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Best spiritual destinations in Oceania

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Byron Bay
Bohemian Beaches and Laid-Back Vibes
8.3
Cape Byron is the easternmost point of mainland Australia and lies on Bundjalung Country. The Arakwal, Minjungbal and Widjabul peoples have lived along this coast for at least 22,000 years. Today the town has a strong wellness scene with yoga and meditation. Sunrise walks to the lighthouse suit quiet reflection.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Kayak with dolphins in the clear coastal waters
  • 🏄‍♀️ Surf the waves at Main Beach or Wategos Beach
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's easternmost point
Kakadu National Park
Ancient Rock Art and Wild Wetlands
8.3
Aboriginal people have lived across this 7,646 square mile park for roughly 60,000 years. More than 5,000 recorded art sites include paintings up to 20,000 years old. Ubirr and Nourlangie are internationally recognised rock art galleries. Bininj and Mungguy people recognise as many as six seasons and lease their land jointly.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Take a challenging hike to Jim Jim Falls gorge
  • 🦅 Cruise the Yellow Water Billabong for crocs and birdlife
  • 🌄 Watch the sunset over Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr
Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
Te Arawa Maori first settled the lakeshore around 1350. Rotorua now has the highest share of Maori residents of any New Zealand city at 46 percent. Visitors can explore Maori culture at Te Puia in the Whakarewarewa valley beside the Pohutu Geyser. The surrounding geothermal caldera formed about 240,000 years ago.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Tonga
Tropical paradise with volcanic islands
7.8
Almost 98 percent of residents identify as Christian. Faith shapes daily life. Methodist missionaries baptised the future King Tupou I in 1831. The Free Wesleyan Church became the state church in 1928 and its chief pastor anoints each monarch. Commerce and entertainment stop on Sundays, so visitors will find the day quiet.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Discover blowholes at Mapu'a 'a Vaea coast
  • 🗿 Explore the ancient Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon
  • 🐋 Swim with humpback whales in Ha'apai waters
Samoa
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
7.8
A 2017 constitutional amendment declared the country a Christian nation. About 98 percent of residents identify as Christian across Congregational, Catholic, Mormon and Methodist churches. Traditional fa'a Samoa customs continue beside worship. A Baha'i House of Worship at Tiapapata near Apia was completed in 1984. It is the seventh of nine.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the lush jungle on the Canopy Walk
  • 💦 Slide down natural waterfalls at Papase’ea
  • 🌊 Swim in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench
Uluru
Majestic sandstone monolith under endless skies
The rock rises 1,142 feet above the plain and measures 5.8 miles around its base. The Anangu hold it sacred and share Tjukurpa stories on guided walks. Ownership returned to the Pitjantjatjara people on 26 October 1985. The climbing ban took effect on 26 October 2019. UNESCO inscribed the park in 1987.
Highlights:
  • ✨ Take a guided night tour to see stars overhead
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk the base trail and spot ancient rock art
  • 🌅 Witness sunrise over Uluru from the viewing platform
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