5 reasons for families to love Vanuatu

Looking for an island destination that offers an out-of-the-ordinary holiday experience? Vanuatu has it all! Julie Miller reports.

Tropical beaches – tick! Great resorts – tick! Value for money – tick! When it comes to holiday essentials, Vanuatu doesn’t disappoint. This Pacific Island nation, however, offers so much more to surprise and delight Australian visitors, with adventure and cultural activities adding an extra dimension to your family vacation.

Here are five great reasons to visit Vanuatu.

1. Family-friendly accommodation

White-sand, palm-lined beaches and tranquil blue waters are always a lure for Australian travellers. Add to that a genuine respect for family values and Vanuatu hits the mark as an ideal resort destination. Port Vila boasts several top-notch resorts, including Warwick Le Lagon Resort and Spa, which has a complimentary kids’ club for children aged three to 12 and organised daily activities.

For parents who prefer the convenience of apartment-style accommodation, there are several good options including Irriki Island Resort & Spa and Poppys on the Lagoon.

2. Fun in the water

The safe, sheltered waters of Port Vila’s lagoons are perfect for children, who’ll love snorkelling and swimming in the warm blue water. While most resorts offer water sports, why not try something different during your holiday? Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun way for the family to explore the sights around the harbour and bays.

A visit to Hideaway Island is one of the most popular day trips from Port Vila, where you can snorkel, play on the beach and relax in the sun. You can even tell your friends back home what a great time you’re having, sending a postcard from the world’s only underwater post office!

3. Jungle adventures

A visit to Mele Cascade Falls is considered one of the premier experiences in Vanuatu, a must-do for every visitor. Just a short drive from Port Vila, the kids will love swimming in the natural pool, or taking the challenging trek to the top of the waterfall. For the adventure of a lifetime – and a muddy good time! – rent a buggy or take a guided tour with Buggy Fun Rentals, driving along small rainforest tracks to local villages and along black-sand beaches Open to children aged six years and over.

4. Absorb the culture

Vanuatu has been said to have the purest, most unique culture in the Pacific, and a visit to a cultural centre is sure to enlighten and fascinate your children. Discover its rich history at the Vanuatu National Museum, with lots of cool artefacts for the kids to see.

5. Island life

Although Port Vila is the main destination for families visiting Vanuatu, there are several other fascinating islands with unique geological and cultural attractions. Tanna Island, for instance, is a thrill for kids, where they can stand on the edge of the hiccuping, burping monster volcano and watch the real fireworks displays.