Noumea is very european and very 'rich' compared to the other pacific island states. The red mountains on the east side of the island let us already feel a little bit aussie. The rest is green, the mountains 'Dololimte-like' in my reckoning. There is a lot of tourism, the strong wind in the bays makes them to Mekkas for Kite- and Windsurfers. Further there are many beachsurrounded islands, reef, heaps of fish - we even saw a seasnake. Respectfully, the boys jumped back when it came ashore.

On the way to Cairns we visited the Amedee island: an old lighthouse, signs, bathrooms, a restaurant, beachchairs - but not a single person. It was monday, no tours today!