Banks and Torres Islands

The Banks and Torres are Vanuatu’s northernmost islands. Geographically, they reach north and west to the Solomon Islands. As with all of Vanuatu, the main islands are volcanic in origin with active volcanoes on Gaua and Vanua Lava islands.

The population of the Banks Islands speak fifteen different languages, which all belong to the Oceanic subgroup of the Austronesian family. Several of these are endangered, being spoken by no more than a few hundred, and sometimes just a handful of last speakers. The language with the most speakers is Mwotlap the language of Mota Lava.

The Banks Islands were the first part of Vanuatu discovered by a European explorer, in 1606 when Portuguese explorer Pedro de sailed past Merelava and stopped at Gaua, before landing on Santo and establishing a short-lived colony there. They were later overlooked in 1774 when Captain James Cook explored Vanuatu and believed he saw the whole chain. They were first explored by William Bligh of the British Navy, and named after his patron Sir Joseph Banks. They were charted by Matthew Flinders. Vanua Lava was first explored by the New Zealand Bishop George Selwyn in 1859.

The Torres Islands were discovered by Spanish explorer Luis Vaz de Torres sailing in the Quiros expedition of 1606. This navigator also discovered the Strait that bears his name between New Guinea and Australia. Other European explorers reached the islands in the 19th century, but were quickly incorporated into the sphere of influence of the Melanesian Mission in the early 1880s

The Banks and Torres are made up of the following island groups:

Vanua Lava

Vanua Lava is the big island of the Banks and Torres groups. Vanua Lava has mountains, a volcano, crocodiles, reefs, rivers, waterfalls and rainforests. There is plenty to experience in the northern islands of Vanuatu.

Sola is the provincial town for the Banks and Torres Islands. From Sola you can make excursions to Mt Sere Ama, an active volcano, the Selva River and Kwakea Island. The northern tip of Ravenga Island has a surf break onto the reef at high tide but it’s not easy to access and you’ll need a boat. There are two island bungalows in the west: Nerr Bungalows, (Vureas Bay) and Malau Yacht Resort (Waterfall Bay).

Mota Lava and Ra

Distant from modern Vanuatu, Mota Lava and Ra islands are a pleasant island escape. These islands are relatively small and most attractions are within easy walking distance. White sand beaches and coral reefs around west Mota Lava and Ra.

You can climb the massive rocks on Ra. The two boulder piles offer good views but the climb should mainly be attempted by those who are fit and experienced. Or climb the Sleeping Mountain on Mota Lava. It’s a short but steep climb, rewarded by magnificent views.

Walk around Mota Lava (about 2.5 hours along the truck road and about 3.5 hours through the bush on the other side).. There are beautiful island bungalows concentrated around west Mota Lava and Ra.

Epi Island

Epi is relatively close to Port Vila with good transport links, a variety of accommodation options and much to see and do.

Epi’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture. Along the west and northeast coasts of Epi there are extensive coconut plantations, vestiges of a copra boom in the early 20th century. Other crops are peanuts (in the hills of east Epi) and kava.

Epi is close to Efate and airfares from Vila are relatively inexpensive. Many people visit just for a few days and then return to Port Vila. If you want to spend more time and see all of Epi you can walk around the island. Island hopping by ship between Epi and Ambrym is easy, with reliable weekly services through Lamen Bay.