Overnight flight that gets you into Port Vila early the next morning so you maximize daylight. Direct or single-connection options available; book early for best fares.
Clear immigration; take an airport shuttle or taxi to your budget guesthouse in Port Vila and request early luggage drop or check-in. Many small hotels will store bags if room isn’t ready.
Bustling morning market open ~6:00am–2:00pm selling fish, tropical fruit, root vegetables and handicrafts — a cheap, colourful introduction to local life.
Short drive from Port Vila to a scenic waterfall with well-formed pools for swimming; site typically open 8:00am–5:00pm and is a refreshing tropical stop.
Settle into your triple room in Port Vila. Budget guesthouses and 2–3★ hotels average about AUD140/night for a room that sleeps three (estimate used in budget).
Short boat ride to Hideaway Island for excellent snorkelling right off the beach and the novelty Underwater Post Office; typical boats run morning and return mid/late afternoon.
Half-day visit to a nearby village for a meke (dance), kava ceremony and local-style lunch; tours typically run mid-morning to early afternoon and offer authentic island culture.
Rent a scooter for the day or take local minibuses (taxis cheaper if split between three) to visit scenic coastal lookouts, beaches and seaside villages — check safety and helmet rules for scooters.