Fact Sheets & Video - Vanuatu

Fun for the entire family in a tropical paradise...here in Vanuatu there's something for everyone! So pack your bags and the kids and head to Vanuatu.

Mums, Dads and the kids all agree that Vanuatu is the place to be when it comes to fun in the sun for the entire family! With its beautiful beaches, glorious weather and friendly locals more and more families are heading for Vanuatu. You don't have to feel hurried and you will be welcomed by the warm and friendly ni-Vanuatu people.

Vanuatu was formerly known as the New Hebrides before gaining independence from Anglo-French rule in 1980. Today Vanuatu a self-governing Republic and a member of the Commonwealth.

An archipelago of 83 islands, Vanuatu has a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments. The population includes native ni-Vanuatu people of Melanesian origin plus a mix of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Asian and people of Pacific origin.

Only a short 3 hour and 50 minute direct flight from Sydney to Port Vila or 3 hours from Brisbane with Air Vanuatu. Air Vanuatu fly directly to Port Villa 6 times a week from Sydney and 3 from Brisbane.

Efate is the main island of Vanuatu where the capital Port Vila is situated. Captain Cook was the first European to visit the island. Cook named it Sandwich Island after Lord Sandwich, the patron of his voyage. Fortunately the indigenous name prevailed.

Port Vila is located around a natural harbour offering views of Iririki and Ifira Islands. The airport is only a short distance from town and all major resorts and hotels.

The best time of year to visit Vanuatu is April/May to October when the temperatures range comfortably from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. Light weight casual clothing plus a jacket is usually all you will need to pack. November & December are warmer and January to March is usually hot with temperatures ranging from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius. During this time Vanuatu is often wet and prone to cyclones.

Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu and Le Meridien Port Vila Resort Spa and Casino are located on the island of Efate, close to the capital, Port Vila, both have Kids Clubs for 3 to 12 year olds and they know how to keep young minds occupied with activities like swimming, crab hunting, a variety of water sports and arts and crafts. Kids eat, play and stay free with specialised kids menus and baby sitting facilities for the littler ones under 3 years for an additional charge. Both resorts cater very well for families of all ages with plenty for the older kids and adults to do as well.

Le Meridien Port Vila Resort Spa and Casino

Le Meridien Port Vila Resort Spa and Casino is located on the shores of Erakor Lagoon, 5 minutes from Port Vila and 10 minutes from the airport. Overlooking Erakor Lagoon and its own private island, it is home to Port Vila's only International casino with a chose of lagoon or garden view accommodation.

At Le Meridien Port Vila Resort Spa and Casino children under 11 years old stay, play and eat for free when sharing a room with their parents. The Penguin Village is open daily for kids aged 3-12 years old and has plenty of activities to keep the little ones amused. Baby sitters are available anytime for children of all ages at an additional charge.

The resort also has a playground area, two pools, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, half court basketball, table tennis and beach volleyball. Water sports include catamarans, single and double kayaks, windsurfers, surf skis and more. With the kids occupied for the day parents can head into Vila to meet the locals and visit the markets and shops or simply enjoy the facilities available at the resort.

Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu

Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu is a popular resort near the mouth of Erakor Lagoon. Set on seventy five acres of exotic tropical gardens with a range of accommodation including bungalows, over water island suites and a range of family rooms with garden or lagoon views.

The whole family can join in on the many free activities offered at the resort like native arts and crafts, water sports, golf, tennis and organised games.

Children under 14 years old stay, play and eat free at Le Lagon Resort when sharing a room with their parents. The complimentary Kids Only Club frees parents all day to relax and enjoy the resort or Vanuatu's many attractions. The Kids Only Club is open every day for children aged 3-12. Child minding is available anytime for other ages at a nominal charge.

As well as the Kids Only Club Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu caters for babies and children up to the age of 12 with the "Pikinini Buddy" service. A service that gives each child their own buddy to do whatever the child wants; even if it's just brushing their hair. Pikinnini Buddies are available at an hourly rate of approximately $3 per hour.

Buggy Fun Rental

Join a group for some off-road thrills to beaches and parts of the island others don't get to see.

Buggies are suitable for two people, or quad bikes for solo travellers are available. All are automatic so easy to drive.

There are a number of options including beach and jungle safaris or you can combine the buggy fun with kayaking or horse riding and have lunch included in the outing. Tours can be tailored to be relaxing and scenic or wild and muddy.

A valid driving licence is required. Just remember to bring your sunglasses, a hat and a towel. Children over 6 years are welcome.

Tour prices start from around AUD$60 for half a day and a 10% discount for children 7-12 years of age.

L'Hippocampus - The Seahorse Ranch

L'Hippo-campus, "The Ranch" in French, is located on Devil's Point Road between the longest beach of Efate (Mele baie) in Port Vila, Vanuatu, approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Port Vila.

The Seahorse Ranch offers visitors a change to discover Vanuatu on horseback and has a variety of horse riding excursions from 1 hour trail rides to half day or overnight expeditions including beach riding and swimming with horses.

For the kids the Seahorse Ranch offers fun filled Day Camps with riding lessons, pony games, trail rides and swimming with horses, just to name a few and includes lunch and afternoon tea. Parents can drop the kids off at 9am and pick them up around 5pm after spending a day exploring. For the younger kids the Seahorse Ranch has Pony-Baby-Fun for children from the age of 3, it's a half hour session where the child is lead by an instructor.

The horses at the Seahorse Ranch are well trained with love and professionalism to offer the best experience and please beginner and advanced riders. The guides are professionally trained to ensure full security and attention. This standard is the result of careful attention that all riders are provided with. The Seahorse Ranch specialises in small groups for best attention.

The staff are professional and passionate about their job. They have great local knowledge of the fauna and flora and love to talk about their culture and ancient custom secrets during an expedition.

Children can join the day camp at the Seahorse Ranch for around $100 per child. That includes lunch, afternoon tea and a stack of supervised activities.

L'Hippo-Campus, The Seahorse Ranch PB 1600

Port-Vila, Vanuatu. For more information contact: M: 678 40102 or visit:

www.vanuatutourism.com/vanuatu/cms/en/operators/seahorse.html

Further Information:

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu fly return to Port Vila from

$566 Brisbane

$692 Sydney

$713 Melbourne

1300-780-737

Prices correct at 23/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply

Le Meridien Port Vila Resort Spa and Casino

Family Rooms from $375 a night

Stay 5 nigts pay 4 nights special, save 25%

Kid under 11 eat, stay and play free

First 100 callers

0011-6782-2040

www.lemeridien.com/Vanuatu

Prices correct at 23/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu

Family Rooms from $269 a night

Children under 15 eat and stay free

0011-6782-2313

www.lelagonvanuatu.vu

Prices correct at 23/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Buggy Fun Rentals

Tours From $60 for a half day

678-22775 or 678-41591

www.buggyfunrental.com

For further information visit www.vanuatutourism.com