Enjoy remote beach camps when you kayak through the isolated Yasawa Islands in Fiji | Al Bakker
This winter, find refuge from blisteringly cold breezes and chapped lips on on active tropical adventure close to home.
You don't need to fly to the other side of the earth to find remote, island escapes to warm the body and soul. Just a short flight (or a ferry) away, these low-humidity, sunny escapes are ideal to explore during the cooler months.
Here's some of our favourite winter warmer escapes.
WINTER ADVENTURES LESS THAN 6 HOURS FLIGHT FROM AUSTRALIA'S EAST COAST
Temperature: 16°C – 28°C
Flight: 6 hours (from Sydney)
Stretched out to the northwest of Fiji's main island is a stunning group of small volcanic islands - the Yasawas. Unspoiled and spectacular, with no big shops or roads, the Yasawa Islands are something out of a tropical fantasy.
Thankfully for active travellers seeking to travel deeper within a country, this untouched area of Fiji is often forgotten by tourists who flock to the commercialised resorts.
Say 'Bula!' (the Fijian word for hello) to the small village of Navotua, and enjoy idyllic days kayaking, snorkelling and diving around the Yasawa islands. Camp under the stars, on white sandy beaches with the sound of crashing waves beside you. The perfect mixture of activity, leisure and cultural activities makes our Yasawa Islands sea kayaking trips the complete winter warmer package.
Temperature: 14°C – 31°C
Flight: 2.5 hours (from Sydney)
While many might think of New Caledonia as just a popular stop for cruises in the South Pacific, there's so much to explore in this pristine Eden than the capital, Noumea.
Be one of the very few to have walked the unusually biodiverse GR North Track of New Caledonia (GR NORD), located off the beaten path and far away from the cruise ships and tourist resorts.
The New Caledonia Melanesian Village Hike takes you through the contrasting sides of the island - through the tropical rainforests of the East Coast where the trip commences, to the great plains of the West Coast cowboy country. Stay in different villages each night and learn about the local way of life and listen to their stories whilst sharing a traditional meal.
Temperature: 24°C – 31°C
Flight: 4 hours (from Sydney)
Situated just below the equator in the eastern sector of the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea is a stunning archipelago of more than 600 islands.
For the history buff, this historic trek can't be missed. The Kokoda Track takes you through the heart of the island, through jungle, small villages, and through the setting of some of the greatest displays of heroism of the Second World War.
Learn the fascinating history of the region from your expert historian guide as you trek the Kokoda Track.
Temperature: 17°C – 24°C
Flight: 2.5 hours (from Sydney)
The Whitsunday Islands offer everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise; turquoise waters that meet swirling white sands, secluded beaches, and magnificent marine life.
This exclusive active adventure allows you to stray from the busier beaches, and allows you to discover tropical rainforest gullies and windblown heaths as you climb some of the most breathtaking lookouts the island archipelago has to offer.
Sleeping onboard each night, enjoy a full private sailing charter through the islands. While the temperatures may be slightly cooler than others on this list, the weather is still warm enough to snorkel and swim - and you'll have ample opportunities to do so on this Whitsundays Sail and Hike.
OK, THESE ARE A LITTLE FURTHER BUT WELL WORTH A MENTION
Temperature: 23°C – 28°C
Flight: 10 hours (from Sydney)
Rising out of the deep blue waters in the Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands are one of the most diverse and rewarding of the South Sea destinations. While you may be in for a longer flight, Hawaii Hiking the Aloha Isles is truly worth it.
Exploring 3 islands - Big Island, Kauai, and Maui, will take you beyond the resorts and misrepresentations of native Hawaiian culture found around Honolulu. During this trip designed with walkers in mind, you'll marvel at active volcanoes and craters, explore remote red sand beaches and follow paths that will lead through tropical swamps and cloud forests, and stark high altitude alpine deserts.
Temperatures: 26°C-29°C
Flight: 15 Hours (from Sydney)
For those who don’t mind a longer flight, the Maldives is a dream getaway worth the effort. Situated southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, this dreamy destination attracts visitors all year round. Cruise the coral reefs on your private traditional Dhoni soaking in the translucent waters of this idyllic paradise on a six-day all-inclusive Dhoni Cruise.
With a well appointed Maldivian crew including a Tour Guide, Captain, Chef and Deck Hands, you'll enjoy the pinnacle of hospitality. Between leisurely voyages, trek through uninhabited islands, or anchor beside a picturesque inhabited village and meet the islanders - leaving time for some local entertainment.
