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Best solo travel destinations in Oceania

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Wellington
Creative capital by wild seas
7.1
Land is squeezed between the harbour and steep hills in this city. That makes the centre compact and easy to cover on foot. A 2009 survey found 73 percent of central apartment dwellers walked to work or university. Wellington also has more cafés per capita than New York.
Highlights:
  • 🦜 Explore Zealandia urban ecosanctuary’s rare wildlife
  • 🚠 Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for city views
  • 🏛️ Visit the interactive Museum of New Zealand Te Papa
Cairns
Gateway to Reef and Rainforest Wonders
8.1
The Esplanade Lagoon is a 4,800 square metre swimming area that opened in 2003 and is very popular. Group tours leave from this city for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Both places are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The scenic railway to Kuranda is another easy day trip.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Explore the tropical waterfalls and swimming holes of Atherton Tablelands
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway above the treetops
  • 🐠 Snorkel or dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Vanuatu
Tropical paradise with cultural diversity
7.6
Coral reefs draw scuba divers to this country from around the world. The SS President Coolidge wreck off Espiritu Santo is among the largest wrecks open to recreational divers. Port Vila on Efate is the capital and largest town. It is an easy base for exploring the rest of the islands.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Swim in the magical blue holes near Espiritu Santo
  • 🤿 Snorkel the blue waters and coral reefs of Champagne Beach
  • 🌋 Hike to the rim of Mount Yasur, the world’s most accessible volcano
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
8.2
Land-based tourism in the Yasawa Islands was banned until 1987. Three budget resorts have operated on Tavewa since the early 1980s. The group has about 20 volcanic islands and the Yasawa Flyer catamaran serves them. These affordable stays suit anyone travelling alone in this country.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Explore the underwater coral gardens at Rainbow Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Natadola Beach
  • 🌊 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands
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