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Mele Cascades, Vanuatu - Things to Do in Mele Cascades

Things to Do in Mele Cascades

Mele Cascades, Vanuatu - Complete Travel Guide

Mele Cascades sits 15 minutes from Port Vila. These waterfalls tumble down rocky ledges through thick tropical forest, creating natural swimming pools that locals and visitors have enjoyed for decades. You get a proper jungle waterfall experience without serious hiking gear or half a day of travel. Local families maintain the area thoughtfully. They keep walking paths and facilities while preserving the natural character completely. Clear pools surrounded by towering trees await—plus the constant sound of falling water. Perfect for cooling off. The short forest walk gives you a real taste of Vanuatu's interior without expedition-level planning.

Top Things to Do in Mele Cascades

Swimming in the Natural Pools

Swimming is the main draw. Several natural pools of varying depths have formed at the base of different cascade levels. Water stays refreshingly cool year-round. Perfect for proper swimming. The deeper pools beat just wading around. Rocks around the pools make decent spots for sunbathing between dips.

Booking Tip: No booking required - just pay the small entrance fee (around 500 vatu) at the gate. Best visited in the morning when the light filters through the trees nicely, or late afternoon when it's less crowded.

Forest Walking Trail

The walk takes 15-20 minutes. Well-maintained paths wind through native forest where you'll spot various tropical plants and might catch glimpses of local bird life. The trail gives you a proper sense of Vanuatu's rainforest environment. Not challenging at all. Just enough to feel like you earned the swim.

Booking Tip: Wear decent walking shoes as the path can be slippery, especially after rain. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, though there are some uneven sections and tree roots to navigate.

Photography at Multiple Cascade Levels

Several different waterfall sections exist here. Each has its own character—some wide and gentle, others dropping dramatically into deep pools. This variety creates interesting photography opportunities with light filtering through the forest canopy. Early morning light works best. Much more photogenic than midday harsh sun.

Booking Tip: Bring a waterproof case for your camera or phone. The mist from the falls can be heavier than expected, and you'll likely want shots from different angles including some from the water itself.

Rope Swing Adventures

Rope swings hang over the deeper pools. Some set up by locals, others by adventurous visitors over the years. These range from gentle swings into shallow areas to dramatic drops into deep pools. Local kids demonstrate impressive techniques. Worth watching before you try.

Booking Tip: Check the rope condition before using and test the water depth. What looks deep enough might be shallower than expected, especially during drier periods. Watch others go first if you're unsure.

Picnicking by the Water

Flat spots around the main pools work well for picnics. Fresh tropical fruit while listening to waterfalls and taking occasional dips to cool off hits differently. Local families often do this on weekends—creates a relaxed community feel.

Booking Tip: Bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities at the falls themselves. Pack out all trash - the local families who maintain this area work hard to keep it pristine.

Getting There

Mele Cascades is 15 kilometers northwest of Port Vila. A decent sealed road covers most of the journey, making car or scooter rental the most straightforward option. You get flexibility with timing and can stop at other spots along the way. Local buses run along the main road. You'll walk the final kilometer from the main road turnoff though. Many Port Vila hotels arrange transfers, or you can share a taxi—fares typically run 2,000-3,000 vatu each way.

Getting Around

Everything is walkable once you arrive. The main trail takes 15-20 minutes, with shorter paths branching off to different cascade levels and viewpoints. Paths stay well-maintained by local families but get slippery after rain. Small parking area near the entrance. Most visitors spend 2-4 hours here—enough time to swim, explore different pools, and relax without feeling rushed.

Where to Stay

Port Vila Central
Mele Bay Area
Hideaway Island
Erakor Island
Iririki Island
Breakas Beach Resort Area

Food & Dining

Mele Cascades has no restaurants. Most visitors pack picnics or eat before and after in Port Vila. The nearby Mele Bay area has small family-run spots serving fresh fish and traditional Vanuatu dishes. Stop at roadside stalls if driving. They sell fresh tropical fruits that make perfect waterfall snacks. Port Vila's local markets stock the best picnic supplies—tropical fruits, fresh bread, and local specialties.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Vanuatu

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Beach Bar

4.5 /5
(524 reviews)

The Stonegrill Restaurant

4.7 /5
(427 reviews)

Tamanu on the beach

4.7 /5
(214 reviews)
lodging spa

Three Pigs

4.5 /5
(167 reviews)
bar

Tanna Coffee

4.6 /5
(150 reviews)
cafe store

Cafe Vila

4.5 /5
(139 reviews)

When to Visit

Open year-round. The experience varies significantly with seasons though. Dry season (May to October) offers reliable weather and clearer water, but water levels might be lower. Wet season brings fuller cascades. Lusher surroundings too, but paths get muddier and water cloudier after heavy rains. April-May or September-October offer the best balance. Early morning visits stay cooler and less crowded—late afternoon offers beautiful light filtering through the forest canopy.

Insider Tips

Entrance fees go directly to maintaining families. Small bills in vatu make the process smoother for everyone.
Water levels change significantly after heavy rain. If you arrive after storms and water looks murky, it usually clears within a day or two.
Local kids hang out here weekends. They can show you the best swimming spots and rope swings, plus they're happy to take action photos of visitors.

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Itineraries

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Where to Stay

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