| What to see and do in Oceania | |||||
Click from the list below to see that country's most interesting places. The purpose of this page is to give you a general idea of things you
shouldn't miss out on if you're traveling in Oceania. Everything below is a guideline, what you do in each city or national park is up to you. |
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| American Samoa | Kiribati | Papua New Guinea | What to See in:  |
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| Australia | Mariana Islands | Pitcarin Islands | |||
| Cook Islands | Marshall Islands | Samoa | |||
| East Timor | Micronesia | Solomon Islands | |||
| Easter Islands | Nauru | Tokelau | |||
| Fiji | New Caledonia | Tonga | |||
| Guam | New Zealand | Tuvalu | |||
| French Polynesia | Niue | Vanuatu | |||
| Indonesia | Palau | Wallis & Fatuna | |||
| Capital - Pago Pago - | |||||
Capital - Canberra - The new city of Canberra was a planned establishment that was founded in 1913 and still is less than 100 years old. Canberra has many of the countries national museums, monuments and several stadiums and art centers. As the largest inland city in Australia, this is one of the few cities in Australia where you won't be right on a beach, but Canberra is close the Kosciusko park, one of the few places that offer skiing in Australia's winter. | |||||
Alice Springs - Right in the middle of Australia, Alice Springs has only existed for 125 years, but it has quickly become a major destination in Australia. Surrounded by remote deserts, Alice Springs doesn't have any other major population centers for hundreds of miles, so a trip here will put you in the heart of the Australian Outback. The giant red but beautiful Ayer's Rock is also found in Alice Springs and is another icon of the Australian desert. | |||||
Queensland - Located in the northeastern part of the country, the province of Queensland a tropical rainforest instead of the typical  desert that makes up the rest of the country. Queensland is the best place in Australia to visit the Great Barrier Reef which is arguably the best place in the world to go scuba diving. Queensland also has the best beaches in Queensland, and many places to go camping and hiking, as well as the Croc Tours. | |||||
Sydney - The subtropical city of Sydney is by far Australia's largest and perhaps one of the most beautiful cities not only in Australia, but  also in the southern hemisphere. This city of 4 million provides fun for any type of traveler. A tourist can do anything from seeing a show at the world famous Sydney Opera House to enjoying a surf at Bondi Beach or having a night out at Sydney's bars and clubs, where a few even remain open 24 hours. | |||||
Tasmania - The cooler island of Tasmania is one of the most unique places in all of Oceania. Fortunately the Australian government was quick to recognize the importance of the island and over a third of the land here is protected. Tasmania is known for its impressive flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the island. Some of the most famous are the Tasmanian Devil known for its vicious temper, or the Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering plant in the world. | |||||
| Capital - Avarua | |||||
Capital - Dili - Becoming the country's capital in 2002, Dili has made a remarkable recovery from the war with Indonesia and working hard to  become recognized by the rest of the world. The civil war that followed East Timor's independence further devestated this tiny nation, but the recent stability and enormous gains in security make the country safe enough for visitors. Some of the most interesting sites to visit are the museums of independence. | |||||
Atauro Island - Just north of East Timor's capital, Atauro Island offers some of the best eco tours and most tranquil beaches in the country. The island is only about 100km2, but it has excellent scuba diving, bird watching, and even a mountain just under 1,000 meters to hike. Ataura Island is also a great place for cultural experiences, such as learning how to ride in a dug out canoe or fish with natives. | |||||
Cape Fatucama - East Timor's mini Rio De Janerio, Cape Fatucama has many similarities between the famous Brazilian city. Fatucama is  formed by large steep tropical mountains descending into the sea and is surrounded by beautiful beaches on both sides. Every Friday night, festivals take place here with dancing music, and traditional local food up for sale. Also like Rio, Cape Fatucama even has a large statue of Jesus that was inspired by Brazil's Christ the Redeemer. | |||||
Com - Like the rest of East Timor, Com offers great snorkeling and scuba diving at its beach. Com is the countries only mainland beach resort, with many facilities to accommodate travelers and water sport enthusiasts. The small village provides a good and easy weekend getaway for travelers and workers in the capital. | |||||
Capital - Hanga Roa - The 3,300 people that live in the capital of Hanga Roa make up 87% of the country's population. On such a small island with such a small capital, Hanga Roa is the only place you have a chance to do any shopping, or enjoy dining out. Hanga Roa is a great place to start understanding the culture on the island by visiting their museum located in the city center. | |||||
Ahu Vaihu - The ruins of Ahu Vaihu are an example of maoi stone figures found outside of Rapa Nui national park that remain unrestored. Most of the maoi were toppled over during the island's civil war between its natives. Aside from the ruins of Ahu Vaihu, the nearby beach is also said to be one of the best and most beautiful in Easter Island. | |||||
Rapa Nui National Park - Rapa Nui has long been famous around the world for its stone figures called maoi that continues to bringvisitors from around the globe. Because Easter Island is such a remote place, Rapa Nui is even more special because of its limited exposure to outside influence. The maoi stone figures are not the only place to explore in Rapa Nui, also is the volcanic crater of Rano Kau, and the remains of the stone village of Orongo. | |||||
Terevaka - At 1665 feet, or 507 meters, the extinct volcano of Terevaka is the Easter Island's highest point, and provides a best view of the entire island for those who are willing to hike to the top. Terevaka makes up the bulk of Easter Island, but also gives great views of two older volcanoes, Poike and Rano Kau which are located at the other ends of the island. | |||||
| Fiji | |||||
Capital - Suva - | |||||
Capital - Hagatna - Despite being the capital and the seat of Guam's government, Hagatna is more of a small village, the island's second smallest village in fact, than a typical capital. With a small population of only 1,100, Hatgatna attracts people who come for the festivals and celebrations with one of the biggest being Liberation Day. Since Guam was also occupied by Japanese forces during World War II, there are many historic sites and places of interest in Hagatna. | |||||
Mt. Lamlam - The deepest point in the ocean is known as the Mariana trench at 35,798 feet and with nearby Guam's Mt. Lamlam at 1,332 feet this holds the record as the biggest elevation change in the world in such a short distance. An easy hike to the top of Lamlam will give you a 360 view where usually you can see much of the entire island on a clear day. Hikers during the rainy season are at risk of slipping on the muddy trails and lava rock, but are also rewarded with several beautiful waterfalls that they will pass by. | |||||
South Pacific Memorial Park - During world war II, over half a million Japanese soldiers were killed in the Pacific Islands, not to mention deaths from allied forces as well as local populations caught up in the war. The South Pacific Memorial was dedicated to both sides of the war; for the those who were loyal to their countries and to show the new peace between Japan and the allies. | |||||
Tumon - Up to 50% of Guam's economy is based on tourism, with Tumon being their tourist capital. In Tumon you can find all the luxury  hotels, great beaches and plenty of cultural activities. Some enjoy simple things such as relaxing at the beach or shopping while others enjoy snorkeling or diving and Tumon's crazy night life and clubs. The Sandcastle is also a popular visit where people can catch magic shows and other stunts featuring lions and exotic animals. | |||||
Capital - Papeete - | |||||
Capital - Jakarta - Indonesia's capital is one of Southeast Asia's largest cities, and has several districts that sprawl out for miles in all directions.  Most visitors will need a lot of time to see the city, not because it has some much to offer but mostly because it has some of the worst traffic in the world! The central district is where you'll find all the national monuments and government buildings such as the Presidential Palace and the famous Monas. Other districts hold all the museums, nightlife and endless shopping areas. | |||||
Bali - The island of Bali is over 93% Hindu in a land that is the most populous Muslim country in the world. The more relaxed Hindi culture  has given Bali an international reputation for its more liberal exotic beaches with beach front villas, great night life with the country's best bars and clubs and all types of accommodations for both backpackers and luxury travelers. The island is full of adventure with volcanoes to climb, elephant rides and even white water rafting. | |||||
Borobudur - Over two million stones were used to construct the the Mahayana Buddhist temple in the 9th century. The temple has a pyramid  like structure with 6 square levels making up the base and then followed by three circular levels at the top that have dozens of Buddhist statues. The temple was believed to be abandoned after about 600 years of use and is now Indonesia's largest tourist attraction. Other Buddhists pilgrims still visit Borobudur where they celebrate the annual holiday of Vesak. | |||||
Komodo Island - Just one of over 17,500 islands that make up Indonesia, Komodo island attracts tourists who come here for some adventure. Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities with people looking for marine life such as whale sharks, manta rays, seahorses and several other exotic species. Komodo national park which includes a few other surrounding islands was created to protect the Komodo dragon, the largest and most powerful lizard in the world. | |||||
| Kiribati | |||||
Capital - Tarawa - | |||||
Capital - Saipan | |||||
Capital - Majuro - | |||||
| Capital - Palikir | |||||
Capital - Yaren - As the world's smallest independent country, Nauru does not have an official capital. The island itself is only 20 square kilometers or roughly 10% the size of Washington DC which is not even considered to be a big city. Yaren is the island's largest city with a population of 1,100. From Yaren you can find one of two hotels on the island and all the government buildings but there are few attractions here that draw travelers. | |||||
Anibare Bay - Most of the ocean water surrounding Nauru is considered too dangerous for both swimming and diving with Anibare Bay as the only exception. The heavy surf and under tow here cause be a bit risky as well, but it's the island's only bay and true beach. The beach receives few tourists so the white coral sand and many exotic marine life are abundant and unspoiled. | |||||
Buada Lagoon - The fresh water lagoon of Buada is located only a few meters above sea level on this small island nation. The few who do decide to visit Nauru almost always make a stop to the lagoon. It is considered one of the lushest areas of the island and it is also the only source of fresh water for its inhabitants. | |||||
Command Ridge - Nauru is one of the few countries that was actually attacked by both Japanese and German forces during world war two. German forces attacked in 1940 and almost exactly a year later Japanese forces began attacks and eventually set up defenses on the island. Command Ridge is a famous part of the island where several anti aircraft guns and other defenses where installed by the Japanese and the remains of many of these weapons still exist there today. | |||||
| New Caledonia | |||||
Capital - Noumea | |||||
| New Zealand | |||||
Capital - Auckland | |||||
Mt Cook | |||||
Capital - Alofi - | |||||
Capital - Malekeok | |||||
Capital - Port Moresby – The most dangerous city in Oceania, Port Moresby is the kind of place that has hotels located inside complex with armed guards surrounding the perimeter. The city's most prized position are their botanical gardens that has a collection of several plant species and native birds. Other places to visit is the capital port, markets, and the crocodile inhabited Port Moresby Golf Club. | |||||
Kokoda Track – Peru has their Inca Trail, and Papua New Guinea has the Kokoda track. The track is just short of 100km long, and is a series of windy and overlapping trails that take trekkers from Owers Corner to the Kokoda village. The track is challenging due to the hot humid days, cold nights, and intense storms that often occur. This trail has been used for hundreds of years by locals and became famous to the west after the Japanese and Australians met face to face here in battle during World War II. | |||||
New Britain – Papua New Guinea's largest island has a mix of natural beauty, great diving, and even a bit of history. In the first world war, Germany occupied the island but was defeated by the Australian's, and in the second war world the island was occupied by the Japanese by freed by invading US Marines. Today the New Britian is still changing, as the island capital was destroyed in 1994 by an erupting volcano, and the old capital still lies buried in ash. | |||||
| Pitcairn Islands | |||||
Capital - Adamstown - | |||||
Capital - Apia | |||||
| Tokelau | |||||
Capital - Tokelau - | |||||
Capital - Nukualofa | |||||
Capital - Funatfuti - | |||||
Capital - Port Vila - | |||||
| Wallis & Fatuna | |||||
Capital - Mata Utu | |||||
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| What to See in Oceania |