The Banks and Torres are Vanuatu's northernmost islands
The Banks and Torres are Vanuatu's northernmost islands. Geographically, they reach north and west to the Solomon Islands. Being nearer the equator, they consequently experience the highest precipitation and humidity of all the islands, with an average rainfall of 3,900 mm per year. As with all of Vanuatu, the main islands are volcanic in origin with active volcanoes on Gaua and Vanua Lava islands.
Vanua Lava with its 1400 inhabitants, was once the trading base for exchanges with Solomon Islanders from Tikopia. The rugged interior looms up from the ocean to the 730m, apex of the active Sere'ama volcano. With such terrain and high rainfall, waterfalls are common - and spectacular, particularly Waterfall Bay on the west coast. South of the volcano are two small lakes varying in water level and colour. Vanua Lava is also home to salt water crocodiles brought in the last century by Bishop Patteson. Only few of them survive in the murky waters of the Selva and the Tahiti rivers.
There are two guesthouses at Sola; Leumerous Bungalows and the Torba Province Guesthouse.
To the south is Mota Lava, a stunning island of jungle clad craggy peaks plunging to long coconut trees lining white sandy beaches. Nearby one such magnificent beach (so nearby it can almost be walked at low tide) is the classically beautiful Ra Island. From a distance, Ra looks like a thatch of greenery with coconut fronds pushing each other out of the way as they overhang the surrounding white sandy beach. The interior is studded with unusual rocks of enormous size.
Ra is an excellent place to enjoy fresh lobster (weather permitting) and an ideal retreat for honeymooners and travellers looking to leave civilisation completely behind. The local culture is still very much alive and unblemished by the modern world. On Ra, Harry Memorial Guesthouse offers basic accommodation in the main house and small bungalows.
Gaua's 1300 people live on the north eastern coast. Like elsewhere in Vanuatu, the population is significantly less than the estimated 16th century figure of 200,000 people. Only a short distance from the airport is basic guest accommodation in the form of Wongras Bungalow. Gaua has a stunning landscape with an active volcano that towers over a crater lake in the interior. The lake is accessible in a 3 to 4 hours walk and ascent to Mt Garet (797 m. high) is fairly easy after an exciting canoe trip across Lake Letras and its beautiful sulphurm coloured waters.
For anyone wishing to see the lake and volcanoes, it is advisable to check in advance. From time to time the volcano emits poisonous gasses making access impossible. Like all the volcanoes in Vanuatu, it is constantly monitored for activity.
About four hours walk through magnificent jungle, and tree ferns that dwarf coconut trees, leads to the spectacular cascade waterfall draining Lake Letres. On the western coast, numerous waterfalls plunge directly from the jungle into the ocean, making for an unexpected and magnificent site for passing yachts.
Perhaps the most unusual feature of Gaua is the remains of an ancient culture. At first glance it seems as if giant blocks of granite thrown out of the volcano, have landed in strangely uniform patterns along the north eastern coast, but the blocks are the remains of foundations. In years past, a sign of chiefly standing was the height of his house. As grades were taken and a chief's status rose, another layer of basalt blocks was added to the base of his thatched house
The Torres group to the far north include six main islands. By far the most remote of Vanuatu's archipelago, only one has an airstrip. Passing yachts and the odd inter island trader are the only source of contact for many. Most of the islands are relatively low, either sand cays built on volcanic basalt, or on reef that has now elevated above the surround seas, where you can find dazzling white sand beaches. The Torres group is home to the coconut crab which is sent regularly to Port Vila restaurants at the risk of the specie's extinction.
There is one very basic guesthouse at Loh in Linua Island. Hiu island, north of the group, is exceptionally beautiful. For yachties, Picot Bay on the north west side is a good anchorage. Yeyenwu Cave is a great attraction with its stalactites, stalagmites and cave paintings.
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