A Canberra Girl’s Guide to a long weekend in Vanuatu
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I’ve always been a keen traveller with an eye for a good deal, and after leaving a 20-year career in the travel industry, it’s something that’s never left me.
Feeling a little restless in the lead-up to Christmas, I recently got out my calculator and was deeply satisfied when I realised that I could go overseas for under $2,000 for a holiday for two. And because it’s the kind of gal I am, I’m going to show you how to do it too…I’ll even have you back in the office by Tuesday.
The destination
The tropical South Pacific island of Vanuatu is just close enough to Australia to make the journey reasonable despite having minimal time on your hands, and once you’re there, it’s the kind of place that suits both the laziest of us and the most active.
Getting there
Return flights with Virgin from Canberra to Port Vila with a short layover in Brisbane will currently set you back around $650 return per person (I recommend packing carry-on to save the hefty baggage charges).
Flights, of course, vary wildly in price depending on availability, but this is indicative of what I paid when booking with only five days’ notice.
The best part is, with the current airline schedules, you will be on the ground in Port Vila before 2 pm.
Where to stay
Mangoes Resort.
I’ve stayed at a number of places around the main island of Efate, and my pick of the bunch is the adults-only Mangoes Resort, which is perched on a hillside within walking distance of the main town centre.
For less than $600 for three nights, you and your travel buddy can be coconuts-in-hand in your very own tropical bungalow, or for a minimal additional fee, you can have your own private pool in a tropical garden overlooking the main lagoon.
The resort is just as pretty as a picture, with simple and stylish bungalow rooms with modern amenities like air-conditioning, and the onsite restaurant serves three meals a day. This is important; Efate isn’t the easiest place to get around on your own, but more on that later.
If you’re looking for something more family-friendly, consider the Warwick Le Lagon.
A full-service resort with large resort-style pools, a lagoon-front setting and lots of space for the whole family to spread out, the Warwick Le Lagon is a reliable pick. It’s family-friendly but still peaceful, and you’ll get all the classic resort must-haves: cocktail bar, activities desk, spa treatments and even a golf course.
Getting around
Mele Cascades.
Getting around the island may not be an issue if you are planning on embedding yourself in resort life, but if you do want to head further afield, you have a few options.
A hire car will set you back around $120 a day, and if you’re an explorer, this is by far the best way to see more of the island. I recommend the small 4WD vehicles as some of the roads can be quite rugged. It is worth noting that they do drive on the right, so you will also need to master that.
If you want to go on short trips within the vicinity of Port Vila itself, I recommend the local minivans over the taxis, which are exorbitantly expensive. The minivans do operate on a slightly intimidating system for first-time users which involves hailing a random vehicle which is likely already occupied with a range of locals, telling them where you are headed and being informed if they will go that way.
There are no set prices to travel in the minivans, I hear the going local rate is very cheap, around 60 to 100 vatu (approximately a dollar) but I found offering up 500 vatu (approximately $6) kept everyone super happy.
Squeeze more out of your weekend
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to activities in Vanuatu, and whilst it may push up your budget, here are a few that I would recommend.These can all be done via either organised day trips or in your own vehicle.
Mele Cascades
One of Vanuatu’s most famous attractions, the Cascades are a series of tiered waterfalls hidden in the jungle just a short drive from Port Vila. You can climb up through the pools, swim under the falls and take photos that look like you’ve stepped inside a screensaver. Be aware, if it’s the dry season, the falls may not be flowing.
Blue Lagoon
An impossibly vivid swimming hole on the east coast of Efate, the Blue Lagoon is the kind of place that reminds you how many shades of turquoise actually exist.
Efate Island Tour
Driving the full loop of Efate will take you to secluded villages, beaches and lookouts. Be ready with your best smile and wave, as the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Waterfront dining and drinking
Lala Beach Bar.
The main town centre of Port Vila is dotted with open-air tropical bars, pretty little eateries and some exceptional seafood. I highly recommend Waterfall Bar, Banyan Beach Bar LaLaLa Restaurant and Bar.
So you’ve got the element of surprise, I’ll leave the rest for you to discover, and for now, there’s just one thing left to do: go book your holiday!
