This Pacific paradise is ready to welcome Australian travellers back
In 2023, New Caledonia welcomed a record number of Australian visitors, surpassing even pre-pandemic numbers. Australians were the second-biggest group of visitors to this French South Pacific territory, the largest being from – you guessed it – France.
A beach on Lifou. Australians were the second-largest market for New Caledonia until the recent unrest.
Then, in May 2024, political unrest erupted. Violent protests and riots broke out in the capital, Noumea. A state of emergency was declared and the French Army deployed. Sadly, at least 13 people died.
And in this idyllic island nation, less than 1500 kilometres by air from Brisbane, Australians came no more. In fact, all tourism ground to a halt. That included cruise ship calls, the way many Australians visit New Caledonia’s white-sand and aquamarine beaches.
Eight months later, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has made the move many in the French territory were longing for.
On the Smartraveller website where Aussie travellers go for official advice, DFAT has downgraded its travel warning from “reconsider your need to travel” to “Exercise a high degree of caution” – the same warning it applies to Indonesia (including Bali), Thailand, France and the UK, among many others.
DFAT has lowered its travel warning for New Caledonia and cruise ships are returning.
The warning is for New Caledonia overall, and while some specific areas still remain on the former level of warning due to the risk of reignited unrest, the change means a great deal.
It follows the New Caledonian government lifting its curfew in December and increased flight capacity from the Australian east coast, including Qantas services.
“The downgrade on Smartraveller was the final stepping stone in the recovery process, and we are now fully ready to welcome travellers again,” says New Caledonia Tourism’s director, Julie Laronde.
“It reflects the stability and safety of the destination and provides reassurance to travellers. This change sends a strong message: New Caledonia is ready to welcome visitors with open arms. It also encourages airlines, tour operators, and other industry players to re-invest in the destination, which is already translating into an increase in flight availability and new travel opportunities.”
There are other positive signs. Cruise tourism has resumed - and with more than 120 port calls scheduled in New Caledonia for 2025, this is considered a full recovery of the sector.
“New Caledonia is an important destination for our cruise lines operating in Australia and the South Pacific,” a spokesperson for Carnival says. The company has several ships scheduled in the region.
“Carnival Cruise Line and other Carnival brands resumed visits in November 2024 allowing our guests to enjoy Noumea and Lifou over the summer holiday season. Cruise visits have been welcomed by the local communities, providing a much-needed economic boost.”
Before cruise operations officially resumed, executives from cruise companies including Carnival and Royal Caribbean visited New Caledonia “... to assess the situation firsthand and meet with local authorities. This initiative played a vital role in rebuilding trust and ensuring the return of ships to our shores,” says Laronde.
“We are now in peak cruise season, with frequent port calls delivering a highly positive visitor experience,” says Laronde. “That said, fewer cruise stops are forecasted for 2025, but we’re optimistic that ongoing efforts to restore traveller confidence will bring more visitors to our shores soon.”
On the ground, Laronde says no tourism infrastructure was targeted and operators have shown resilience. There’s even been new restaurants, cafes and other kinds of tourist-attractive businesses open.
“Returning visitors will find the same natural beauty and cultural richness they’ve always loved, but also some exciting new experiences. The destination feels revitalised. The hospitality of New Caledonians, coupled with these fresh offerings, ensures an unforgettable experience. Most importantly, visitors can expect a calm, welcoming environment where they can relax and explore with confidence.”
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