Do Australia passport holders need a visa to visit NC?

No visa needed. Australian ordinary passport holders can visit New Caledonia visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. New Caledonia is a French overseas collectivity (collectivité sui generis) in the South Pacific. Although it is part of the French Republic, it is NOT part of the Schengen Area and operates its own visa policy distinct from metropolitan France. As a result, the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation does NOT apply to New Caledonia, and a Schengen visa is not valid there. Australian ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt for short tourist stays of up to 90 days (three months) within any 180-day (six-month) period. No visa or prior travel authorisation is required before arrival. Travellers should carry a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date, with at least two blank pages. Proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds may be requested by border officials, and comprehensive travel insurance covering medical and repatriation costs is strongly recommended. Note that working, even for under three months, requires a separate work permit. Verified against the New Caledonia official tourism authority, the Australian Consulate-General Nouméa, and Smartraveller (DFAT).