Oceania sometimes described as continental; However, it is a large area where the waters of the Pacific Ocean - rather than land borders between separate countries.
It is home to countless small islands known for their white sands lined with palm trees, incredible coral reefs, and rugged volcanoes. Oceania also has deserts of Australia and the highland rainforests of Papua New Guinea, as well as indigenous tribal communities and modern global cities side by side (in Australia and New Zealand).
Areas
Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are the largest countries in this pseudo-continent, and the former two are the most visited by tourists. Oceania includes the vast island nations of Polynesia (extends from New Zealand to the north and east), Melanesia (west, and south of the equator), and Micronesia (almost completely north of the equator).
| Australia The largest and most populous country in Oceania, often thought of as a continent. Frequent destinations include state capitals Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, as well as the national capital, Canberra. The country has a wide range of climates, from temperate to tropical and a wide range of landscapes, from deserts to high mountains and rainforests. |
| New Zealand Although, like most countries, is smaller in size than Australia, a major destination and considered one of the most unspoiled and beautiful countries on earth. Well developed facilities for visitors. Geographically and to a considerable extent culturally - New Zealand is part of Polynesia: the indigenous Maori people are Polynesians, and many Polynesians live in Auckland than in all other Polynesian cities. |
| Papua New Guinea Geographically part of Melanesia, the islands have tropical rainforests, amazing landscapes and diverse cultures. Coup New Guinea half with Indonesia. An adventure tourist destination, rarely visited, where you should exercise caution. |
| Polynesia (Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and some territories, such as American Samoa, French Polynesia, Hawaii and Norfolk Island) No other name conjures up images of paradise like this. The island paradise is splendidly colorful for thousands of miles across the far South Pacific. |
| Melanesia (Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu) Closely related to the creation of the national culture of Papua New Guinea. Fiji is the most visited country in Melanesia. |
| Micronesia (Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau) The tiny Micronesian islands lie north of the equator, and see fewer tourists and business travelers than other island groups. Palau arguably the most interesting of these islands. |
Cities
- Apia - a bit underdeveloped and reduced, but useful as an initial stop for first time visitors to Samoa
- Auckland - bustling multicultural metropolis scores high in quality of life poll
- Christchurch - called Garden City, and still rebuilding after a devastating earthquake
- Melbourne - multicultural and sports frenzy, this vibrant city includes many cultural institutions
- Nouméa - beautiful beaches, colonial villas and French flair - for a price
- Papeete - not a tropical paradise, but with shopping, dining, and great people watching
- Port Moresby - the stretch of Papua New Guinea - can be dangerous
- Suva - the major commercial and political center of Fiji; Nadi is the tourist capital
- Sydney - the largest city in Australia, home to the Harbor Bridge and Opera House