14 Magnificent Photos That Prove New Caledonia Is Heaven On Earth

Is this real life or a dream? Actually, it's both. And it's surprisingly close to Australia, so you can have it all.

1. Plage de Mouli:

Mouli Island is part of Ouvéa, a commune in the Loyalty Islands province of New Caledonia.

2. The Barrier Reef:

At a length of 1,500 kilometres, this is the second-largest double-barrier reef in the world.

3. The Isle of Pines:

This otherworldly pine-covered island is a 20-minute flight south of New Caledonia's capital city, Nouméa.

4. Fifty shades of magnificent blue:

Blue, blue, everywhere.

5. This underwater wonderland...

6. ...of the UNESCO-Listed Lagoon, the largest lagoon in the world:

Snorkelling and diving around these vibrant coral gardens is an experience you'll never forget.

7. These delicious French cakes:

New Caledonia is brimming with sophisticated French culture, so you can sample some incredible French cuisine, wines, and most importantly, dessert.

8. The Heart of Voh:

This is actually real... It's a heart-shaped formation in a mangrove forest in Voh, which was first made famous by French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand in his photo, The Heart of Voh, 1990.

9. Hiking through stunning wilderness:

One of the best parts about New Caledonia is the diversity of its landscapes. You could spend your morning on a white sand beach and your afternoon hiking across clifftop red rock.

10. Plage de Luengoni:

This beach is found on Lifou Island, also part of the Loyalty Islands, and known for its soft white sand beaches.

11. These serene waters for sailing upon:

Are you still here, or did you faint from the magnificence...?

12. Traditional wood-carved totems:

New Caledonia has a unique blend of French and ancient Kanak culture, which you can explore in the small villages across the islands.

13. Giant red snapper at the Wajuyu Festival:

Every year, the Wajuyu Festival celebrates the only fish that the elders of Nengone catch outside of the lagoon: the snapper.

14. And the Isle of Pines again, because wow:

There is no place in the world quite like it.

All images courtesy of New Caledonia Tourism

New Caledonia is Australia's closest South Pacific neighbour, so you can fly directly to this island paradise from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne in under 3.5 hours. Find out how you can have it all here.

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