Oceania

Welcome to Waterworld

Interpretations of what territories constitute Oceania varies. This wet and wild area of the world is more of a geographical or geopolitical concept, grouping islands, including Australia, in the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas.

The exact number of nations making up Oceania varies, but most definitions include Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea and the islands of Malaysia.

Dumont d'Urville, a French explorer, coined the term in 1831 while further dividing the region into Australasia (including Australia ,New Zealand), Micronesia (including Guam, Palau), Melanesia (Fiji, Papua New Guinea) and Polynesia (Cook Islands, French Polynesia). Whatever you call it, tourists flock to this region in the southern hemisphere for its year-round good weather, mosaic of cultures and relaxed atmosphere.

Australia & New Zealand

From the chopped onion-inspired design of the Sydney Opera House to the meditation inspiring desert mount, Ayer's Rock, Australia's constant clash of weird geography, place names and animals never fails to draw thousands to her shores every year. Whether you enjoy leisurely strolls around British-inspired Brisbane or platypus spotting in secluded freshwater creeks, Australia offers it all.

With a population of close to 50 million sheep, you'd expect New Zealand to have vast areas of green hilly knolls, but along with this bucolic landscape comes a variety of adrenaline-fueled activities. Water sports rule in summer while winter draws skiers the world over to tackle their untamable cliffs.

Fiji & French Polynesia

Just allowing the name Fiji to drip from your tongue evokes images of lost islands made of white sands populated with coconut trees dancing in the tropical breeze. If long lazy afternoons spent lounging next to blue lagoons under a warm sun spike your interest, a Fijian vacation answers all your prayers.

Tahiti, French Polynesia's most historically important and largest island, has been France's summer fling for over two centuries. Every part of the country boasts a glossy, brochure appeal, perfect in every respect. Stylish resorts encircle indigo lagoons flooded with multicolored tropical fish and marine life - perfect for an afternoon scuba dive or snorkel before finishing your evening at a chic French restaurant.