So, you’ve narrowed it down to Fiji vs Vanuatu for your next family holiday. Now cue the overthinking. Both are in the South Pacific, both have stunning beaches, and both promise a mix of relaxation and adventure. But they’re very different when you zoom in – especially for families.
Here’s the side-by-side guide you need to choose the right one for your crew.
At a glance – Fiji vs Vanuatu for families
| Feature | Fiji | Vanuatu |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Fuss-free resort holidays, all-inclusive packages, kids’ clubs, luxury resorts | Those who don’t need a luxury resort with kids club, cultural immersion, adventure, natural wonders like volcanoes & blue holes |
| Flight time from East Coast AU | Sydney: ~4 hrs Brisbane: ~3.5 hrs | Sydney: ~3.5 hrs Brisbane: ~2.5 hrs |
| Ease with younger kids | Excellent – kids’ clubs, nanny services, shallow lagoons | Good – fewer formal kids’ clubs, but easy to find kid-friendly activities |
| Adventure factor | Moderate – island hopping, snorkelling, soft adventure | High – volcano treks, jungle swims, cultural villages |
| Budget range | Mid–high – resorts are pricey, especially on the outer island, but deals often include meals | Mid – smaller resorts, self-catering options, lower attraction fees |
| Best season | May–Oct (dry season) | April–Oct (dry season) |
| Accommodation variety | Large family resorts, luxury private islands, boutique stays | Boutique resorts and bungalows, self-contained villas |
| Cultural depth | Village visits & meke dances | Kastom traditions, WWII history, local markets |
Fiji in a nutshell
Fiji is the polished Pacific poster child. You’ll find big resorts with sprawling pools, sand beaches, calm lagoons, and kids’ clubs so good you might wonder if they’ll ever want to leave. Some of the larger brand-name resorts feel more Gold Coast than Fiji. The Fijians are famously warm and welcoming, and they know how to cater to families – from toddler-friendly buffets to nanny services that give parents a rare dinner alone.
Vanuatu in a nutshell
Vanuatu is more rugged, more real, and full of surprises. You can swim in crystal-clear blue holes, walk through local markets, hike to the rim of an active volcano, and learn about kastom culture from the people who live it. It’s not quite as slick as Fiji -and that’s the charm. You’ll feel more like a traveller than a tourist, even if you’re only there for a week.
Getting there – Fiji vs Vanuatu
- Fiji: Direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne to Nadi. Transfers to island resorts can involve a short domestic flight or boat ride. It’s part of the adventure, but allow for extra travel time.
- Vanuatu: Direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Port Vila (Efate). Transfers are generally shorter – you can be at your accommodation in 20–40 minutes. Trips to other islands like Santo or Tanna require a domestic flight, although you can fly direct from Brisbane to Santo.
Weather & best time to visit
- Fiji: Dry season runs May–October. During this season, you can expect sunny days, cooler nights, and lower humidity. Wet season (Nov–Apr) brings more rain and higher cyclone risk.
- Vanuatu: Similar climate, but the dry season starts slightly earlier in April. Cyclone risk is also highest from December to March.
If you’re planning water-based activities, both destinations are best in the dry season when visibility is at its peak for snorkelling and diving.
Accommodation for families – Fiji vs Vanuatu
- Fiji: Home to the South Pacific’s most family-focused resorts. Think kids’ clubs from toddler age, kids-eat-free packages, dedicated family pools, and nannies on call. Options range from mid-range mainland hotels to high-end private island stays.
- Vanuatu: Smaller resorts and boutique hotels dominate. You’ll find self-catering villas and beachfront bungalows that suit longer stays and bigger families. While formal kids’ clubs are rarer, the family-friendly atmosphere makes up for it.
Family-friendly activities
Fiji
- Snorkelling.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Fijian cultural shows and kava ceremonies (kids get juice).
- Day trips to nearby islands.
Vanuatu
- Swimming in natural blue holes.
- Snorkelling.
- Visiting traditional villages.
- Hiking to Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna (for older kids).
Breakdown by age
- Toddlers: Fiji wins for shallow beaches, shaded play areas, and kids’ clubs for parents who need a break.
- School-aged kids: Vanuatu’s blue holes and cultural activities are a hit.
- Teens: Vanuatu offers more adrenaline options like volcano hikes and ziplining.
Food & dining
- Fiji: Buffet heaven. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, Indo-Fijian curries. Most resorts are well-prepared for fussy eaters.
- Vanuatu: Fresh seafood and fruit markets, plus a dash of French influence (think fresh-baked baguettes). Smaller resorts often cook with produce straight from the island.
Culture & local experiences
- Fiji: Village visits, traditional meke dances, and kava ceremonies.
- Vanuatu: Kastom ceremonies, WWII relics, and a more “everyday life” experience when you shop at local markets.
Getting around
- Fiji: Often resort-based. Island hopping requires organised boat or flight transfers.
- Vanuatu: On Efate or Santo, you can easily explore by hire-car or on day tours. If hiring a car, be prepared to drive slowly, as the roads are full of potholes and are in poor condition.
Safety & health
Both destinations are generally safe, but:
- Medical care is best in the main towns.
- Mosquito protection is a must.
- If heading to Vanuatu’s volcanoes, check your travel insurance covers it.
Budget & value
- Fiji: More luxury options, but packages (with meals and kids’ club access) can be good value. It’s hard to do Fiji on a budget.
- Vanuatu: Day-to-day costs are often lower, especially if you opt for self-catering. Easier to manage on a budget.
Final verdict – Fiji vs Vanuatu
Pick Fiji if… you’re a parent that’s overdue for a well-deserved break, you want a holiday that’s easy to plan, you have younger kids and need kid-friendly facilities, or if you’re five-star all the way.
Pick Vanuatu if… you’re up for a bit more adventure, are the type of family that doesn’t crave a kids club, you want your kids to come home saying “remember the lava?” or “remember when I rode a horse through a mangrove tunnel”.
FAQ – Fiji vs Vanuatu
Vanuatu is generally cheaper with more mid-range accommodation options. However, flights and tours can still quickly add up. However, neither would be considered a ‘budget’ destination.
Fiji’s resorts with their buffets and dedicated kids clubs are a winner for toddlers.
Both are excellent, but Vanuatu’s blue holes are unique and you don’t necessarily need to go on a boat to access great ocean snorkelling in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu offers more adrenaline activities like volcano hikes, blue hole swimming and ziplining. However, if your teens can’t do without WiFi, stick to big-name resorts in Fiji.
Both have options, but Vanuatu’s kastom villages and everyday island life feels more immersive. Fiji’s cultural shows and village visits are often part of resort package, which makes it easier with younger kids, but also feels very touristy.
Vanuatu’s shorter transfer times from the airport and shorter flight times makes it easier for a quick trip. Fiji takes their airport security very seriously and as a result, it’s not always a quick process to get in and out of the airport.
Australian passport holders can enter both Fiji and Vanuatu visa-free for short stays. Just make sure your passport has at least six months left on it.
Vanuatu feels less developed and more “local,” especially outside of Port Vila. Fiji has more tourism infrastructure, which can mean more convenience but also more crowds in popular areas.
Fiji delivers that dreamy overwater hammock shot with a cocktail in hand while the kids are happily at the kids’ club. In Vanuatu, you can grab a selfie at the edge of an active volcano with a backdrop of glowing lava. Both will make your friends jealous – it just depends if you want “relax envy” or “adventure envy.”
Fiji – there are kids’ clubs in many of the resorts and the staff have an uncanny ability to convince your child they’re about to have the best day of your life, leaving you free to sneak in a spa session and eat a meal in peace.
In Fiji, yes – there’s usually pizza, pasta, and chips within a 10-metre radius. In Vanuatu, yes too, but if you’re not self-catering, the options can be a little more limiting.
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