Our nearest French-speaking neighbour.
New Caledonia is only two hours flying time from Brisbane. It is located to the north west of Australia and the north east of New Zealand, roughly on the Tropic of Capricorn. It has a tropical climate. It is still linked with France and combines a very French culture with the traditions of the native Melanesian people. Many French people work there on two or three year contracts. The Melanesians preserve their tribal communities, especially in the east of the island.
The island is the biggest natural lagoon in the world; consequently, this served as an American base during World War II. The corals and fish abound in the warm tropical waters which can be seen when swimming from the many coral islets off the coast. |
