The Austral Islands are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia with a population of around 6,500 people. The Australs consist of two seperate archipelagos. The Tubuai Islands and the Bass Islands.
The Tubuai Islands are made up of 5 islands. lles Maria, Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai and Raevavae. The Bass islands are made up of two islands, Rapa and Marotiri.
The Austral islands are well known for its art, especially its traditional wood carvings and enormous stone tiki. The ancient techniques of creating these peices were destroyed when the first missionaries arrived, but the artwork remains.
The Austral islands have many historical attractions which are famous through out the pacific. Limestone caves, ruined temples or marae and hilltop fortresses or pa's.
The island of Rurutu is located 572 km southwest of Tahiti. Moerai is the main village and together with the villages of Avera and Hauti are home to about 2000 inhabitants. The Austral islands are the pefect place to get away from the crowds, learn more about Polynesia history and experience the true Pacific way of life.
