How to Get to Aore Island
(Flights, Ferries, and Transfers 2025 Guide)
By Justine Murray 10th Oct 2024 7 min Read
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Flights, Ferries & Transfers to Aore Island
Aore Island is one of Vanuatu’s hidden gems a tropical paradise just across the channel from Luganville on Santo. The island is known for its calm beaches, coconut plantations, clear waters, and a relaxed lifestyle that feels far removed from city stress. For Australians and international visitors, getting to Aore Island in 2025 is easier than ever. With direct flights into Santo, short connections from Port Vila, and reliable daily ( Boat taxis) ferries, it’s a trip you can plan with confidence.
In this guide, we explain step by step how to travel from Australia to Aore Island, including which airlines fly the route, flight times, and boat taxi transfers. You’ll also find information on visa requirements for Australians, health and safety tips, the best time to visit Aore Island, and where to stay once you arrive. Whether you’re researching Vanuatu holidays, planning a longer stay, or even considering buying property on Aore Island, this page covers everything you need to make the most of your trip.
Travelling from Australia to Aore Island
The most common way to reach Aore Island from Australia is by air. There are two main routes:
- A direct flight from Brisbane to Luganville Airport on Santo. This service usually operates once a week on Thursdays.
- Multiple flights per week from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne to Port Vila, followed by a short 40-minute domestic connection to Santo.
Once you land in Santo, Luganville Airport is only 5 km from the channel where ferries and transfers take you across to Aore Island in 10–15 minutes. The journey is seamless, and within hours you can be on a tropical island beach.
Airlines That Fly to Santo and Aore Island
Flights from Australia to Vanuatu are serviced by several airlines, including:
- Air Solomons – the national carrier with regular services from Brisbane and Auckland.
- Qantas – code-shares on some routes into Vanuatu.
- Virgin Australia – offers flights from Brisbane to Port Vila, with onward connections.
For the final leg, Air Vanuatu and other regional carriers operate short hops from Port Vila to Santo.
Flight Duration
Flying time from Australia to Vanuatu depends on your departure city:
- Brisbane to Port Vila: about 2.5 hours
- Sydney to Port Vila: about 3.5 hours
- Melbourne to Port Vila: about 4 hours
If you fly directly to Santo from Brisbane, expect around 3 hours. From Port Vila, the connecting flight to Santo takes 40 minutes. Once you land, it’s only a short drive and a 10–15 minute boat ride to Aore Island.
Visa Requirements for Australians
Australian citizens do not need a visa for short visits of under 30 days. What you do need is:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining.
- Proof of onward travel (return ticket).
For longer stays, or if you plan to work or invest, you will need to apply for the appropriate permits through Vanuatu’s immigration office.
Learn more about holidaying in Vanuatu
Planning a holiday in Vanuatu means more than just beaches — it’s about discovering hidden islands, world-class diving, local culture, and unforgettable food. From Aore Island resorts to adventure activities across Santo and Efate, Vanuatu offers Australians the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
Aore Island Resorts vs Local Beachfront Stays
Many travellers researching Santo accommodation come across Aore Island Resort, one of the island’s oldest properties, originally built in the early 1990s. While its history gives it character, the infrastructure reflects its age limited modern upgrades, slow Wi-Fi, and the occasional power interruption. Guests often note the peaceful atmosphere but also mention that staying there can feel more remote than refined.
By contrast, the newer local beachfront stays on Aore such as Beachfront on Aore and Sea Perch deliver a completely different standard. These properties are privately owned, recently developed, and maintained to comfort levels whil offering the local style experience . Each offers:
- Contemporary beachfront villas with reliable electricity and modern amenities
- Daily ferry transfers to Santo for shopping or dining
- Complimentary guided island tours for guests
- Beach access that’s both private and swimmable year-round
These locally run stays reflect the evolution of Aore Island authentic, boutique, and built for travellers who value experience and comfort equally.
The Best Time to Visit Aore Island
The dry season, from May to October, is the most popular time to visit. The weather is cooler, rainfall is minimal, and the seas are calm — perfect for swimming, diving, and snorkelling. November to April is the wetter season, which brings lush green landscapes but also higher humidity and the chance of tropical storms.
For Australians wanting the perfect escape from winter, June to August is ideal, as the weather in Vanuatu is warm and dry while southern Australia is at its coldest.
Health and Travel Requirements
Currently, there are no specific health restrictions for Australians visiting Vanuatu. Still, it’s best to:
- Check the latest government travel advisories before departure.
- Ensure your standard vaccinations are up to date.
- Consider travel insurance that covers health, cancellations, and activities like diving.
The Journey From Santo to Aore Island
Once you land in Luganville, reaching Aore Island is quick and simple. The island sits across the Segond Channel, just a short boat ride from town.
- Resort transfers: Most beachfront resorts on Aore offer their own private boats to meet guests.
- Local ferries: Daily ferries run between Luganville and Aore for locals and visitors.
- Private charters: For flexible schedules, you can arrange a private boat.
The crossing takes only 10–15 minutes, with views of Santo and the clear turquoise waters of the channel.
Where to Stay Beachfront on Aore Island
The best way to experience Aore is to stay right on the beach. Beachfront accommodation combines comfort with the chance to live like a local. Instead of commuting from the mainland, you wake up with the sand and sea just outside your door.
Beachfront stays usually include:
- Private villas or bungalows facing the water.
- Daily ferry transfers to Santo, making it easy to explore.
- Access to snorkelling, kayaking, and reef tours straight from the beach.
- Local staff who provide insights into Ni-Vanuatu culture and island life.
Staying on Aore means you’re not just visiting Vanuatu — you’re part of it. You shop in local markets, travel on ferries with islanders, and get a genuine sense of community.
Learn more about the lifestyle in Vanuatu
Why Aore Island Is Worth the Trip
Australians often ask whether it’s better to stay on Santo itself or on Aore. While Santo has conveniences like supermarkets, banks, and restaurants, Aore offers peace and immersion. Life moves slower on the island, and it’s easy to forget about deadlines and stress.
From Aore, you can:
- Take daily boat taxi to Luganville for shopping and tours.
- Join diving trips to the SS President Coolidge, one of the world’s most famous wreck dives.
- Visit Champagne Beach, Blue Holes, and cultural villages on Santo.
- Return each evening to the calm of your own beachfront.
It’s the best of both worlds — convenience nearby, but the tranquility of island life at your doorstep.
Practical Tips for Australians Travelling to Aore
- Currency: The local currency is the Vatu. Bring cash for ferries and small purchases; cards are accepted at resorts and some shops.
- Language: English, French, and Bislama are spoken. Bislama is widely used, but most locals understand English.
- Connectivity: Internet is improving but can be slower than in Australia. Resorts usually provide Wi-Fi, and mobile data is available.
- Transport: Ferries are reliable; taxis and buses are plentiful in Luganville.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Aore Island from Australia is straightforward. A short flight into Vanuatu, a quick domestic hop or direct Brisbane service to Santo, and then a 5-minute boat taxi ride across the channel. The logistics are simple, but the reward is extraordinary a tropical lifestyle where beachfront stays give you both comfort and authenticity.
For Australians, Aore Island is the perfect balance: easy access, minimal travel stress, and an experience that feels worlds away. Whether you’re coming for a short holiday, looking to invest in land, or exploring longer stays, staying beachfront on Aore delivers the most genuine taste of island life, with daily ferries connecting you to everything Santo and Vanuatu have to offer.
Frequently Asked Question about getting to Vanuatu
Q: How do I get to Aore Island from Australia?
Q: How do I get to Aore Island from Australia?
A: You can fly direct from Brisbane to Santo once a week, or take connecting flights via Port Vila. From Santo, Aore is just a 10–15 minute ferry ride.
Q: Do Australians need a visa to visit Aore Island?
Q: Do Australians need a visa to visit Aore Island?
A: No visa is required for short visits under 30 days. You only need a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Q: What is the best time to visit Aore Island?
Q: What is the best time to visit Aore Island?
A: The dry season from May to October offers calm seas, cooler temperatures, and perfect beach weather.
Q: How much does it cost to get to Aore Island?
Q: How much does it cost to get to Aore Island?
A: Flights from Brisbane to Santo start around AUD $600 return, plus a short ferry transfer. Prices vary depending on season and airline.
Q: Can I stay directly on Aore Island?
Q: Can I stay directly on Aore Island?
A: Yes, Aore offers beachfront resorts, private villas, and bungalows with direct access to the water and island lifestyle.
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