Comparisons
Bali or Fiji for a family holiday from Australia?
Flight times, resorts, culture, costs and the best months, to help you pick the right island escape for your family.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Fiji is the easier, more relaxing choice for young children: a four-hour flight from Sydney, resort kids' clubs, calm lagoons and English widely spoken.
- Bali offers more culture, food and variety for the money, but the flight is longer and the traffic can be heavy.
- Both are best in their dry season, roughly May to October; Fiji's wet season brings a risk of cyclones from November to April.
| Flight from Sydney | About 4 hours (Fiji), 6.5 hours (Bali) |
|---|---|
| Time difference from Sydney | Fiji 1–2 hours ahead; Bali 2–3 hours behind |
| Best months | May–October for both |
| Best for culture | Bali |
| Best for calm lagoons and kids' clubs | Fiji |
Getting there
Nadi, Fiji's main airport, is about four hours from Sydney and Brisbane, and a little longer from Melbourne. Bali is about six and a half hours from Sydney and Melbourne, but only about two and a half hours from Darwin and three and a half from Perth. For West Australians, Bali is the obvious easy choice.
Fiji: island resorts and lagoons
Families usually stay on Denarau Island near Nadi, on the Coral Coast, or on an island in the Mamanucas, reached by boat. Many resorts have kids' clubs, shallow lagoons for snorkelling and plenty of space, so you rarely need to leave.
Fijians are famously welcoming to children, and English is an official language. If you visit a village, dress modestly and take part in a kava ceremony.
Bali: culture, food and villas
Bali has temples, rice terraces, monkey forests and water parks, and a private villa with a pool can cost less than a resort room elsewhere. Nusa Dua and Sanur have calm water for small children; Ubud is cooler and cultural.
Roads in the south are busy, so base yourself in one or two places rather than moving around. Foreign visitors pay a Bali tourist levy, which you can pay online before you arrive.
Costs
Food, massages, drivers and villas are usually cheaper in Bali. Fiji's resorts are pricier, but meal packages and kids-stay-free deals can make them competitive. Flights to Fiji are shorter, which some families value more than the savings.
Health and safety
Check Smartraveller and see your GP about vaccinations before either trip. In Bali, drink bottled or filtered water to avoid an upset stomach. In both places, use reef-safe sunscreen and rash vests for children, as the tropical sun is strong.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fiji or Bali better for toddlers?
Fiji is usually easier with toddlers: a shorter flight, calm lagoons, resort kids' clubs and less travel once you arrive.
Is Bali cheaper than Fiji?
Yes, day-to-day costs such as food, drivers and villas are usually lower in Bali. Fiji resort packages can narrow the gap.
When is the best time to visit Fiji and Bali?
May to October is the dry season in both. Fiji's wet season, from November to April, is hotter and carries a risk of cyclones.
