Flights to Vanuatu

Travelling to Vanuatu

A paradise set apart from the South Pacific’s better-known tourist destinations, this archipelago of volcanic isles offers simple tropical living at its best. From secluded beaches and bushwalks to world-class diving and surfing just off shore, Vanuatu has something for every type of traveller.

Plan your holiday in Vanuatu with Virgin Australia today and discover the unspoilt beauty of the South Pacific.

For those planning their first trip to Port Vila and beyond, make sure to read our guide on travelling to Vanuatu

Vanuatu Attractions

Mele Cascades

Situated just 10-kilometres from Vanuatu’s largest city, Port Vila, this picturesque swimming hole is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. And while the steep, rope-guided climb to the falls may give the illusion of being lost in the rainforest, the on-site café reminds travellers they’re only a stone’s throw from civilisation. Take a dip in the plunge pools that terrace their way to the top of the falls, then witness the grandeur of the Mele Cascades from below, which plummet from the forest canopy overhead.

Mele Bay

One of the best locations near Port Vila to experience life below sea level, Mele Bay is a haven for seasoned scuba divers and novices alike. Explore submerged shipwrecks and reefs in the company of an experienced guide, or brave the ocean after dark on an overnight excursion. For travellers who’d rather stay on the surface, many tour providers also offer snorkelling trips, so you can get acquainted with the local marine life without getting in to deep.

Mt Yasur

Perfect for travellers who don’t want to brave the sea, Mt Yasur is where land lovers will find adventure in Vanuatu. Located on the remote Tanna Island, this active volcano can be accessed on a guided tour, which takes visitors across the volcanic rim to reach the caldera. Best explored by night, Mt Yasur’s constant eruptions result in an incredible display, lighting up the sky with a natural fireworks performance.

Millennium Cave

Another inland adventure not for the faint of heart, this caving expedition on Espiritu Santo sees travellers trek, climb and swim through the island’s remote southern rainforest. Crossing creeks and boulders to reach the belly of the cave, travellers will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the resident bats before cooling off in the secluded swimming hole found on the other side.

Port Vila Market

Offering travellers an avenue to explore without venturing beyond the city limits, this vibrant local market puts Port Vila’s unique culture on display. Purchase a fresh young coconut, which can be cut, cracked and made ready to drink on request, then navigate the maze of stallholders beneath the morning sun. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the back of the market, where you’ll find a handful of kiosks preparing traditional meals using the freshest produce of the day.

Want more help planning your itinerary? Read our guide on the best things to do in Vanuatu


Vanuatu Food

Influenced by an eclectic mix of Asian, French and Melanesian flavours, Vanuatu’s cuisine is in a category all of its own. And for travellers wanting to get a taste of the local fare, there’s no better place to begin than Port Vila. From upscale bistros and cocktail bars to humble local eateries, Port Vila has a dining destination to suit every palate.

Port Vila Restaurants


L’Houstalet Restaurant

Long known as the best French restaurant in town, this Port Vila institution hasn’t changed its menu in more than 30 years. Still serving up the same signature dishes three decades on, diners can expect to indulge in a range of classics, from escargot to prawns flambé. Travellers hoping for local cuisine, however, shouldn’t let the restaurant’s French roots turn them away. With adventurous meals like wild pigeon and flying fox on the menu, there’s still plenty of opportunity to sample the island’s eclectic cuisine.


Au Fare

A relative newcomer to Port Vila’s flourishing culinary scene, Au Fare is quickly cementing its position as the city’s hottest dining destination. Part French and part Pacific in flavour, this fusion restaurant’s biggest drawcard is its waterfront location, which provides al fresco dining alongside panoramic ocean views. And with live music every Friday and Saturday night, diners can even end their meal with a dance beneath the stars.


Au Peche Mignon

A welcome alternative for travellers craving a taste of home, this bakery and café specialises in flaky pastries of all kinds, from almond croissants to sausage rolls. Known for selling out of their most popular items by midday, Au Peche Mignon is best visited in the morning, when their rows of sweet and savoury delights are still full to the brim.


Vanuatu Weather

Afforded with a temperate climate all year round, there’s never a bad time to discover Vanuatu. In summer, from November to March, temperatures average around 28 degrees Celsius, while winter sees temperatures drop to the low twenties. Despite slight variations in temperature and humidity from month to month, Vanuatu’s sea temperatures remain warm, making this chain of tropical isles perfect for divers, surfers and snorkelers no matter the season. For the easiest trip planning ever, read our recommendations on the best time to visit Vanuatu.


Arriving in Vanuatu

When you touch down at Port Vila Bauerfield Airport, there are a number of transport services available to get you on your way. Busses and taxis are available day and night, while most local resorts provide complimentary transfer services to and from the terminal. Travellers who want the freedom to explore the island also have the option to hire a car from one of the rental kiosks, located in the airport’s main terminal building.

Plan your Pacific island adventure. Book flights to Vanuatu with Virgin Australia today.


Flying to Vanuatu- Quick facts

Plane

Boeing 737-800

Airport

Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)

Airport transfer time

11mins to City

Average direct flight time

2hr 40mins

Timezone

GMT +11

Cabins

Business, Economy X, Economy


Frequently asked questions – Flights to Vanuatu

Virgin Australia operates direct flights from Brisbane to Vanuatu. The average non-stop flight time to Vanuatu from Brisbane is typically 2 hours and 40 minutes. Flights from other major Australian cities will be longer with a stopover in Brisbane.

Flights from Sydney to Vanuatu - 4h 10m^
Flights from Brisbane to Vanuatu - 2h 40m
Flights from Melbourne to Vanuatu - 4h 50m^
Flights from Adelaide to Vanuatu - 5h 05m^
Flights from Perth to Vanuatu - 7h 10m^

^ Excludes stopover time.

*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arive at your destination.

You will travel roughly 2,000 kilometres on your flight with Virgin Australia from Brisbane to Vanuatu.

Virgin Australia flies into Port Vila Airport, also known as Bauerfield International Airport (VLI).

*Changes must be made prior to your travel date. Fare differences may apply. Cancellation to Travel Bank only as a Future Flight credit. Refund to original form of payment is not available.

Economy Lite: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Lite fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Seat selection and checked baggage are not included in Economy Lite fares. Payment surcharge may apply. Economy Lite fares are not recommended if you require flexibility with your travel as cancellations are not permitted and you may need to pay a fee and any fare difference to make a change. For other fare types, a fee and fare difference may be payable for changing or cancelling your booking. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are not permitted for Economy Lite and Choice fares if you cancel your booking. Refunds are permitted for Economy Flex fares on payment of a fee. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full terms and conditions at www.virginaustralia.com

Economy Choice: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Choice fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or cancel your booking to travel credit by paying a fee and any fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are not permitted for this fare if you cancel your booking but may be requested for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Economy Flex: All fares subject to availability. International return fares may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges or due to currency fluctuations. All fares prices are based on a one way Economy Choice fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Payment surcharge may apply. You can change or cancel your booking to travel credit by paying a fee and any fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees and Surcharges page for more information. Refunds are permitted for a fee if you cancel this booking. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Different baggage allowances and conditions may apply to these flights. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com

Business: Price is based on a one-way Business fare booked on virginaustralia.com. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Payment surcharge may apply. Changes incur any applicable fare difference. See Virgin Australia’s Fees page for details. Refunds are permitted if you cancel this booking. You may also request a refund for other reasons, including under the Australian Consumer Law. Check your fare rules for more information. Some flights may be operated by a partner airline. Full T&Cs at www.virginaustralia.com