The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has downgraded its travel advice for New Caledonia, paving the way for tourism to bounce back some eight months after civil unrest broke out in the country.
The update represents a major lift for New Caledonia’s hopes of rebooting mainstream tourism and a boost for Aussies looking for a tropical getaway on Australia’s doorstep.
The update follows the lifting of the nation’s curfew on 2 December, signalling stability and readiness for visitors.
Before this week, DFAT had advised Aussies to “Reconsider your need to travel” to the South Pacific nation. Now, it advises travellers to “Exercise a high degree of caution” – the second-lowest level of travel advice.
“We advise exercise a high degree of caution in Noumea and western coastal areas between Kone and Noumea,” it states on its Smartraveller website.
However, DFAT still advises Aussies to “reconsider your need to travel to other parts of the country, including Loyalty islands and IIes de Pins and inland of the western coastal areas on Grand Terre, including on some major roads”.
It also advises visitors to “avoid demonstrations and public gatherings”.
More flights
With Aircalin and Qantas increasing capacity, travellers will also enjoy more options from Sydney and Brisbane, particularly during peak school holiday periods this year.
Aircalin will up flights to New Caledonia from Sydney and Brisbane to three per week during 2025 school holidays. Similarly, Qantas plans three weekly flights from both cities by March, offering travellers more flexibility and convenience.
Before pausing tourism, New Caledonia saw record Australian arrivals, becoming its second-largest market after France.
To entice travellers back, the tourism board has launched the “New Caledonia, A New Chapter Awaits” campaign, showcasing its transformative and sustainable travel experiences.
“The lifting of the curfew in December was a huge relief for everyone in New Caledonia, and with the downgraded travel advice, we can again reassure Australians how safe it is to visit this little slice of paradise,” New Caledonia Tourism (Australia) Account Director Rebecca Marchal said.
“The changed travel advice and an increase in flight capacity means that Australian travellers can again experience the unique and rich culture of New Caledonia.”
In an Australian exclusive, Karryon recently made the short hop to New Cal as the first media outlet to give a tourism update, preview 2025 and see what it’s really like in the island nation right now.
Read our review of Aircalin’s Business Hibiscus Class from Sydney to Noumea.
For more information on New Caledonia, visit au.newcaledonia.travel.
