Exploring Oceania: The Islands of Melanesia, Part III, Easo & Noumea, New Caledonia
Friday & Saturday, January 26-27, 2024
HAL Grand Australia & NZ Cruise
Leaving Vanuatu, we sailed south to the islands of New Caledonia. This archipelago is a sui generis collectivity of France consisting of the main island of Grande Terre (considered the mainland), The Loyalty Islands, The Chesterfield Islands (located in the Coral Sea), the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets. We will visit the islands of Lifou (the largest and most populated of the Loyalty Islands) and Grande Terre where Noumea (the capital and largest city of New Caledonia) is located.
Our first stop in New Caledonia was Easo, the capital of Lifou Island.
This is a simple, quiet, low-key island known not only for its fabulous palm fringed, white sand beach that extends from both sides of the pier, but also its friendly atmosphere and charming people. This was a continuation of the Melanesian beach experience!!!
Here are the photos:
We arrived in Easo, New Caledonia on a warm, sunny morning. The tenders were quickly dispatched and we all prepared for another day at the beach!!!And the beach is lovely as it spans from left to right crossing under the pier and melding into the rocky shore on both sides.First to greet us with a warm welcome was a local sea turtle!!! (Photo curtesy of David Nairn)Lifou is lush with greenery, the water sparkles, and the sand shimmers. We headed into town to explore.And here we are, setting off to see what there is to see…..…..bright flowering shrubs…..….the local pines, unique to New Caledonia…..…..relics from WWII…..…..a kiosk selling watermelon…..
…..a totem…..
…..a memorial…..
…..more carvings…..
…..handcrafts…..
…..a monument…..
…..and much more, although we’re not sure what, as all the signage is in French with no translation!!!But this is a sign we can read!!!!!In we went!!! We ordered the local brew.It was easy to choose!!!Refreshing!!!And then it was time to return to the ship.We boarded the tender. ….…. and passed this lovely view of a missionary church and the unique pines of New Caledonia as we departed Easo.And then we set sail for the capital of New Caledonia on Grande Terre Island.
Next, on Grande Terre Island, we visited Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia.
This is a passenger friendly port!!! The ships dock right in the center of town!!! The terminal building features live music, vendors’ booths, tour operators, and nearby dining.
Let’s go directly to the photos:
Once again, we docked to a bright, beautiful day. Noumea was warm and welcoming.Disembarking, you enter the cruise terminal which is a two story building with vendors, tour operators, and lounge facilities available.Exiting the terminal to the left, we found a shopping mall with a string of restaurants along the waterside.Exiting to the right, leads to the downtown area.We opted to purchase tickets on the Lyvai Green Sightseeing Train which took us around the city.The rout took us along the waterside walkway…..…..past luxurious marinas…..…..we admired the gorgeous Royal Poinciana trees that grow all over the city…..…..the palm-lined shore…..…..and the WWII relics dotting the city.We also passed a beach that had been “netted” to protect swimmers from a jelly fish spotted in the waters. The net provides a safe area for carefree swimming!!!
Our final destination was Ouen Toro, a WWII military installation.
We managed to spend quite a bit of time here!!!This Australian facility provided island defense.After thoroughly exploring the area, we headed back to the city center…..
…..and passed St. Joseph’s Cathedral on the way.
We did not stop at the City Museum.But we did stop for lunch at the Tierra De Fuego!!!
Ordering the locally brewed Heineken, we sampled this special brew that uses local Noumea water in the process. Heineken purchased the rights to use aprx. 70% of the islands natural water!!!
Then we used their iPad menus to order!!!
Lunch was very good!!!And then we left this nice restaurant, with its good food and drink, and re-boarded the ship for our departure from New Caledonia.
From here, we will make our way to Australasia.
We will begin that adventure in the state of Queensland.
3 thoughts on “Exploring Oceania: The Islands of Melanesia, Part III, Easo & Noumea, New Caledonia”
When we were in Noumea in April it was SO HOT we had a very curtailed time on shore. Having been there a few times, it was not a problem, but it is really nice now to see some of the sights we missed!
RovingRaconteurs.com 
When we were in Noumea in April it was SO HOT we had a very curtailed time on shore. Having been there a few times, it was not a problem, but it is really nice now to see some of the sights we missed!
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A great tour underway for you two. Beautiful Isles and a great itinerary. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. We enjoy your reports. BP and KS
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Hi!!
Great to hear from you!!
And thank you for the kind words.
We are loving the in-depth look into so much of Oceania.
Stay in touch!!
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