Sunset landscape on the hills around Noumea, New Caledonia. Image: Shutterstock
A local Kanak man dancer during a traditional performance. Melanesian Kanak are the main inhabitants of Kuto, Isle of Pines. Image: Kevin Hellon
Kanumera Beach on the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. The bay is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Image: Joel_420 / Shutterstock
Saint Josef Cathedral and Moselle Bay in Noumea, New Caledonia. Image: Joel_420 / Shutterstock
View of a beach at Noumea, New Caledonia during sunset. Image: Aqnus Febriyant
Upi Bay, Isle of Pines. Image: Jeremy Red
Dolphins swimming and jumping near Nokanhui Atoll, Isle of Pines. Image: Jeremy Red
Coconut Palm Square in Noumea. Image: Nenad Basic
Swimmers enjoy the lagoon on Mare Island, New Caledonia. Image: Nenad Basic
The abandoned Prony Village, New Caledonia. Image: Mark and Anna Photography
Outdoor view of the beautifully designed Tjibaou cultural center. Native caledonian museum and artistic lab, at Noumea. Image: Camille V / Shutterstock
Overwater bungalows in the lagoon seen from sea surface, Maitre island. Image: Damsea / Shutterstock
Traditional Kanak hut, tropical island vegetation and house, Isle of Pines. Image: Jeremy Red
A sacred kingfisher perched on a branch in the Isle of Pines. Image: Steve Todd
Turtle swimming in the blue lagoon. Image: Gael Fleissner
Impressive waterfalls on Koua river aerial view, between Poro and Kouaoua, North Province. Image: Maloff / Shutterstock
New Caledonia is a paradise with all the sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, beautiful vistas, yes. But it’s so much more, too. At less than three hours flying time from Australia’s east coast, it’s a tropical, beachy paradise right on our doorstep. So why don’t more people visit? It’s beautiful, it’s authentic, and it’s a calm escape. This gallery of images has plenty to make you sigh and think, “I know where I’m going next.”
