by Rhianna Drinkall
It’s that time of year again. (No, not the time where you can’t walk outside without being blasted by Christmas carols.) That’s right, it’s winter. The time of year where you can’t set foot outside of your house without suffering from some sort of hypothermia, where having the flu is the norm, and when everyone finds themselves saying, ‘I need a break!’ (Unless of course you live in the Northern Hemisphere in which case it would be hypothermia AND Christmas carols.)
You need a quick trip to Vanuatu. The island where dreams are made. Cliché yes.
Mele Cascades waterfall, Vanuatu
In all honesty, before I set foot onto Vanuatu soil, I had never heard of the Mele Cascades waterfall, and it wasn’t until an organised tour found me at the bottom of the waterfall that I fully realised the beauty of this place.
Only 20 minutes by bus (any van with a B in the number plate) from the heart of Port Vila, is the gateway into this untouched paradise. For only 1500vt (or AU$20) any adult and child, regardless of age or fitness level, can to climb to the base of this majestic island gem.
The restaurant at the entrance of the park provides a good place to relax, both before and after the climb, but if you’re keen to get right into the walk, literally bypassing the restaurant is the way to go. (Don’t worry, it will still be there when you return.) The walk begins once you pass the picturesque ponds which house the koi fish. Being mostly uphill, some general fitness is required, but don’t let that put you off this experience.
I’ll be honest; the beginning of the walk is probably the easiest part of your ascent to the top, with the paths clearly marked and relatively even to walk on. However, the second half is definitely the more memorable, with the path continuing through the run-off from the waterfall, and natural stairs being carved into the rocks due to the current from the falls. With rope handrails guiding you through the water sections, it’s definitely a highlight of the journey, as the excitement builds before you feast your eyes on the beauty of the falls.
The small bamboo forest around halfway through the climb is a favourite among visitors, with carved names and public displays of affection a must-see on the way up to the waterfall itself. This provides lots of entertainment for visitors, as well as some alternate photo opportunities.
Just before reaching the base of the falls (note the rope handrails)
Once you arrive at the waterfall, the opportunities are endless! The small rock pools at the bottom of the falls are perfect for sitting and relaxing while receiving one of the best massages on the island. For adventurers, climbing the waterfall has always been a favourite pastime, and a cave halfway to the top offers shelter and relief from the constant flow of water. The shelter house is a great place for storing backpacks, however, an alternative is to just take someone with you who will volunteer to watch the bags (in my opinion, that’s a far better option).
While it is a breathtaking waterfall, you will have to return to the real world eventually. For your descent back to the bottom, there are two options. A favourite with the young (or the young at heart) is to use the rocks as a natural waterslide (this is my personal favourite). The same current that carved the stairs on the path has also smoothed the rocks into natural waterslides, which are perfect for this! The only thing is, make sure you pack an old (or unwanted) pair of shorts, as it does cause damage to your clothes. And if the waterslides suddenly stop, there’s always the option of jumping into the next pool (just be sure to check for safety first). For those who want to ensure that they make it to the bottom in one piece, the path that you took on the way up it also the path that gets you back to the bottom.
If this sounds like the adventure you need, here’s what you need to know:
Flights to Vanuatu start at $319 from Sydney, with accommodation (sleeping up to 7 people) beginning at $111 per night at the Kaiviti Motel in the heart of Port Vila, making this the perfect location for a weekend getaway with friends. With one of the best exchange rates at the moment, beautiful scenery and the always-relaxing island culture, what’s not to love about Vanuatu?
Don’t settle for hibernation this winter. Go and create some memories worth saving in the memory jar! Book your flights now!
Author’s Bio: Rhianna Drinkall is a first-year Psychology student with an interest in Communications. Moving away from her chilly home-state of Victoria to New South Wales, she hopes that the warmer weather will be a source of inspiration for her tertiary studies. Interested in anything to do with travel, she would like to visit every continent before the age of 27 and dance in a fountain like in the opening credits of ‘Friends.’