Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Nouméa, the charming capital of New Caledonia, has quite a few things to brag about. It’s the third largest island in the South Pacific. It’s home to the world’s largest lagoon and second largest coral reef. And if that’s not enough, it’s part French. The cuisine is fabulous. The shopping’s haute couture. And you’re never very far from a full-bodied glass of French wine. Plus, you also get to visit places like Pierre Vernier Walk, Baie des Citrons, and Place des Cocotiers. Which are almost as much fun to say as they are to see.

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.

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.

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.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.