Ten of the Best Pacific Island Travel Destinations

Looking to take an overseas break without having to take a long-haul flight?

A Pacific Island holiday could be the answer! The South Pacific region sits right on Australia’s doorstep and offers a plethora of idyllic escapes from the everyday. And from opulent overwater bungalows to humble beach bures — however you like to roost on holiday, you’ll find an accommodation option to suit.

Here’s a checklist of the top Pacific Island travel destinations to choose from.

New Zealand

According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2025, the top five destination countries for Aussies travelling overseas are Indonesia (Bali), New Zealand, Japan, the USA, and China. It represents a bit of a knock for our cousins across ‘the ditch’, as New Zealand has long reigned as our international destination of choice. But hey, when you’re in second spot, there’s room for growth. And what’s undisputed is just how fabulous a visit to New Zealand can be. From the cosmopolitan cities and intriguing Māori cultural attractions of the North Island to the spectacular landscapes of the South Island, this is the Pacific destination that offers something for everyone.

Fiji

Also much loved by Aussie travellers, you can’t go past Fiji for a quintessential island escape — and there are many reasons why we flock to this part of the Pacific in droves. It’s close, it’s affordable, it’s safe, and it’s perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families alike. And Fiji offers holiday accommodation to suit every budget, with some of the most popular properties clustered on Denarau Island (just off the main island of Viti Levu). But if you really want to get away from it all and you have the budget to blow, Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is located in one of the most remote and unspoiled parts of the country.

Papua New Guinea

If you’re the type of traveller who likes to venture along the road less travelled, consider visiting Kiribati in Micronesia or Port Moresby Papua New Guinea. The latter has strong cultural connections with Oz (Australia was colonial administrator of PNG for some 70 years) and plenty to keep culturally inquisitive journeyers captivated. Port Moresby is situated on the country’s southern coastline — the traditional land of the Motu-Koitabu people — and here, modern cultural life melds with traditional practices in music, the arts, and performance. Ela Beach Craft Market is a great spot to shop for vibrant artworks, while the Moresby Arts Theatre presents a diverse annual calendar of live performances.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands fly under the radar for most Aussie travellers. Why? Good question, given this destination is so extraordinarily beautiful! Think crystal clear turquoise waters, a tranquil swim-out reef that rings much of the main island of Rarotonga, and a great selection of boutique hotels and luxury villas. Have a look at the Te Manava Luxury Villas, which are situated on the island’s tranquil southern side and feature private plunge pools overlooking the Rarotonga reef. If you’re happy to travel just a bit further, gorgeous Aitutaki Island has a hammock with your name on it.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a tricky one for travellers in terms of price and logistics. It’s quite a mission to get to (as with the Cook Islands, you have to cross the International Date Line to do so), and it’s right up there in terms of cost. If you want to do it right, (and by right, we mean an overwater bungalow situation) you are going to have to dig deep. However, this is a holiday option that is well worth the travel time and investment.

The country is made up of more than a hundred islands, but most visitors choose to stay on either Tahiti, Morea, or Bora Bora. Tahiti is home to the capital Papeete and Faa’a International Airport, and is the easiest of the three to get to. Reachable by ferry or a very short flight from Tahiti, Morea is a beautiful island that you can drive around in about an hour. But it’s in Bora Bora that your Tahitian dreams will come true. The Four Seasons Bora Bora packs a budget punch at around $2K a night, but the overwater bungalows are mind-blowing!

Samoa

Samoa is renowned as one of the safest countries in the Pacific, making it a popular holiday choice for families. It’s a six-hour flight to Apia from Australia’s East Coast, and the main island of Upolu is where most resorts are located. Expect things to be reasonably rustic even for four- and five-star properties — but that’s part of the charm. Located just a short drive from Faleolo International Airport, the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort has recently undergone a major renovation and is a reliable all-rounder. In terms of things to do, Samoa is a great destination for active holidaymakers. 4WD safaris are popular, and the opportunities to go diving and snorkelling are plentiful.

Hawaii

Situated at the outer extremity of what most Australian travellers would consider as a ‘Pacific holiday’, Hawaii is many things — including a shopaholic’s delight! We all know that brands cost less in the United States than they do in Australia, and as a US state, Hawaii allows you to tap straight into that lovely mass market. And just remember, shopping in the US is all about levels — from full-price boutiques to discounted discounters, and everything in between!

Vanuatu

For those seeking sun, surf, and sand, along with a generous dash of cultural immersion, Vanuatu beckons. This archipelago nation of around 80 mostly volcanic islands has a rich cultural tradition to explore alongside endless opportunities to get in some serious towel time. Most visitors choose to stay in and around Port Vila on the main island of Efate’s east coast for easy access to tourist activities, eateries, markets, and of course, beautiful beaches. But don’t discount travelling a little further afield; you’ll be richly rewarded. Tanna, for example is renowned for its diversity of landforms and exquisite natural beauty.

The people of Vanuatu are Melanesian by descent and conservative by nature. That said, you’ll have the opportunity to see some wonderful and uplifting cultural traditions, such as dances incorporating chants, drumming, and elaborate costumes.

Norfolk Island

It may be one of seven external territories of Australia, but Norfolk Island is completely unique. Situated 1,500 kilometres east of Brisbane in the vast expanse of the Pacific, in terms of look and feel you’ll find similarities here with New Zealand and Hawaii. But it’s this small island’s big backstory that delights visiting history buffs. On display everywhere is the legacy of the Bounty mutineers and their descendants, who settled on the island in the 1850s after it was abandoned as a penal facility. Their influence continues to define life here — everything from language and cuisine, to arts and crafts, music, and dance.

Australia’s Tropical North

But why travel far, when some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the Pacific are right in your own backyard? Up and down the Queensland coast there are gorgeous patches of paradise lying just beyond the horizon. Choose from happening Hamilton Island and the sublime Whitsundays, wild and untamed K’gari Fraser Island in the state’s south-east, the nature lover’s wonderland that is Lady Elliot Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy and Green Island (which can be accessed with ease from Cairns), and uber-relaxed Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville.

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