Ouen Toro Hill

Ouen Toro rises directly behind Anse Vata at the southern end of Nouméa, a scrub-covered hill with a road and walking trails to the top, where two Australian coastal guns installed during the Second World War still stand on their mountings. The view runs over the bays of Nouméa, out to Îlot Maître and the reef beyond, and the hill is used by joggers and walkers from the city every morning and evening.

The landscape

• The wartime guns - the Australian coastal artillery still on its mountings.
• The lagoon view - Nouméa's bays, Îlot Maître and the reef line beyond.
• The walking trails - the network of paths up through the scrub.
• The dry vegetation - the low scrub of Nouméa's leeward hills.

When to go

April to November is the cooler dry season. Early morning and late afternoon avoid the heat and give the best light. Midday is exposed and hot.

Before you go

There is no shade on the summit and the climb is hot in the middle of the day. The guns have no interpretation beyond a plaque. Trails are unsigned in places.

Nearby

Anse Vata is below, and the Aquarium is on the seafront.