Oceanic travel destinations – Let’s explore here

Take a look at the Oceanic travel destinations below to see if there is anywhere you’d like to explore. Click on the map or the countries below to find further information and tips for overland travel, as well as some anecdotes that may help you on your travels.

What’s it like in Oceania?

Oceania covers almost 5.5% of the land area on the planet, and has about 0.5% of the world’s population. Each country has an incredible richness to its history, and historically there is no part of Oceania that has not been affected in one way or another by those in power in Europe. There are currently 14 countries in Oceania, and Australia is the largest country by area, whereas Nauru is the smallest.

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

We’re constantly updating information on countries that we visit, so keep referring back to the info as it evolves.

A bit about the history of Oceania

Early Settlement and Indigenous Cultures

Oceania, the vast region encompassing Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, was initially populated by various indigenous peoples long before European exploration. The ancestors of the Polynesians, Melanesians, and Micronesians are believed to have migrated from south east Asia and Taiwan. Around 3,000 years ago, the Lapita culture emerged, known for its distinctive pottery and maritime skills, and played a crucial role in the settlement of the Pacific islands. Indigenous groups developed unique cultural traditions, languages, and social structures in their respective regions.

European Exploration and Colonisation

In the 16th century, European explorers began arriving in Oceania, starting with the Portuguese and then the Spanish. In the 18th century, British explorer Captain James Cook made extensive voyages to the Pacific, mapping parts of Australia, New Zealand and several islands. His expeditions led to increased European interest in the region. Throughout the 19th century, the British, French, Germans and Dutch established colonies and protectorates, often taking control of islands for resources, strategic military purposes or to establish trading posts.

British Colonisation of Australia and New Zealand

In the late 18th century, the British established the first permanent colony in Australia, initially as a penal settlement in 1788. Over time, Australia expanded and became a centre for agricultural production and British settlement. The indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations were significantly affected by colonisation, facing violence, dispossession and disease. New Zealand was also colonised by Britain in the 19th century, though it saw a distinct pattern of settlement with more direct British migration and a series of land wars between the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand and the British settlers.

The Pacific Islands under European Rule

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, much of the Pacific Islands came under European control. France took possession of Tahiti and several other islands in the Society Islands, while Germany controlled parts of the Solomon Islands and Samoa. During this period, missionaries introduced Christianity to many islands. The Western powers often imposed new governance structures, disrupting the traditional societies of the islands.

World War I and II

Oceania was drawn into the global conflicts of the early 20th century. In World War I, many Pacific islands under German control were seized by the Allied powers. During World War II, the region saw significant battles, especially in the Pacific theatre. The Japanese Empire occupied several Pacific islands, leading to fierce fighting between Japan and the Allied forces, notably in places like Guadalcanal, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The end of World War II saw Oceania’s geopolitical landscape change, with more territories being placed under the trusteeship of the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Post-War Decolonisation and Independence

In the mid-20th century, movements for independence grew across Oceania. The region saw the decolonisation process unfold in stages, with many territories gaining independence in the decades following World War II. Australia and New Zealand became dominions within the British Commonwealth and later fully independent, though they remain members of the Commonwealth today. Many Pacific island nations gained independence in the 1960s and 1970s, including Fiji (1970), Tonga (1970) and Papua New Guinea (1975). French Polynesia New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna remain French territories.

Modern Oceania

Today, Oceania is a region of diverse nations and territories, with some countries like Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea being major regional players. Australia and New Zealand have strong economies, with close political and economic ties to Asia and the West. Pacific island nations, while small in population, face challenges such as climate change, economic dependency and maintaining cultural identity. Oceania’s islands are vulnerable to rising sea levels, and the region has become a focal point for climate change discussions in international forums.

The region’s political landscape is marked by the continued presence of colonial powers in some areas, but also by growing efforts for self-determination, particularly in places like French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Oceania’s indigenous cultures continue to play an important role in shaping the region’s identity, with many countries working to preserve their unique traditions and languages.