kava ceremony in Fiji
Sydney - things to do in Australia
Lina Stock at Turtle Island in Fiji

Ultimate OCEANIA Travel Guide

Oceania is made up of thousands of islands and despite spanning across both the western and eastern hemispheres, is actually the smallest in continental landmass and second least populated behind only Antarctica. This Oceania travel guide is designed to help you navigate the area and plan a trip to one of the most beautiful continental areas in the world.

The continental region of Oceania is comprised of 4 distinct regions that helps break up the Pacific Ocean in a way that is navigable. Each offers a different level of development, infrastructure, landscapes and culture.

Australasia is the biggest, most visited region and it occupies the southwest of Oceania. It is made up of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

Melanesia is located northeast of Australasia and is made up of 4 independent countries that include Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. It also includes New Caledonia and Western Papua, which is part of Indonesia.

Micronesia occupies the north of Oceania and is made up of 4 distinct island groups. Included in these groups are the Marshall Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Polynesia makes up the entire eastern area of Oceania and has some of the most well-known islands in the Pacific. This includes the French Polynesian islands, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Marquesa Islands and Tuamotu Islands, to name a few.  Geographically speaking, both Hawaii and Easter Island are considered part of Polynesia too, despite the fact that politically Hawaii belongs to North America and Easter Island to South America.

We’ve spent quite a bit of time in Oceania with 2 months of travel in Australia, 2 months in New Zealand, 3 weeks in Fiji and 2 weeks on Easter Island. We haven’t been everywhere but will be continuously updating this guide as we explore more of the region.

OCEANIA TRAVEL: QUICK TIPS

Oceania Travel
  • Do you need a visa? Visa requirements vary widely across the continental region from free visas on arrival to online e-visas, up to needing a consulate visit prior to travel for places like Papua New Guinea. Be sure to check requirements prior to travel.
  • Currency: Varies by country with each having it’s own exchange rates
  • Climate: Tropical with rainy and dry seasons. This region experiences a strong cyclone season too.
  • Primary Religion: Christianity, although many people are non-denominational
  • Local Languages: You can find English in Australia and New Zealand, French in Polynesia and a variety of other languages across Oceania. English is widely spoken in popular areas too.
  • Etiquette Tips: Treat locals with respect. Do not throw your trash on the ground or in the ocean.
  • WIFI: Available in most, if not all, accommodation throughout the state. Many restaurants and tourist offices offer free WIFI too.
  • SIM Cards: If you have an unlocked phone, it is possible to pick up a local SIM card at most Oceania airports on arrival. This will enable you to have data like you would at home. Another alternative is a universal SIM card that works in multiple countries.
  • Travel Insurance: With all travel, we highly recommend you take out a travel insurance policy when you book your trip. This will cover your trip in case of any unforeseen events happen.

Don’t Visit OCEANIA Without:

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

OCEANIA BUCKET LIST

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN OCEANIA

There is no shortage of great things to do in Oceania during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary. And that’s only once you have narrowed down where you’re going!

Each country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our country guides once you decide where your itinerary will take you.

VISIT FRASER ISLAND: (Australia) Fraser Island is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Australia. We opted for a bush camping and 4×4 trip, which took us to the best areas of the island and allowed us to camp in a small established camp just off the beach. It was intimate and a highlight of our travels in Australia.

EXPLORE DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK: (Australia) Head to the far north of Queensland and you’ll enter the Daintree National Park. This park protects the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest. Stretching from Cairns to Port Douglas, and beyond, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. For remote, untouched beaches, be sure to head to Cape Tribulation too.

DRIVE THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD: (Australia) Leaving from Melbourne and heading west, you’ll enter the south coast and officially be on the Great Ocean Road. This is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, allowing you to pull off in small towns to watch wildlife, admire surfers and stand in awe at the dramatic coastal landscapes. One of the highlights along the route is definitely the famed Twelve Apostles.

SEE THE BLUE MOUNTAINS: (Australia) If you find yourself in Sydney, be sure to plan some time to head west into the Blue Mountains National Park. It is here that you can see impressive mountain landscapes, plunging waterfalls and enjoy plenty of hiking trails.

DIVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF: (Australia) The Great Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef system in the world. It stretches along the upper east coast of Australia towards Papua New Guinea and forms the bottom of the Pacific Coral Triangle. Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef can be done from Airlie Beach to Cairns, with the best diving happening the further north you go.

HIKE THE TONGARIRO CROSSING: (New Zealand) Not only is the Tongariro Crossing one of the world’s Top 100 Travel Adventures, but it’s also one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. The hike takes you through volcanic landscapes where you see massive craters and electric colored pools. You can even take a detour to climb the acclaimed, Mount Doom, from Lord of the Rings if you have sufficient time during your hike.

TOUR NEW ZEALAND’S NORTH ISLAND: The South Island has a lot to offer but we think that New Zealand’s North Island deserves just as much attention. The North Island offers you a wide spectrum of experiences with fantastic cities like Auckland and Wellington, surfing at Piha Beach, the Coromandel Peninsula, TaupoRotoruaHobbitonTauranga and River Valley, to name just a few of its gems.

GO ISLAND HOPPING IN FIJI: This island nation is one of the most beloved, and visited, in Oceania. Of course, with good reason. It’s an island paradise and island hopping in Fiji is the best way to see the diversity that the country offers. You’ll get to experience places that contrast heavily, like Vanua Levu and Nadi, while enjoying pristine beaches and reefs.

HIKE THE LAVENA COASTAL TRAIL: (Fiji) One of the most underrated islands in Fiji is the lush and pristine Taveuni. If you’re seeing waterfalls and adventure, this is where you want to head. One of the main highlights on this island is the change to walk the 10km round trip Lavena Coastal Trail that takes you along the wild west coast of the island. It ends at two beautiful waterfalls.

CHASE WATERFALLS ON TAVEUNI: (Fiji) If you seek wild waterfalls set into pristine jungles, then you’ll want to head straight for Bouma National Park on Taveuni. The first waterfall is easily accessible from the parking area and there’s a beautiful pool at the base for swimming. If you fancy a hike, head another 40 minutes up the hill and into the jungle where you’ll find a second waterfall.

WHITE WATER RAFT THE UPPER NAVUA RIVER: (Fiji)If you like adrenaline when you’re on vacation, then add this to your list. White water rafting the Upper Navua River on Viti Levu, outside of Pacific Harbour, offers you just that. The river is known around the world for its scenery as it cuts through deep gorges, revealing neat rock formations. 

VISIT THE YASAWA AND MAMANUCA ISLANDS: (Fiji) The two most popular island groups to visit in Fiji are the Mamanuca Islands and the Yasawa Islands. They are not only stunningly beautiful but also easily accessible from Denarau Island and Nadi. Both groups offer secluded island experiences with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, Fijian culture and healthy coral reefs to explore.

CONQUER THE THREE SUMMITS ON EASTER ISLAND: While most people come to the island to see the famed moai, and rightfully so, there is actually a lot of other things to do on Easter Island too. One of our favorites was summiting the three volcanoes that formed the structure of the island we see today. They include Terevaka, Poike and Rano Kau.


FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Each island and nation has its own delicacies, but given the amount of ocean in the region, you can expect any Oceania travel trip to involve plenty of fresh seafood!

If you’re visiting Australia and New Zealand, expect lots of good wine and a gourmet food scene that takes influence from Europe and Asia.

In the Pacific, food often revolves around local fish and vegetables and basic meats like chicken and fish. You’ll find lots of yams, sweet potatoes, and beans. And A LOT of coconuts.

Feasts are a big part of the Polynesian culture; a particular favorite is a slow-roasted pig, which will often form the centerpiece.

A local favorite in the islands is Kava, a locally brewed spirit that involves much ceremony and tradition.

OCEANIA FESTIVALS

Oceania is a cultural palace to visit, and there are many customs and ceremonies to be part of.

Papua New Guinea is the most famous destination for cultural events; the Goroka Festival and Crocodile Festival are two colorful and exciting events.

In Australia and New Zealand, you can celebrate New Years’ and European-style holidays and enjoy plenty of food, wine, and film festivals in the cities.

In Fiji, you can immerse yourself in the local Bula festivities, or the Hindu Diwali festival.

PLAN A ROMANTIC GETAWAY!

POPULAR REGIONS IN OCEANIA

OCEANIA TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Oceania is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in the region on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Oceania. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION: Where hotels exist in Oceania travel destinations, you’ll be paying at least USD 20 per night. Many Pacific Islands will only have guesthouses or homestays, and island prices will be inflated. Mid-range travelers should expect to pay a minimum of USD 50 per night, rising to USD 100. Luxury travelers will need to pay above this, but luxurious resorts will only be found in places like French Polynesia, Fiji, and Australasia, where prices can be well into the hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars – for a private island!

FOOD: Outside of Australasia, food can be inexpensive if you eat locally and use island-ingredients rather than imported foodstuff. Expect to average around USD 10 per person per meal in most destinations. In Australasia, you can expect this to go up to USD 15 or USD 20.

TRANSPORT: Transport can be costly when you travel to Oceania. Flights between islands and countries are often the only way around and can cost hundreds of dollars. Even a budget flight from Australia to New Zealand is likely to require a minimum of USD 200. Local transport within destinations can be cost-effective, but this varies dramatically from one place to the next.

ACTIVITIES: For diving, you can expect to pay around UD 100 per tank; for day tours, a similar amount (for a Great Barrier Reef boat ride, for instance). Many activities, such as lounging on the beach or hiking, are free!

BUDGET


50-100 USD PER DAY

Staying in dorm rooms and only picking one or two major destinations to visit (not flying between multiple islands). Eat like a local or cook your own meals from groceries bought at the supermarkets. Stick to free activities and enjoy the outdoors.

MID-RANGE


100-250 USD PER DAY

Depending on the destination and number of activities they are looking to do, up to USD 250. This will be for private rooms, a few flights between islands or cities, and restaurant meals. You’ll also be able to add a few tours or day trips on this budget. 

LUXURY


400 USD + PER DAY

This will buy nice hotels, resorts, and restaurant meals and drinks every night. There will be a budget for activities such as scuba diving and private tours. For ultra-luxurious, you can include private seaplane transfers and overwater bungalows.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN OCEANIA

Travel to Oceania is never particularly easy when it comes to transport. This is an enormous part of the world and home to some of the Pacific’s most remote islands. That said, it won’t be cheap and may require connections on other islands. Plan ahead and be flexible.

In Australia and New Zealand, you have bus and train networks, and car or campervan hire is always a great option. In the Pacific Islands, you can travel locally by bus or boat.

CRUISES: If you have more time (and money), the easiest way to see multiple Pacific islands as part of an Oceania travel itinerary is to join a dedicated cruise. These can last for weeks at a time. Most cruises focus on one region but it is possible to find expedition sailings that will take you from places like Easter Island to Tahiti, for example.

BUS & TRAIN: Australia and New Zealand have both bus and train networks that allow you to move around the country with ease. Both countries offer hop on hop off bus services that allow you to purchase passes and explore multiple destinations with one ticket. 

CAR RENTAL: Hiring a camper van or car is also popular in Australia and New Zealand if you’re looking for more freedom from the more popular bus routes.  Check out Discover Rental Cars for great deals.

FLIGHTS: If you’re short on time and want to visit multiple countries, you will need to fly. Many flights will pass through Australia or New Zealand, while local airlines have island hopping services between different island groupings. Flights can be infrequent and expensive, so you do need to plan in advance.

BOAT: Throughout the island regions of Oceania, traveling by boat is one of the best options for getting around. Many of the islands lack road infrastructure, but for the ones that have it, there are usually local buses that will get you to where you need to go. Otherwise, boat transfers and ferries are the name of the game in the islands.

TOP OCEANIA TOURS

WHEN TO VISIT OCEANIA

When you travel to Oceania, you need to remember that this is a vast region with different climates and weather patterns. The weather in Vanuatu isn’t going to be the same as the weather in Adelaide!

If you’re visiting Pacific Island groupings or the north of Australia, the cyclone season is the time to avoid travel to Oceania. This usually falls between November and March, and it is not a pleasant or easy time to travel. If you’re heading above the equator to the Micronesian islands, this cycle is reversed.

In New Zealand, you’re best visiting between November and March during summer, when the weather’s hot and the hiking trails are perfect. It’s much colder in winter, but you’ll be able to go skiing in some areas.

In Australia, stay south during the cyclone seasons, and you’ll enjoy a scorching hot summer in Sydney or Melbourne. If it’s too hot for you, try to visit Australia in spring or fall, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists.

For more in-depth information, read:

PACK LIKE A PRO ON YOUR NEXT TRIP TO OCEANIA!

SAFETY IN OCEANIA

Safety varies from country to country. Popular destinations such as Australia and New Zealand are incredibly safe; it’s the wildlife you need to look out for more than anything else!

The majority of the Pacific Islands are also safe, although some destinations are not used to tourists. In the Pacific, you need to watch out for cyclones and storms at certain times of the year.

Some destinations, like Papua New Guinea, are not safe to travel to without a lot of advanced planning and local expertise.

Don’t leave home for Oceania without checking out our safety tips for travel. These include tried and trusted advice from more than 20 years of world travel.

OCEANIA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

  • SkyscannerA fantastic flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. Every single flight search we do starts here.
  • Hotel Seach Engine – Our custom-built hotel search engine allows you to search hotels all over the world and compare prices before booking. It pulls the best prices from all the major online travel agents, such as Expedia, Priceline, Booking, etc. to one place.
  • Discover Car Hire – Allows you to search car rentals across multiple rental agencies worldwide.
  • Viator – The best trips are made up of multiple smaller tours to really dig in and get to know the places you are visiting. Our preferred place to book day tours, day trips and shorter multi-day tours is Viator.
  • G Adventures – If you want to do a group tour around Oceania, go with G Adventures. They offer great small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them.
  • World Nomads – We don’t travel without insurance and you shouldn’t either!

OCEANIA TRAVEL GUIDE: RELATED ARTICLES

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Oceania and start planning your dream trip.

Divergent Travelers- Adventure Travel Blog