The under-the-radar island getaways that are only a short flight away

The under-the-radar island getaways that are only a short flight away

These South Pacific destinations allow you to avoid other tourists and live like a local – without breaking the bank.

  • byCraig Tansley

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‘Godsend’:Australia wins support for policing pact to counter China

‘Godsend’:Australia wins support for policing pact to counter China

Anthony Albanese has locked in support for a far-ranging Pacific policing pact designed to counter China’s growing security presence in the region.

  • byMatthew Knott
This tiny strip of sand in the Pacific is what dreams are made of

This tiny strip of sand in the Pacific is what dreams are made of

More than 35 years after a failed attempt to visit Mystery Island,I finally made it – only to find it’s not so mysterious.

  • byCraig Platt
The dish from a cuisine that’s unfairly ignored in Australia (and by me)

The dish from a cuisine that’s unfairly ignored in Australia (and by me)

This dish comes from an overlooked region with a rich bounty of fresh produce from both land and sea,not to mention a variety of influences from countries near and far.

  • byBen Groundwater
Air Vanuatu in liquidation following fleet issue,poor trading

Air Vanuatu in liquidation following fleet issue,poor trading

Liquidators say they intend to resume normal trading as soon as possible,while considering all opportunities to place the airline on a stronger footing.

  • byAmelia McGuire
Best short-haul holiday destinations:Port Vila,Vanuatu

Best short-haul holiday destinations:Port Vila,Vanuatu

Tiny Port Vila,with a population just over 61,000,has come of age. The capital of Vanuatu is home to chic restaurants,bars and gourmet produce outlets.

  • byCraig Tansley
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Airline review:Virgin’s extra legroom seats are a bargain on this route
★★★ ½
Airline reviews

Airline review:Virgin’s extra legroom seats are a bargain on this route

This flight to an island paradise features Virgin’s cheapest upgrade to ‘Economy X’ at just $33.

  • byAngela Saurine
Smashed by COVID and cyclones,Pacific paradise now back with a vengeance

Smashed by COVID and cyclones,Pacific paradise now back with a vengeance

Vanuatu’s old experiences been given a flirty facelift and there are plenty of new ones. Here are the highlights.

  • byChristine Retschlag
I didn’t bother looking at the stamp in my passport. It created a nightmare

I didn’t bother looking at the stamp in my passport. It created a nightmare

A casual look at my passport while visiting a Pacific paradise resulted in a horror realisation:I had been in the country illegally for 30 days.

  • byChristine Retschlag
‘Heading towards a very unsafe world’:Vanuatu’s climate change minister fights to end fossil fuel projects
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COP28 Dubai

‘Heading towards a very unsafe world’:Vanuatu’s climate change minister fights to end fossil fuel projects

Vanuatu Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu is hoping developed countries such as Australia commit to phasing out fossil fuels like coal and gas at the UN’s annual meeting. The future of his country depends on it.

  • byLaura Chung
Airline review:No entertainment,no alcohol in this business class
★★★★
Airline reviews

Airline review:No entertainment,no alcohol in this business class

It’s a short flight to this Pacific island,so the shortcomings of this business class are easily overlooked.

  • byChristine Retschlag