Geographically and economically the lands that come under the banner of Oceania are literally miles apart. Stretching across the Pacific, from New Guinea in the west to Sala y Gomez Island in the east and Hawaii in the northeast, there is a sharp contrast in the economy, culture, and landscape. The globally competitive financial markets of New Zealand and Australia are in sharp contrast to the low economies of Tuvalu and Kiribati or the other Pacific islands like Tonga and Fiji. Likewise, with the population, multicultural cities such as Melbourne and Auckland are bustling with life and far removed from some of the most remote islands that make up this region, such as Niue in Polynesia and the Keeling Islands of Australia.
Pristine beaches fringed with swaying palms, rugged volcanic mountains rising out of the blue waters and stunning coral reefs; the most famous being the Great Barrier Reef, characterize this part of the world. With its abundant and diverse marine life, Oceania is a diver’s paradise. Scuba divers converge on Vanuatu to marvel at what lies beneath the waves, while those seeking the exotic experience of an island destination make a beeline for Hawaii, Fiji or Bora Bora. Australia and New Zealand characterized by diverse landscapes, unique animals and beautiful islands draw visitors by the thousands too. Oceania with its indigenous people, stunning landscapes and enchanting wildlife is a land waiting to be explored.
We truly fell in love with Fiji for its people, its islands and, its beautiful white sand beaches, its crystal clear waters, its exotic plants and its vibrant colors, and yes, because of award-winning, bucket-list resorts like Namale Resort & Spa – Fiji’s Leading Spa Resort 2014 by World Travel Awards. What makes Namale Fiji…
Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is the most isolated capital city in the world. It is not quite the bustling metropolis that Sydney is, nor does it boast the quirkiness of Melbourne’s coffee connoisseurs and music lovers, but Perth is a vibrant, energetic city whose claims to fame includes picture-perfect beaches with Mediterranean…
If there is one city where everyone feels at home, that is Melbourne. This beautiful metropolis is made up of people from all over the world, 38% of its population was born overseas. Victoria’s vibrant capital is a wonderful city that is often ranked amongst the world’s most livable each year. It is a city…
The Islands of Tahiti, in the heart of the South Pacific, made up of 118 islands and atolls spread out over five archipelagos. It offers an array of diverse experiences combined with rich Tahitian culture, stone temples deep in the heart of luscious jungle heartland, black and white sand beaches and tranquil, clear water, with vibrant coral…
Our visit to Auckland was a learning experience from beginning to end. Tamaki Makaurau as Maori people call it, is a city with singular culture, huge range of outdoor activities, very warm and affectionate people. Most people do not know that Auckland was the capital of New Zealand for 25 years from 1842 until 1865 which led it to become…
The best-kept secret in the Pacific Island, Cook Islands is a South Pacific archipelago (consist of 15 remote islands) between Tahiti and Samoa. It is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery, luxury hotels and some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in the world with idyllic climate all year round.…
Made of 320 islands, Fiji is a stunning island holiday paradise filled with striking natural beauty and some of the warmest and most welcoming locals on earth. Surrounded by the crystal waters of the South Pacific Ocean, relax and experience the unique tropical environment of the island’s soft white beaches, laid back atmosphere and fascinating marine life. WOW Travel put together for you its Top 6 Fiji Resorts.
Located around 150 km (93 miles) North of Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of the rugged tropical island of New Guinea (which it shares with the Indonesian territory of Irian Jaya) as well as numerous smaller islands and atolls in the Pacific. It is one of the most diverse countries in the…
New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington is located on the southern end of the North Island between beautiful steep hills and the ocean. Because of its diverse ecosystem, visitors can be climbing up a mountain, going to coffee tastings, touring boutique vineyards, and sailing near the coast all in one afternoon. [booking_product_helper shortname=”wellington”] Wellington Cable…
The Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, consisting of about 82 islands, is located 1,750km east of northern Australia and was once known as the New Hebrides. Famous British explorer Captain Cook had christened the island with this name, which stuck until the country became independent. The first Europeans to visit the islands were the Portuguese and…
The beautiful Pacific country of Samoa is probably one of the most authentic and traditional of all the Pacific islands. Although the missionaries of the early 19th century influenced most of the Pacific islands including Samoa, (evident from the churches in the region), the people have clung to their local customs and the traditional way…
Hobart is the southernmost city of the Australian continent that is situated on the island state of Tasmania. The beautiful Hobart is also a very popular tourist destination as it offers a number of beautiful and picturesque locations to all the tourists. The city is often considered to be a hub of history, culture, food,…
Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia (just an hour’s drive from Brisbane). Situated in the eastern state of Queensland, this place is all about sandy beaches, amazing waterways, surfing sports, and some of the most amazing amusement parks. Thus, all the tourists are surely going to have a great…
Canberra, the capital city of Australia is the political hub of the country. At the same time, this city also happens to be one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for tourists at large. Every year, a majority of tourists plan their itinerary in this beautiful city of Canberra and the city doesn’t disappoint them…
Situated on the eastern coast of North Queensland, Australia, the city of Cairns is famous as the gateway to one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef. Once known for gold mining, the present Cairns is a sprawling urban township and a major port for the export of Australia’s natural…
Brisbane one of the oldest cities in Australia, is the capital of the Sunshine State, Queensland. The city was established in 1825 but suffered a major developmental setback in the Great Fire of Brisbane in 1864. Another natural calamity in 1893, the Great Brisbane Flood also caused considerable damage to the developing city. Today the…
Adelaide is known to be the capital city of South Australia. The city is considered to be a very sophisticated and vibrant city that entertains a very rich cultural heritage. The tourists here are often intrigued by the beautiful sights of some of the most amazing gardens, museums, and markets here. This makes the city…
Queenstown, a sophisticated holiday resort set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, is probably one of the prettiest places in the world. Lush mountains rising from turquoise waters may seem too good to be true, but you will just have to trust your eyes! Queenstown is the party capital of New…
One of the largest cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is known for its breathtakingly beautiful parks, gardens, and old historical buildings. However, in recent years the city has been the unfortunate target of a natural disaster. Two massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 resulted in the demolishment of almost 80% of its buildings in the…
The fun never seems to stop in the Land Down Under. There’s always something to see and do for every type of travelers. That includes Brisbane. A lot of people think of Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth when it comes to visiting Australia. But the real fun actually lies in Brisbane. First of all, the city’s…
Cosmopolitan Sydney has long been one of the world’s favorite vacation destinations, and its vibrant gay culture makes it an LGBT hotspot too. It’s one of Australia’s most gay-friendly cities, along with Melbourne and Canberra. A great portion of the action revolves around western Oxford Street. So, it was no surprise that many of the…
The utterly gorgeous Far North Queensland is one steamy, tropical, and world-class destination for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The charming Port Douglas overlooking the Coral Sea is the jewel in the crown and is equal parts vivacious and hedonistic. It boasts an ethereal Four Mile beach, a million-dollar marina, and excellent opportunities for scuba…
Perth sits right at the western end of Australia and might just be one of the most remote cities ever. However, don’t let the ‘isolation’ fool you. Underneath a near-permanent blue sky, the Western Australian city brimmed with exceptional cuisine, utopian beaches, and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Perth also happens to be…
While LGBT travelers might be hard-pressed to find exclusively gay hotels in Melbourne, Australia, there are hundreds of excellent gay-friendly alternatives. Victoria’s capital city enjoys a worldwide reputation for being warm and welcoming to all, including those who fly the rainbow flag. And that flag sure soars, particularly during the annual queer-tastic Midsumma Festival. Like…