Yasur Ash Plain (Siwi)
Siwi Ash Plain
A black volcanic ash wasteland northwest of Mount Yasur, with an otherworldly landscape. Driving across it in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can see the smoking volcanic cone in the distance.
The Siwi Ash Plain lies northwest of Mount Yasur and is covered by thick black volcanic ash and lava fragments. Almost nothing grows here, and wind-eroded ash mounds and gullies create a strange “lunar surface” landscape. There was once a lake called Siwi here, but after the lake embankment broke in 2000 the water drained away, leaving a wider expanse of ash. Four-wheel-drive vehicles heading to Mount Yasur pass through or stop here for photos, and you can also hike across it. Note that when the wind is strong, ash can fill the air, so wear sunglasses and a mask, and protect your camera. Stay outside the volcanic danger zone and follow the alert level.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Mount Yasur
- Sulphur Bay (John Frum Village)
- Port Resolution
- Yakel Kastom Village
- Giant Banyan Tree (Tanna)
- Lenakel & Market
- White Grass Plains & West Coast
- Tanna Blue Cave