How to get to Aore Island from Brisbane
Introduction
Aore Island, off the coast of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, is an idyllic tropical getaway but getting there from Brisbane involves a few steps and some planning. Below is a detailed guide combining airline schedules, local transport, and firsthand reports to help you navigate the route smoothly.
Overview of the Route
To reach Aore Island from Brisbane, you must:
- Fly from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo (Luganville / Santo Island).
- Land at Santo’s airport (Pekoa / Luganville Airport).
- Transfer by road/taxi to Santo Hardware Wharf (on the main island).
- Take a ferry or boat taxi across to Aore Island (5–10 minutes).
- Local transport to your accommodation on Aore.
There is no direct flight all the way to Aore—your final leg is by boat.
Step 1: Brisbane → Espiritu Santo (Santo)
Direct Flights
Solomon Airlines runs a weekly direct flight from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo (Pekoa / Luganville).
- According to Solomon Airlines’ route information, “Flights from Brisbane to Santo are available every Thursday.”
- One-way fares start from about AUD 405, with higher classes up to AUD 1,106.
- Trip.com lists a non-stop flight time of around 2 hours 50 minutes from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo. Trip.com
This direct service simplifies travel by removing the need to connect via Port Vila.
Via Port Vila → Santo (alternative route)
If there is no direct flight available on your date, the alternative is:
- Fly from Brisbane (or other Australian city) into Port Vila (Bauerfield International Airport, VLI).
- Then take a domestic flight from Port Vila to Santo (Luganville).
Air Vanuatu handles the domestic hop: “Air Vanuatu currently operates flights six days a week on this route, using ATR or Twin Otter aircraft.
The flight time is about
45 minutes from Port Vila to Santo.
Solomon Airlines is reinstating its Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service to meet tourism demand. “Under the revised schedule Solomon Airlines is re-implementing a Brisbane–Espiritu Santo–Brisbane service on Thursday in both directions.” Travel Weekly
Thus, the direct route is more reliable, when available.
Holidaying on Aore Island
Step 2: Santo Airport → Santo Hardware Wharf
Once you land in Santo (Pekoa / Luganville Airport), you need to get to Santo Hardware Wharf, where the boats depart for Aore.
- The drive from the airport to the wharf is short. According to Vanuatu Island’s “Getting to Aore Island,” Luganville Airport is just “7 km from the channel where ferries (boat taxis) … take you across to Aore Island.” vanuatuisland.org
- A taxi or transfer service costs about VT1,000 - VT2,000 (≈ AUD 30).
- Some resorts on Aore provide airport-to-wharf transfers or arrange for your pickup. Aore
Step 3: Boat / Ferry Cross to Aore Island
From Santo Hardware Wharf:
- The crossing is brief about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on landing location and boat type. (Some reports say 10–15 minutes.)
- Beachfront on Aore Resort runs a free scheduled ferry for guests at times aligned with flights and tours: 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm.
- The one-way boat taxi fare typically starts from VT 1,000 (≈ AUD 15) for unscheduled/private boats.
- If you arrive outside ferry times, private boats can be arranged (for extra cost) via the resort. Aore
One traveler on Reddit noted:
“We flew from Brisbane to Santo on Solomon Airlines. Our accommodation Beachfront on Aore Resort has a boat that takes you from Santo to Aore Island … takes about 5-10 minutes.” Reddit
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Example Itinerary & Timing
Here’s a sample itinerary using the direct route:
- Thursday morning: Depart Brisbane on Solomon Airlines’ direct flight to Santo (2h 50m).
- Land midday in Santo.
- Take taxi to Santo Hardware Wharf (~VT 2,000).
- Catch scheduled ferry (e.g. 2:30pm or 4:30pm) to Aore Island.
- Arrive at your resort by afternoon or early evening.
If connecting via Port Vila:
- Arrive in Port Vila from Brisbane or Australia.
- Catch a domestic flight on Air Vanuatu to Santo (45 min).
- Then road + boat as above.
Challenges, Risks & Tips
- Limited frequency: The direct Brisbane → Santo route runs only once weekly (on Thursdays).
- Booking difficulties: Some travelers report that booking domestic legs from Port Vila to Santo is hard, however it is very easy just reach out to us
- Time alignment: You must sync arrival times with ferry schedules, or pay for private boat transfers.
- Documentation & visas: You’ll need a valid passport (6+ months validity). Australians don’t need a visa for short visits (<30 days).
- Weather & sea conditions: Sea crossings might be delayed in rough weather.
Why the Route Matters (local strategy)
Solomon Airlines is actively positioning this route to support tourism:
“Under the revised schedule Solomon Airlines is re-implementing a Brisbane–Espiritu Santo–Brisbane service on Thursday in both directions. … We are designing operations to best meet customer demand, especially for tourism development.” Travel Weekly
Because Air Vanuatu is restoring domestic services, Solomon is adjusting its role in Santo–Port Vila legs. Travel Weekly
Tips for Smooth Travel
- Book the Brisbane → Santo direct leg as early as possible (tickets can sell out).
- Confirm domestic connecting flights in Vanuatu (if using Port Vila route) 2 weeks ahead of time via local agents.
- Pre-arrange airport transfers and boat pickup with your accommodation on Aore.
- Arrive into Santo early (if possible) to catch scheduled ferries.
- Carry printed or digital confirmations of flights, ferry times, and transfer contacts.
- Expect small adjustments—local schedules can shift due to weather or maintenance.
- Carry local currency (Vatu) for taxi / boat fares.
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