Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest city, offers beaches, turquoise seas, jungle, and rich local culture. Known as the "Sugar City," it's named for a spear-duel legend and centers on sugar trade. Visit botanical gardens, temples, cafes, mills, and the lively market, plus see warrior dances and firewalking. Nearby highlights include the Blue Lagoon, mineral-rich mud pools and spas, and Savala Island, with soft sand, reefs, and great snorkeling.

Remote and wonderfully unspoilt, Kadavu Island is a lush slice of Fiji where rainforest-clad hills tumble down to quiet shores and crystal-clear waters. Best known for its spectacular reefs, including the Great Astrolabe Reef, it promises superb snorkelling, diving and a warm welcome from island communities rich in Fijian tradition.

Champagne Beach in Vanuatu is a world-famous stretch of white sand and turquoise water, ranked by CNN among the world's top beaches. Set on Espiritu Santo, the least populated large island in the archipelago, it's surrounded by coconut plantations and a few locals. Its name comes from bubbles in the water that reminded Pedro de Quirós of champagne. Nearby blue holes and clear waters make the island even more special.

Vanuatu is a lush South Pacific archipelago of 83 islands, famed for warm welcomes, secluded beaches, and vibrant reefs. Port Vila, the capital on Efate, sits amid volcanoes, rainforests, and hot springs. Visit the Mele Cascades, snorkel offshore, take glass-bottom boat rides, explore traditional villages, or relax at beaches like Eton Beach and Crystal Blue Lagoon.

Lifou, the world's largest raised coral atoll, offers blissful beaches, palm-lined walks, and outstanding diving in clear waters rich with fish, turtles, rays, and colorful coral. Peng Beach and Luengoni Beach are especially fine, with white sand, blue water, and lush vegetation. Inland, forested terrain and hidden cave systems await. Visit tribal villages, churches, and thatched huts, learn about local culture, buy handmade jewelry, and cool off with fresh coconut.

Noumea, the colourful capital of New Caledonia, overlooks the reefs of Noumea Lagoon and blends French and Kanak culture. Stroll the waterfront, relax on beaches, and use it as a base for island trips: Amedee Island, with its historic lighthouse and 247-step climb, turtles, clownfish, diving and glass-bottom boats; and Ilot Maitre, with shallow turquoise waters and stilted bungalows. Try local seafood and bougna, a slow-cooked coconut-and-banana-leaf dish.

Brisbane lives up to Queensland's sunny reputation, blending outdoor lifestyle, riverside relaxation and urban sophistication. Visitors can surf, unwind under palms, or explore nearby sandy islands and wildlife sanctuaries for koalas and kangaroos. The city's skyline rises above the Brisbane River, while South Bank Parklands offers a man-made beach, gardens and lagoon in the heart of downtown. It's also a cultural hub, home to GOMA and excellent dining with nearby Granite Belt wines.

Brisbane lives up to Queensland's sunny reputation, blending outdoor lifestyle, riverside relaxation and urban sophistication. Visitors can surf, unwind under palms, or explore nearby sandy islands and wildlife sanctuaries for koalas and kangaroos. The city's skyline rises above the Brisbane River, while South Bank Parklands offers a man-made beach, gardens and lagoon in the heart of downtown. It's also a cultural hub, home to GOMA and excellent dining with nearby Granite Belt wines.