Back to grid

Best ancient ruins destinations in Oceania

Back to grid
Easter Island
Mysterious Moai and Volcanic Landscapes
8.1
Rano Raraku on Easter Island is the volcanic quarry where the Rapa Nui carved their moai. About 400 statues in various stages lie on the slopes. The largest unfinished figure would have stood about 21 metres tall. Many heads emerge from the grass and give the hillside a strange crowded look.
Highlights:
  • ⛏️ Explore the Rano Raraku volcanic quarry of moai
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Anakena Beach
  • 🗿 Visit the massive moai statues at Ahu Tongariki
Federated States of Micronesia
Scattered paradise with tropical diversity
7.5
Nan Madol on Pohnpei is a city of about 100 artificial islets built on a coral reef. Builders stacked huge basalt logs to form walls and platforms. It was the ceremonial centre of the Saudeleur dynasty between about 1200 and 1500. Visitors explore the canals by boat and on foot.
Highlights:
  • 💰 Explore the ancient stone money on Yap Island
  • 🪼 Swim among giant jellyfish in Palau’s Lake
  • 🏛️ Visit the UNESCO-listed Nan Madol ruins, the "Venice of the Pacific"
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
8.9
Taputapuatea on Raiatea is a great marae or sacred temple site by the lagoon. Polynesian navigators gathered here to share knowledge before sailing across the Pacific. Upright stones and platforms stand in a large open court beside the sea. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage site in 2017.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel the coral gardens of Moorea’s turquoise lagoon
  • 🤿 Dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater bungalow above the Bora Bora lagoon
Tonga
Tropical paradise with volcanic islands
7.8
The Haamonga a Maui trilithon in Tonga is a stone gateway about five metres high. It is made of two huge coral limestone pillars topped by a beam. King Tuitatui built it in the 13th century. The stones are aligned with the sunrise at the summer solstice.
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
Palau
Pristine paradise with underwater wonders
8.3
Badrulchau on Babeldaob in Palau is a field of tall basalt monoliths standing in two lines. Some stones reach about three metres and are carved with faces. They may have supported a large meeting house long ago. The site lies in green hills far from the coast.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Paddle a kayak through Palau’s turquoise Rock Islands
  • 🤿 Dive into the stunning Blue Corner reef
  • 🌊 Swim among harmless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake
Victoria
Diverse Landscapes and Cultural Richness
8.3
Budj Bim in Victoria is a volcanic landscape with stone channels and ponds built by the Gunditjmara people. They date back about 6,600 years. The people trapped and farmed eels in the flowing water. Trails lead through lava flows and wetlands to the old aquaculture works.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore the vibrant Queen Victoria Market with local produce and crafts
  • 🚗 Drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles
  • 🌺 Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens for lush landscapes and exotic plants
Feedback