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| What to see and do in Oceania |
American Samoa
Capital - Pago Pago
Australia
Capital - Canberra -
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 -
Cook Islands
Capital - Avarua
Easter Island
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 bring
visitors 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
Guam
Capital - Hagana
French Polynesia
Capital - Papeete
Indonesia
Capital - Jakarta - Indonesia's capital is split into several districts, with travelers mostly heading to the central, south and western districts.
The central is where you'll find all the national monuments and government buildings such as the Presidential Palace. Both the western and
southern districts hold all the museums, nightlife and shopping areas, with a large Chinatown also in the western area. Jakarta is also close
to the famous, thousand islands, for those who want to see some beautiful Indonesia coast without leaving the capital.
Bali - The city of Bali is over 93% Buddhist in a land that is the most populous Muslim country in the world. The more relaxed Buddhist
culture has given Bali an international reputation for 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.
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.
Ujuong Kulon - One of three national parks in Indonesia and also world heritage site, Ujuong Kulon is found on the western tip of the
country's main island of Java. The park has the largest remaining lowland rainforests on the main island, and is also known for its many
volcanoes. What makes Ujuong Kulon stand out from the rest of the national parks in Indonesia is its remaining population of Java
Rhinos. Only a few dozen Java Rhinos remain in the world, with 40 to 50 of them here in Ujuong Kulon.
Kiribati
South Tarawa
Marinara Islands
Capital - Saipan
Marshall Islands
Capital - Majuro
Micronesia
Capital - Palikir
Nauru
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 not many
attractions here that draw travelers.
Anibare Bay - Most of the ocean water surrounding Nauru is considered to dangerous for both swimming and diving only Anibare Bay
as the only exception. The heavy surf and under tow here cause be a bit risky as well, but its 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 -
Niue
Capital - Alofi
Palau
Capital - Malekeok
Papua New Guinea
Capital - Port Moresby
Pitcairn Islands
Capital - Adamstown
Samoa
Capital - Apia
Solomon Islands
Capital - Honiara
Tokelau
Capital - Tokelau
Tonga
Capital - Nukualofa
Tuvalu
Capital - Funatfuti
Vanuatu
Capital - Port Vila
Wallis & Fatuna
Capital - Mata Utu
Capital - Pago Pago
Australia
Capital - Canberra -
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 -
Cook Islands
Capital - Avarua
Easter Island
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 bring
visitors 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
Guam
Capital - Hagana
French Polynesia
Capital - Papeete
Indonesia
Capital - Jakarta - Indonesia's capital is split into several districts, with travelers mostly heading to the central, south and western districts.
The central is where you'll find all the national monuments and government buildings such as the Presidential Palace. Both the western and
southern districts hold all the museums, nightlife and shopping areas, with a large Chinatown also in the western area. Jakarta is also close
to the famous, thousand islands, for those who want to see some beautiful Indonesia coast without leaving the capital.
Bali - The city of Bali is over 93% Buddhist in a land that is the most populous Muslim country in the world. The more relaxed Buddhist
culture has given Bali an international reputation for 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.
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.
Ujuong Kulon - One of three national parks in Indonesia and also world heritage site, Ujuong Kulon is found on the western tip of the
country's main island of Java. The park has the largest remaining lowland rainforests on the main island, and is also known for its many
volcanoes. What makes Ujuong Kulon stand out from the rest of the national parks in Indonesia is its remaining population of Java
Rhinos. Only a few dozen Java Rhinos remain in the world, with 40 to 50 of them here in Ujuong Kulon.
Kiribati
South Tarawa
Marinara Islands
Capital - Saipan
Marshall Islands
Capital - Majuro
Micronesia
Capital - Palikir
Nauru
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 not many
attractions here that draw travelers.
Anibare Bay - Most of the ocean water surrounding Nauru is considered to dangerous for both swimming and diving only Anibare Bay
as the only exception. The heavy surf and under tow here cause be a bit risky as well, but its 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 -
Niue
Capital - Alofi
Palau
Capital - Malekeok
Papua New Guinea
Capital - Port Moresby
Pitcairn Islands
Capital - Adamstown
Samoa
Capital - Apia
Solomon Islands
Capital - Honiara
Tokelau
Capital - Tokelau
Tonga
Capital - Nukualofa
Tuvalu
Capital - Funatfuti
Vanuatu
Capital - Port Vila
Wallis & Fatuna
Capital - Mata Utu
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.
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.
| What to See in : |