Efate Ring Road
A roughly 130-kilometer sealed ring road around Efate, the island where Vanuatu's capital sits, linking waterfalls, a World Heritage site, WWII relics and blue lagoons.
The Efate Ring Road is about 130 kilometers long and was built with assistance from the US Millennium Challenge Corporation. It encircles Efate, Vanuatu's main island, starting and ending in the capital, Port Vila. It is the classic route for visitors renting a car or hiring a driver for a day trip. Drive clockwise. Start at Mele Bay and Mele Falls, then continue to the World Heritage-listed territory of Chief Roi Mata, where you can look out toward Lelepa Island. Along the north coast, stop at Havannah Harbour, where US fleets anchored during WWII, then visit the Dip Point caves. At Emua Wharf, gaze at Nguna and Pele islands, and visit the Efate WWII Museum. Turn to the east coast to swim at Eton Beach and in the Eton Blue Lagoon, then follow the south coast past Lonthoiwai River back to Port Vila. Driving without stopping takes about 3–4 hours, so allow a full day including stops. Traffic in Vanuatu drives on the left. The roads are generally smooth but have potholes, pedestrians and free-roaming livestock. Some sights are on village land, where a small “custom fee” is payable. Petrol stations are mainly concentrated in Port Vila, so fill up before setting out and carry cash.