The Austral Islands lie 450 miles
south-southwest of Tahiti. There are five main islands in the
archipelago of which only the two principal islands of Rurutu and
Tubuai currently have regular air service. The islands are
high islands with large flat coastal plain areas. Of the two,
Rurutu is more rugged. They are part of the same submerged
ocean mountain range that includes the Cook Islands, which lie 600
miles to the northwest.
The islands were first discovered
by Captain Cook, who discovered Rurutu in 1769 and Tubuai in
1777. The rest of the islands were discovered by a number of
European explorers over the following forty four years, with the
last Rimatara being discovered in 1821.
Despite there being very few
beaches, the islands are ideal for clients looking for a very quiet
location to retreat, read and relax. There are currently no
quality hotels although good accommodation is provided in a range
of pensions.
A visit to the Australes is not for
travellers looking for a sun and sand experience, but if you want a
truly relaxing, cultural experience then a trip to these islands
will be well worth the time. Also, if you visit the island of
Rurutu between the months of July and October you will have the
added experience of seeing Humpback Whales, who migrate from their
Antarctic feeding grounds to the waters around the island to breed
and mate.