South Pacific

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.

In Port Vila, Vanuatu's energetic capital, you'll be greeted by friendly Bislama-speaking locals and street-side markets. Walk around the centre of town – you'll see a touch of French influence still remains in the form of bistros and murals. Cruise to Port Vila to explore the hidden waterfalls of the Mele Cascades, tucked away in the Mele village rainforest with plenty of gently sloping hiking trails. Check out Mama's Market, the cultural hub of Vanuatu, where you can sample local bananas or shop for traditional island handicrafts. Or take the 10-minute boat ride out to Pele Island: Here, you'll find picturesque beaches shaded by palm trees overlooking turquoise waters that are prime for snorkelling.

Uninhabited and untouched by modern society, Mystery Island will make you believe it wouldn't be so bad to be a marooned sailor in an old storybook. You'll find no electricity, roads or telephones here. A comfortable 30-minute walk will take you on a self-guided tour of the entire island. Only accessible by cruise ship and the nearby inhabitants of Aneityum, you'll truly get to experience life on a deserted island. Cruise to Mystery Island and explore the white-sand shoreline and its warm waters – go for a snorkel and see an incredible underwater world untouched by human influence.

Explore this tropical paradise of remote beaches, stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.

From the Sydney Opera House to Bondi Beach, man and Mother Nature contribute in equal measure to this splendid city.