‘Raw and real’ island paradise just three hours from Australia is often overlooked
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It’s an unspoiled island paradise only around three hours flight from Australia. It was even named as one of Lonely Planet’s Top 25 Places to Travel in 2026.
But it’s not Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia, or even Samoa.
The Solomon Islands are dubbed a more “raw and real” Pacific islands experience. iStock
The Solomon Islands are dubbed a more “raw and real” Pacific islands experience.
And you can fly to Honiara International Airport from Brisbane in just three over hours with Qantas and Solomon Airlines.
It is considered one of the most diverse nations in South Pacific, and there are 992 islands to choose from.
While it’s not on the typical list of hotspots, Australia is the biggest tourist market for the nation, which only gets about 30,000 visitors annually.
Tourism bosses say it’s like nowhere else.
“When you come to the Solomons, you come there because, you look for a different raw real experience, and you will definitely have a sense of belonging, and you will leave our islands a changed person,” a spokesperson for Tourism Solomons said.
And it’s not just about lazing on a sun lounger on a white sand beach sipping a cocktail either (though that is an option).
“If you’ve done the other Pacific islands, you will have been to the more comfortable destinations,” they said, adding the islands are “proud to welcome travellers, not tourists.”
Houses along the coastline in a village on the Solomon Islands. iStock
Snorkelling and diving are major drawcards. The country also has a rich WW2 history, and you can dive some of the wrecks left behind.
The main language is English though more locals speak Pijin. There are, in fact, many indigenous languages and dialects spoken.
What to do in Solomon Islands
You don’t need a visa either to visit the Solomon Islands on holiday and with plenty on offer now is a great time to start planning a visit.
With those crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder water-based activities are popular. You can dive, kayak and also fish.
Women in Karumolun Village, Marulaon Island, Solomon Islands. iStock
Surfers will probably not need to be told it’s one of the best places in the world to catch a wave.
Lau lagoon in Malaita and agovave on Guadalcanal’s Weathercoast are the places to pin on your map.
Twitchers will also get a thrill from birdwatching.
This well-preserved Hellcat aircraft wreck stands out as one of the Solomon Islands’ most easily reachable airplane wrecks. iStock
The islands also have plenty of World War II history.
The Grumman F6F Hellcat wreck is a WW2 fighter plane which came to rest in shallow waters near Gizo in the country’s western province.
It’s just 10 metres deep so is easy for even novice divers and snorkellers to reach.
The Japanese wreck, the Toa Maru is also a sought after dive.
Other war sites to tick off the list include the Guadalcanal American Memorial, Solomon Peace Memorial Park and Tetere Beach WWII Museum.
Then there’s Gizo’s Grand Central Station, named because of the abundance of marine life.
The Toa Maru, a Japanese ship sunk by American dive bombers in the Second World War. iStock
Adventure seekers can get close to Kavachi underwater volcano in south of Ngatokae, Western Province.
Scientists famously discovered the active volcano has sharks living inside it.
You can visit the volcano, which is shooting smoke and ash into the air, on a boat trip.
Dolphins and other wildlife are also common, with Savo Island a place flagged by tourism bosses to see them.
And if that’s not enough, Marovo lagoon in the Western Province is the biggest saltwater lagoon in the world and home to an array of teeming marine life.
Another renowned spot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Tegano is the largest lake in the insular Pacific, and is within East Rennell, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.
You can also learn about the local culture and visit ancient ceremonial sites on the Guadalcanal main island, which is home to the capital Honiara.
Visitors can shop at the local market and get a taste of island life.
Fly to the tropical Solomon Islands from Brisbane in just three over hours. iStock
Best time to visit the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are hot and humid all year round, with an average temperature of a hot 27 degrees.
There are two seasons; the wet season from November to April and the dry season from May to October.
However, in the monsoon season it’s usually showers which move on quickly.
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