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Your Oceania Tourism Guide: How to Enjoy the Rich Culture and Diversity of This Region [2024]

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Oceania Tourism

Oceania Tourism
Oceania Tourism

When most people think of traveling in Oceania, the first country that comes to mind is Australia. While it is true that this country offers plenty of activities and attractions for tourists, there are many other countries in this region that are worth exploring. It is an amazing travel destination that offers a rich culture and diverse landscape.

In this travel guide, we will provide tips on how to enjoy the rich culture and diversity of Oceania and how to make the most of your time in Oceania. From touring ancient ruins to swimming with dolphins, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world!

So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!

1. Attend a Kava Ceremony (Fiji)

Traditional Fijian libation is kava. It is created by combining a ground-up plant root with water. Kava was once only consumed by local chiefs. But nowadays, Kava is drank socially with friends or even at events. Since alcohol is incredibly expensive in Fiji, Kava is the locals’ preferred alternative.

Kava has a flavor reminiscent of really awful tea or murky water. If you drink a lot of kava, you might start to feel “chilled out” or calm after a while.

Try Kava for the cultural experience rather than the taste or sensation. Attend a kava ceremony to experience one of Fiji’s most well-liked libations in the proper (ceremonial) manner.

2. Go Scuba Diving (Fiji)

Scuba diving is well-known all around the world! Along with sharks, there are a ton of corals and fish in vivid colors. Divers from all around the world travel to Fiji to go shark diving.

You must embark on a planned vacation to Beqa Island to go shark diving. You can observe the sharks being fed there while you dive with them. Plus, those who have experienced shark diving said that they saw numerous sharks and felt completely safe the entire time!

3. Try the Kokoda Trail (Papua New Guinea)

This difficult 96km Kokoda Trail through dense rainforest is not for the faint of heart; it often takes 10 days to finish, with a peak elevation of over 7,000ft. As the location where Japanese soldiers killed over 600 Australians and injured over 1,000 more in 1942, this trail is rich in military history. The dry season, from May to October, is the ideal time to trek the Kokoda Trail.

4. Go island hopping in Madang (Papua New Guinea)

One of Papua New Guinea’s most unspoiled coastal areas is Madang, which offers superb diving, numerous WWII plane and shipwrecks, as well as a lot of on-land attractions and jungle settlements to explore. There are countless islands off the coast of Madang, and since there aren’t many other boats around, you can stop at one and take in the tranquility of nature and the bird cries.

5. Visit Bomana War Cemetery (Papua New Guinea)

Many World War II service members who died in battle in Papua and Bougainville are laid to rest in the Bomana War Cemetery. The cemetery has more than 3,200 graves and is the only one in Papua New Guinea with a Stone of Remembrance and white marble headstones. 700 unnamed servicemen are among those who were buried.

This location hosts the ANZAC Day memorial service, which honors Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives in battle on April 25.

6. Shop at Central Market (Solomon Islands)

The majority of Solomon Islanders live in small villages, but Honiara, on Guadalcanal’s northwest coast, is a bustling city with a population of around 70,000. Visit the Central Market, a must-do shopping destination, to discover the authentic flavor of the Solomon Islands. It’s the Solomon supermarket, which villagers frequent everyday for fresh food as well as for other significant social gatherings.

Although local handicrafts and the sweetest pineapple you’ve ever eaten are available for purchase, tourists should go for the atmosphere.

7. Visit Skull Island (Solomon Islands)

The heads of tribal chiefs and vanquished foes — head hunters and the head-hunted — now live on Skull Island in the Western Province. The skulls are exhibited in intricate shrines embellished with shell money and date to the 19th century, a time when headhunting raids were widespread (shaped and polished shell fragments once used as currency).

But keep in mind that it’s crucial to avoid visiting Skull Island without a guide and without consent from the local chief. Anyone who ventures forward may suffer dire repercussions: according to local myth, ghosts may harm visitors if specific rites are not carried out prior to their arrival.

8. Bungee jump at Queensland (New Zealand)

New Zealand may be the adventure capital of the world, but Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. This is the perfect place to make a base if you are an adrenaline junkie. From bunjy jumping to skydiving, Queenstown has everything you could ever want.

Fun Fact: In New Zealand it’s spelled Bunjy, not Bungee 

The original Kawarau Bridge jump is the best for that authentic bungy jumping feel in New Zealand. The Ledge Bunjy offers the best view of Queenstown, and the terrifying Nevis Bungy located 134 meters over the middle of a gorge is the third highest bungee in the world! All are located in and around Queenstown! 

9. Swim with Dolphins (New Zealand)

One of the most wonderful experiences you will ever have is swimming with dolphins. You may swim with a big pod of dolphins in Kaikoura, but the water is frigid, so you must wear a wetsuit there. When visiting New Zealand, seeing dolphins is a must.

10. Try the World Famous Gorge Swing (New Zealand)

Try a gorge swing if bunjy jumping is too much for you. You can travel alone or in a tandem swing. If you’d like, you can complete this task in pairs of two. It is a swing across the gorge on a 300-meter arc rather than a direct fall.

But take note that still it is not for the faint of heart, this swing is the highest on the planet.

11. Catch the Sunrise and Sunset at Uluru (Australia)

The largest monolith in the world, also known as Ayer’s Rock or Uluru, is the largest piece of rock that has ever been discovered by humans.

Uluru is essentially in the heart of the Outback and is not easily accessible. It is situated close to the town of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

However, Uluru is a fantastic stop to include in your Australia travel itinerary if you’re traveling cross-country.

In the glory of sunrise or sunset, the enormous red sandstone rock appears dreamlike, and the fact that it is revered by the Australian indigenous people adds to its aura of mysticism and magic.

12. See the Wineglass Bay (Australia)

Like Transylvania or Madagascar, Tasmania is one of those locations that some people would mistake for being made-up.

However, Tasmania exists. It’s that tiny island off the coast of the Australian mainland’s southeast that is renowned for its varied topography and untamed natural beauty.

One of the most picturesque areas on the island is Wineglass Bay.

The sapphire water looks to be the wine that fills the glass, and the beautiful white sand on the beach forms the shape of a wine glass.

Mountains tower all around the bay, making it a fantastic location for trekking and taking pictures. While you’re here, make sure to take the Wineglass Bay Walk at Freycinet National Park.

Oceania Tourism

We hope this guide has inspired you to visit Oceania and experience its many wonders for yourself. From the warm beaches of Samoa to the icy peaks of New Zealand, this region has something to offer everyone. So don’t hesitate; start planning your trip today, and you’re sure to have the time of your life. Thanks for reading, and safe travels!

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Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Global. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in the world. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best the world has to offer.