An easy four-hour flight from
Sydney had Natalie Gruzlewski and the
Getaway crew in Vanuatu — and that included a connecting flight from Port Vila to their final destination, Tanna Island.
Mount Yasur
There are many reasons people love going to Vanuatu, and the little extra trip from Port Vila to Tanna is usually inspired by wanting to see Mount Yasur, the world's most accessible active volcano. It stands at 361m above sea level on the coast near Sulphur Bay.
The volcano's glow supposedly attracted Captain James Cook on the first European journey to the area in 1774. Today it is a sacred area for the John Frum cargo cult which reveres its namesake. John Frum was a deified messenger who foretold the bringing of wealth to the island by American forces. His followers believe he resides in Mount Yasur.
The volcano is constantly active and very easy to reach. Day and night tours are awesome and to stand on its edge is spectacular.
Evergreen Resort
This is where you set watch to "island time". Far from the excitement of Mount Yasur, you're greeted with a welcome drink and shown to your comfortable bungalow. Made from local materials, the bungalows are equipped with mosquito nets that to help you sleep comfortably — and you can still feel the cooling seabreeze.
Merian Numake's family owns and operates Evergreen — her father-in-law is chief of the island — and she loves to show visitors around her village and introduce them to her family. Evergreen's income supports the local economy.
Nine bungalows are located in tropical gardens on the ocean's edge — each can sleep three people. Six of the bungalows have shared bathroom facilities and three have ensuite facilities. There is also a camping site, where you can BYO tent or use theirs. Electricity is generated each evening.
The restaurant serves delicious meals at reasonable prices and there's a well-stocked bar. Continental breakfast of Tanna coffee, wood-fired bread and jams provide a good start to the day.
There's a kilometre of remote coastline and 6km of white sandy beach to explore, traditional outriggers to take you out to sea, horseriding and snorkelling. At Evergreen you can be as active or bone idle as you like and everything in between.
Location
Tanna Island, a 45-minute flight from Port Vila in Vanuatu.
Cost
Tanna Evergreen Resort bungalows start at $91 a night, twin share. Breakfast and airport transfers are included.
Mount Yasur Volcano Tours are $118 and include pick-up and drop-off at hotel, entry fees and refreshments.
Pacific Blue, international airline of Virgin Blue, has flights to Port Vila.
One-way fares from:
- Brisbane $249
- Sydney $269
- Melbourne $339
- Perth $459
Connections to Tanna are available with Air Vanuatu starting at $271 return. Conditions apply.
Prices correct at July 2, 2009.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Tanna Evergreen Resort
PO Box 151
Tanna Island
Vanuatu
Ph: +678 68 774
Fax: +678 688 46
www.tevergreenresort-tours.vu
tevergreen@vanuatu.com.vu
Visas: Australians do not require a visa to stay in Vanuatu for up to 30 days. An extension of up to four months in a one-year period is possible.
Electricity: 220-280V at 50Hz using Australian-style plugs.
Time zone: GMT + 11.
Currency: The vatu.
International dialling code: +678.
It is recommended travellers to Vanuatu see their doctor at least six weeks before departure as there are specific vaccinations recommended. Other health precautions and preventions may also be recommended and are best discussed with your doctor. For further information, visit www.welltogo.com.au or www.smartraveller.gov.au.
