Children Rule – Just Kidding

Melanesian Microcosm

A day trip to the gorgeous little island of of Lelepa offers a concentrated dose of Vanuatu traditional life in all its Pacific simplicity and charm. From village living to beachside perfection, with underwater spectacle just a snorkel and mask away.

Lying in Havannah Harbour on the north western side of Efaté is, unlike most of the main island, not edged by coral reef which makes its calm, clear waters more accessible and perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

At the western entrance to the harbour is Hat Island (or in French, the cutely named Ilot Chapeau), a name which becomes obvious after one look at its profile, then there’s Lelepa followed by Moso, the largest of the three.

Lelepa is inhabited by seven different tribes and numbers its population at 500 and is the perfect example of how traditional tribal life has evolved over the centuries.

After landing on a white-sand beach at the northern tip, visitors walk across a narrow peninsula to find a sensational white sand beach, BBQs, a thatchroofed dining hut, umbrellas, hammocks, snorkelling equipment and kayaks at the ready by the waterside.

Then it’s back on the boat for a short trip to the next bay for a look at one of the many caves on the island, then another short boat ride takes you to an extraordinary little cove set behind a rocky islet, here you’ll find some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen, teaming with fish which swim just a few metres above fabulous coral formations and underwater gullies. The water colour varies from turquoise to deep blue and everyone’s encouraged to drop over side of the banana boats and explore the underwater wonderland before climbing the ladder and back into the boat for the final loop on the around-island trip. This terminates at the village where you’ll find afternoon tea laid out on a large table under a natangura-roofed open building surrounded by woven mats laden with local handicrafts – from placemats to shells and necklaces along with sturdy baskets.

WHERE: Havannah Harbour see www.lelepaislandtours – CO

Blue Lagoon

On the coastal ring road, about 25 minutes from Port Vila heading south east a small sign indicates the Blue Lagoon.

This fresh water ‘blue hole’ as the locals call it is just south of Vila’s famed Eton Beach. It’s perfectly simple – a beautiful spot for a swim and the highlight? Tarzan’s rope.

The Blue Lagoon has basic amenities such as picnic tables and change rooms, but not much else.

And you know what? It doesn’t need anything else either. Gorgeous simplicity.

WHERE: Next door to Eton Beach. –TC

Eden On The River

Adventure. Animals. Freedom to roam. Cascade waterfalls. Pretty much everything a kid could want? Yep – you can find it all at Eden on the River. One Vila’s newer attractions and magnet for kids is set on the banks of the Rentapau River, about 20 minutes from Port Vila. Suitable for young’uns and grown ups, guests strap in for adventure, taking on suspension bridges across the glorious cascading Rentapau River. Finish the bridge walk with a short flying fox ride and the kids are ready for a quick bite to eat of local fruit and fresh juice followed by a fun farm tour. Pet the resident sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens and horses. Meet an iguana, flying fox and lorikeet. All are friendly and all kid-friendly.

For mum and dad, take a tour of the Ernst family’s beautiful gardens at Eden. Lovingly tended over many years, Carolyn Ernst (our Gardening editor) has put thousands of hours into collecting rare and beautiful tropical plants, fruit trees and exquisite orchids. The kids may even enjoy seeing how fruits and nuts are grown and play ‘guess that fruit’.

WHERE: Kooyu Farm, Rentapau, Port Vila. – TC

Tanna Volcano

It’s no surprise to those who have visited Tanna’s Mount Yasur volcano that it is Vanuatu’s number one tourist attraction. It may be a surprise to know kids (over the age of six – but we suggest eight plus) are welcome to climb Yasur too. How cool will the kids be at Show and Tell? “What did you do on your holidays?” “I climbed the world’s most accessible, active volcano.” The lunar-like appearance of the ashplain ensures the kids will have an out-of-this-world experience and learn a bit about science too!

The climb up Yasur is easier than you think – in fact you can drive to all but 50 metres away from the crater. There are handrails and steps carved into the mountain for the last part – but do ensure your tour operator has packed adequate lighting for the trip home. We took our eight year old up this year and know it is an experience she will never forget.

WHERE: Tanna, 45-minute flight south of Port Vila, – TC

Buggy Fun Time

Mud. Speed. Noise. Yes, it sounds like a little boy’s (and some girls too) dream – and it is.

Buggy Fun Rentals in Port Vila offers a three hour guided tour to the rougher side of the island. The kids need to ride shotgun with an adult and will be escorted through town and out towards the Black Sands area of Port Vila.

The tour now includes a stop at a local village and a drive along the beach. The buggies are open air – so dress for the conditions.

Our kids came home covered in mud, which is all part of the fun apparently.

All buggies are automatic so easy to drive – but a car license is required. Free pick up from local hotels and do pack a towel and probably a washcloth too.

WHERE: Buggy Fun Rentals office is located opposite Au Bon Marché Supermarket in Nambatu, near the Kaiviti Motel, top of the hill at the southern end of town. – TC

Markets and Hair Braiding

I’m a woman. I love to shop. I especially love to shop when it’s supporting the local industries, so the markets are a no-brainer for me, especially since our two daughters love to come and see all the colourful handicrafts that the Ni-Van women hand-make and sell. They are the most beautiful women to meet and they are always so welcoming with the kids. They make everything from musical instruments to kid’s clothes, baskets, hats, toys, sandals, sarongs and jewellery. The kids also can’t resist having their hair braided while they’re there … which is secretly an awesome way to have the kids baby-sat while you pick up the extra souvenirs for pressies!

There are two markets that I love. The first is in the centre of town, on the waterfront. The second is en route to the cruise terminal (on Wharf Road).–RJ

Zip On Over

For older kids, the Jungle Zipline is an adrenaline packed day out. Strap in to world class safety gear and soar through the air along six ziplines. Breath-taking scenery, fun guides and a rush that will have the kids on a high for the duration of their holiday. The Zipline is located at The Summit, one of Port Vila’s most beautiful properties (the garden is open to the public) Mum and Dad might just enjoy the zipline too – even if it is taking a garden tour while the kids spend an hour soaring through the jungle.

WHERE: Vanuatu Jungle Zipline, The Summit, Port Vila. – TC

Port Vila Produce Market

The Port Vila market house, located right on the harbour is open six days and nights a week and is terrific for kids. The locals love kids and kids love seeing all the different fruit and vege not found at home. They’ll be amazed at the size of the produce here – from enormous pumpkins and avocados to cucumber the size of a bread stick.

Mum and Dad will love the prices too – when was the last time you paid 50 cents for a bunch of bananas? It really is a must-see on your visit to Vanuatu. Not only can you buy fresh fruit and veggies, but gorgeous flowers, hand carvings, freshly baked bread and local coffee are always available.

Kids will love the souvenirs – but please do try to buy locally made handicrafts rather than the not so local plastic fantastic available. Saturday morning is the busiest time of the week, if you can battle the crowds you’re in for a wonderful, technicolour overload of all things fresh and bright.. – TC

Make Your Own Pizza

I’ll admit it – I dread taking my toddler out for dinner. With an attention span shorter than it takes to say ‘no thanks’ to those pesky dinner-time insuranceselling callers, my little treasure is a nightmare to keep still at meal times at the best of times.

Dining in public? Just forget it. However there is one place I know that has thought of everything to not only make mealtime easy, but enjoyable. Chill restaurant, next door to the market house has everything from portable DVD players to make-your-own pizzas for the kids. There are colouring books and plastic cups – not to mention an array of sugary desserts that are fabulous as bribes for good behaviour.

WHERE: Chill Restaurant and Bar, next door to the Market House, Port Vila.– TC

Harbour Happiness

A common sight on Port Vila’s harbour is the red-sailed 65-foot ketch Caraid as she undertakes her regular sunset cruise from the seafront outside the charming blue and white Café du Village, opposite Iririki Island. Built in Tasmania in 1950 of New Zealand Kauri, she’s a classic motor sailer which George, the captain, says is named after a tea clipper of an earlier era. Cruises can be booked by visiting meridianchartersvanuatu.com and cost VT5,000 per adult with children half price. This includes a comprehensive two and a half-hour tour of the harbour’s best sights as well as drinks and finger food – and Port Vila’s famous sunset.

WHERE: On the harbour in front of Café du Village next to Grand Hotel – CO

Custom Village Visit

There are few more breath-taking things to do in the world, than meet a culture so truly foreign to your own, yet your nearest neighbour.

For kids, it’s got to be the highlight of their trip to Vanuatu Visiting a local custom village, such as Fanafo in Santo will leave you inspired, with a better understanding of why Vanuatu has twice now been named the Happiest Country on the Planet.

Meet the local Chief, see the women prepare meals for the whole community, visit the communal gardens and share lunch with the village kids. Don’t forget to take your camera and, if you wish, a small gift of pencils or crayons for the children – it will be most appreciated. – TC

Kid’s Club At le Lagon

More than babysitting for kids –this is the ultimate accommodation for families who want to know the kids will be kept well entertained during their holidays. This is not your typical kid’s club resort. Locals in Vanuatu adore kids and know how to bring out the best in them. Le Lagon Resort and Spa is my definition of kid’s heaven … which in turn, becomes parent’s paradise!

Kids under 13 always stay, play and eat for free. The complimentary Kids Only Club ‘Funtastik Blong Kids Club’ is open evenings for ages 3-12, and child minding is available at any time.

The range of activities is endless and in my book, really educational as well as entertaining. It offers everything from jewellery making to a local weaving lesson, local educational excursions – choose from Peter Pan Primary School / City Tour, the Erakor Historical Tour, the Market Tours and the Botanical Garden tour for educating kids on legends, history, custom stories and seeing Vanuatu’s different animals and birds and the opportunity to touch and feel local snakes and coconut crabs.

The resort also offers two tennis courts, canoes and kayaks, swimming pools, catamarans, windsurfing and surf skis, glass bottom boat outings, golf, limbo dance, croquet, petanque, volleyball, coconut harvesting, island cooking demonstrations, sailing lessons, grass skirt making, a local zoo visit, bonfire sing-along, crab collecting competition and races, soccer on the lawn, pool turtle racing, face painting, scavenger hunt, T-shirt and pareo painting, fish feeding, mural fence painting, beach Olympics and bislama lessons.

In other words pretty much everything a kid would want. www.lelagonvanuatu.vu – RJ