A kid-friendly French holiday just a few hours from Australia? Oui s’il te plaît!
Just a few hours from Australia by mechanical bird, New Caledonia is a French overseas territory in the beautiful South Pacific that is just perfect for a kid friendly getaway. This unique archipelago is protected by the world’s largest lagoon with the modern coastal capital of Noumea and picture-perfect island beaches.
Here’s why you should add New Caledonia to your holiday with kids travel list.
New Caledonia is closer than you think
It’s only 2-hours from Brisbane or 3-hours from Sydney. You know what this means don’t you? You don’t have to fly long haul with kids for a dose of French influence when you make tracks to New Caledonia.
The islands are stunning but there is more to New Caledonia than stunning beaches
I have been to a few ‘tropical island that dreams are made of’ type destinations and I can honestly say that New Caledonia can hold its own against the heavy weight. I’m looking at your Isle of Pines!
However, there is so much more to New Caledonia that stunning beaches. Families can explore the vast grasslands of the Grand Terre, the red dirt in the Great South or enjoy learning about the unique culture.
Learning about the traditional ways of life in New Caledonia makes for a great learning experience not just for the kids but for the whole family.
It’s worth coming to New Caledonia for the food
French and Melanesia combined on your plate … need I say more? Noumea has a large selection of French influenced restaurants and cafes but given New Caledonia is home to the world’s largest enclosed lagoon, it’s no surprise there’s an abundance of fresh seafood around the country.
In addition, it’s not hard to find simple foods for fussy kids in New Caledonia.
Not to be missed restaurants and eateries include:
- French Bistro Café Del Pap’s in Noumea boasts a selection of delicious French classics that have been adapted to suit the warmer climate.
- Dine at Le Roof for a memorable location over the water or Le Ponton for a floating restaurant experience in the middle of the lagoon.
- Seafood and French classics unite at La Pirogue in the stunning Hotel Chateau Royal.
- For a more casual option with the kids, head to the largest market in New Caledonia, Port Moselle, for locally grown fruits and freshly caught seafood.
It’s easy to get around New Caledonia with kids
The pavements and roads are in good condition in the capital of Noumea in New Caledonia making it easy to get around with younger kids in strollers. Although, expect to carry baby a bit more on the other islands.
Taxi’s are similar priced to Australia and there is a convenient Hop-On-Hop-Off bus that hits up seven popular areas in Noumea.
There’s some amazing accommodation choices
We loved the Oure Tera Beach Resort for its amazing location on the Isle of Pines and the Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa for it’s quiet beach front location just out of town in Noumea. Both of these are tried and tested kid friendly options in New Caledonia.
Find Beach House Lodge on the far-North side of New Caledonia for a charming, yet comfortable and serene experience. The houses are within walking distance from the UNESCO-protected lagoon and wild horses roam the area. This is a top choice for families wanting to explore a more remote part of New Caledonia.
Book into DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort for stunning bungalors on an exclusive topical islet. In fact, this is the only opportunity to stay in an overwater bungalow in New Caledonia. Alternatively, Le Meridien Ile des Pines boasts a beachfront lagoon in a stunning location.
Up for an adventure? New Caledonia has your covered
Home to the second-largest coral reef and a UNESCO Heritage-listed lagoon, it’s no surprise that snorkelling and diving is pretty epic here. Of course, younger kids can’t go diving but New Caledonia is certainly a great introduction to some beginner snorkelling for kids. Other water activities include surfing at Anse Vata Beach or take your pick from windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Those up for a bit (a lot) of physical activitiy can climb Mont-Dore in the Great South, a golden mountain that boasts amazing views over Noumea. Up for a bit of fun? You can zipline across the forest, fly in a ULM aircraft or whizz around on a jet ski.
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
For more information on visiting New Caledonia with kids, head on over to our New Caledonia Page. Alternatively, head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide.
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Resources for booking your New Caledonia holiday
Flights
Search Trip.com for a great deal on flights.
Accommodation
On the Isle of Pines, we loved the Oure Tera Beach Resort. It was just in a beautiful location with great service.
In Noumea, we loved the Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa. It’s a little out of town but that’s why we loved it. The beach out front was perfectly uncrowded.
Activities
Viator is a great choice when it comes to selecting activities and tours. Just click on the banner below!
