At just 2.5 hours away from Australia, New Caledonia offers a unique experience with its interesting mix of Melanesian culture and its history as part of the French republic.  It can be described as the quintessential South Pacific island adventure, met with the South of France.  Being home to the world’s largest lagoon, New Caledonia’s natural beauty is unique.  It also holds the world’s second largest barrier reef, which is also the largest in the South Pacific Isles.  This destination allows you to relax and enjoy such surroundings, alongside having a truly European cultural experience.                

New Caledonia is made up of three distinct regions; the Southern Province, the Loyalty Islands and the Northern Province.  The island’s capital, Noumea, is located in the Southern Province.  These regions are stretched over just 19, 000sq km, making it an easy task to navigate around the island to experience all of its parts. 

Noumea is the centre of the Southern Province and it is the area to stay for a true French culinary experience.  The city also holds the islands hot spots such as Anse Vata beach and the Baie de Citron (lemon bay), where the locals come together to have a good time.  Lemon bay holds a strip of clubs, bars and the island’s best restaurants.  You can take a swim in either Lemon Bay or Anse Vata and then literally walk out of the surf and into an eatery near by.  A lovely spot to visit in Anse Vata would be Le Roof, which sits on a jetty in the style of an over the water bungalow.  Le Roof features the ocean in the middle of the restaurant, with a square open water viewing spot.  The restaurant not only offers fine French dining, but also has great service and food presentation.  La Coupole is also a famous restaurant in the area, known for its modern French cuisine the degustation menu is superb. 

Lemon Bay is also popular for its bars such as Monte Christo and L’Ethnik.  These places are great to visit if you want to see the local nightlife, and it is frequented by all walks of life in Noumea.  L’Ethnik is situated on the water and also serves tapas.

New Caledonia also has a rich history which you can take time to explore on your days off from the beach.  The Tjibaou cultural centre in Noumea is a must experience for visitors to the area.  It is not only a place where you can learn about New Caledonia’s culture and history, but you can also view modern art and admire its structure which is a work of art itself.  The centre, which was designed by Renzo Piano, is made up of ten large 28 metre high hut like structures that were designed based on the traditions of indigenous Kanak culture.  All ten structures tell the story of the island’s indigenous peoples, housing their story.  There is also an art gallery and library within the centre, as well as a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a political identity who was assassinated in 1989.