Compass: Oceania

“If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands but a continent that joins to them.”
– Francis Bacon
The Oceania geographic region is surrounded by the Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans and includes the Australian mainland, which occupies 86% of the region’s area. New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea and other smaller tropical islands that are scattered throughout the South Pacific also comprise the Oceania region, for a total of 14 independent countries and 11 dependent overseas territories.The countries that are included in the Oceania region are: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru , New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa , Solomon Islands, Tonga , Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The following overseas territories within Oceania are: American Samoa (USA), Cook Islands (New Zealand), French Polynesia (France), Guam (USA), New Caledonia (France), Niue (New Zealand), Norfolk Island (Australia) , Northern Mariana Islands (USA), Pitcairn Islands (UK), Tokelau (New Zealand), Wallis and Futuna (France).
Despite the small composition of the Oceania region there are hundreds of different tribal groups throughout that have shaped the cultural heritage of the various island nations and territories. For example, many present-day Oceania nations were populated by Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian peoples for thousands of years until European colonization. But on Papua New Guinea alone, there are over 700 different tribal groups within the population of 5 million residents.

Deaths Climb and State of Emergency Issued in New South Wales
With the wildfires still raging something fierce, Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) government declared a week-long emergency with the region ravaged by the bushfires and the number of deaths still climbing. And, the dangerous conditions will persist into the weekend with strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures expected. The … Read more Read more
Oceania
Australia Enforces 3-Year-Old Climbing Ban On Uluru
A climbing ban on the sacred Uluru rocks in Australia brought hundreds of people to get in one last climb before enforcement takes effect. The ban, which was passed in 2017, recently went into effect after the Anangu aboriginal people claimed it was a sacred place for many thousands of … Read more Read more
Oceania Social Responsibility Sustainability
New Zealand Implements New Fee For Travelers; Goes Into Effect In October
For people planning to visit New Zealand, there are some extra hoops to jump through before one can be approved to enter the country. The New Zealand government said in March that it would be implementing a new tourism entry approval system called Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, for short). Beginning … Read more Read more
Oceania
Uluru: Why Climbing is Bad for Australia’s Heart
By Ann-Marie CahillUluru is not just the geographical heart of Australia; it is considered by Indigenous Australians to be the spiritual heart as well. Read more
Oceania Preservation
Sydney Festival 2019: Out of This World
By Ann-Marie CahillSydney comes to life in summer. It is a glorious city, no matter what time of year but in the summer, we have long days, warm nights, hot beaches, and the biggest party in all of Australia: The Sydney Festival. Read more
Oceania Family Travel Events & Festivals
3 “Must See” Australian Sporting Events
When someone mentions Australia as a holiday destination, some of the things that spring to mind are sun, sand and maybe the odd Kangaroo. While it’s true that there are plenty of opportunities to top up your tan when you’re on the other side of the world, Australia is also … Read more Read more
Oceania Sports
Diversity is one of the many Faces of Darwin, Australia
By Jackie JonesDarwin, the capital of Australian Northern Territory, is one of those places where people come for a visit and often decide to stay. Its diversity is fascinating and local atmosphere seems to always cheer up. Read more
Oceania Adventure Off the Beaten Path History Social Responsibility
Near Decade-long search for mammoth crocodile in Australia ends
After an 8-year search, Australian rangers finally caught the massive 15.5 foot-long, 1,300 pound saltwater crocodile that was first seen in 2010. The reptile was captured after being spotted near a boat ramp in Katherine River in Australia’s Northern Territory. It is estimated to be 60 years old and is … Read more Read more
Oceania
Rebuilding Wildlife Tourism in Kaikoura, New Zealand
By Ann-Marie CahillKaikoura is a town of 4,000 people located about 110 miles north of Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island. It is tucked away on a beautiful peninsula, backed by the snow-capped peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Read more
Oceania Preservation
Touring the Galápagos Islands
By JenLyn FitzThe Galápagos Islands are considered to be part of Ecuador and these islands are along the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The Islands consist of eighteen main islands, three smaller islands and one hundred and seven rocks and islets and together they form the Province of Ecuador, the Galápagos National … Read more Read more
Oceania Adventure
Australia makes strides to protect its marine life
By Jackie JonesOn November 16, 2012, the Australian government pledged that a series of marine parks would be constructed around its coast, in order to protect the vast, and eclectic marine life. Read more
Oceania Conservation
TODAY IN HISTORY: The sinking of PT-109 (Aug 2, 1943)
The United States PT-109 was a World War II-era boat used in the Pacific Theater. It was commanded by 26-year-old skipper John F. Kennedy. A Japanese destroyer patrolling on a moonless night smashed into PT-109, killing several crewmen and sending the survivors into the water. Kennedy, an excellent swimmer, towed injured … Read more Read more
Oceania History
Australia’s Kagaroo Island
By Jackie JonesSouth Australia’s Kangaroo Island quietly attracts wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers along with adventure seekers. It is a unique and exciting place. Read more
Oceania Adventure Food & Drink
LEGACY SHOW: Accessible travel on Australia
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.Hop across the pond to Australia with contributor Brian Portland who explores the world as an accessible traveler. Read more
Oceania Accessible
LEGACY SHOW: Journey to Antarctica
This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS.Tonya and Ian will chat with fellow travel journalists J.S. Fletcher and Kathy Newbern about their recent trip to Antarctica. Read more
Oceania