement every time the Taka steams into the bay, and a win-win for all involved, especially in these outer islands where any form of income from tourism is virtually non-existent.
Our final morning begins as all the others have: alarms going off at 5.25am for yoga on the top deck. This particular morning, though, our view is slightly different. We’re on the outskirts of Honiara and there’s a slight haze in the air, while that unmistakable end-of-holiday feeling reverberates between my fellow yogis and I.
As we settle into the now familiar moves of our sun salutations, I once again slip into the familiar pattern of thinking ahead to what’s on during the day: taxis, flights, transfers and more flights. I feel the slightest hint of anxiety start to creep in, so I take a couple of extra-deep breaths and sneak a peek at the
orange-hued horizon instead.
I may have fallen out of step with the rest of the group as a result, but I figure since we’re still technically on island time, it’s not going to matter too much if I soak up the last of the early-morning Sollies sun for just a little longer.
Sitting above Perth’s Richmond Quarter, Sweetwater Rooftop Bar has brought the taste of Asia to Western Australia. Former head chef of Melbourne’s Gingerboy, Leigh Power, has collaborated with cocktail guru Ben Tua, to create a hawker-inspired venue. Sit under the ambient light beaming from lanterns and enjoy the stunning view over the harbour while you savour the inimitable flavours.
Delight in the steamed duck and water chestnut dumplings or grilled sirloin with kimchi and black pepper sauce, and sip away at the Jungle Book cocktail made with Eristoff, melon, raspberry and spiced pineapple. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, so find a perch on a wicker chair and let the chaotic city life go on without you.
Get out your Bert Kaempfert records and dust off the safari suit, because this hideaway has more than a touch of retro glamour. Josh ‘Sinbad’ Collins and Barbara Blaze, owners of Melbourne’s LuWOW Bar, set up this holiday home on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as their own personal tiki palace.
Decorated with rattan wallpaper, wood carvings, giant shells and more, it has three bedrooms and sleeps up to seven people. The house is set in lush rainforest – the bathroom has views of the canopy – and features a lagoon pool, grotto hot tub and a full kitchen with tiki mugs and cocktail recipes for inspiration. And it’s just a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Northern Territory’s East Arnhem Land is home to the Yolngu people. This vast land has remained unchanged for more than 40,000 years and will touch you with its strong sense of tradition. With the guidance of Crooked Compass, you’ll be transported from signed tarmac roads into one of the most untouched areas of Australia.
Upon arrival to the Bawaka Homeland you’ll be welcomed by the Burarrwanga family and immersed into the Yolngu culture. Women will be guided through activities such as weaving, cooking, and crafts while spearfishing and didgeridoo making are available to the men. An exploratory hike to the cyan waters of Lonely Beach will bring home just how pristine this land is. By night, Dreamtime stories, passed down over generations, are told by a crackling fire. It’s an experience that will move you to your core.
Chances are, if you’ve done any investigation into taking an expedition cruise into Antarctica, you’ve mainly come across journeys that start in southern Argentina and the city of Ushuaia. But if you’re not keen on long plane flights there is another option.
How does departing New Zealand sound? National Geographic Explorer’s 15-day Fiordland and the Sub Antarctic Islands expedition on the environmentally friendly Le Laperouse leaves from Dunedin on the South Island. Make sure you arrive a couple of days early, because this southern city is renowned for both its Maori and Scottish histories.
Not surprisingly, this one tracks a different course to most polar voyages, but it one that is equally as breathtaking. First, you’ll head around the southern tip of the country, passing through the Foveaux Strait, then sail north again along the epic landscape of Fiordland National Park. From Milford Sound it’s off to the Snares Islands and the journey’s southernmost point, Macquarie Island. The wildlife – elephant seals, fur seals and penguins of the king, royal and yellow-eyed varieties – is pretty special, but this remote tract of land is also home to more than 3,500,000 seabirds, including Gibson’s albatross, giant petrels and the Auckland shag (yeah, we laughed too).
Other sub-Antarctic stops include Campbell Island and Auckland Islands. All of them are explored on Zodiac expeditions and, because nearly everyone else does their cruise from South America, you might find you and your fellow guests have the whole place to yourself.
The next Fiordland and the Sub Antarctic Islands cruise departs New Zealand on 2 February 2020.
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