10 days in July, diving + beach, with 9 month old?

Hi all,

we have 10 days off starting July 8 - from Sydney. We're trying to plan a relaxing break with our new 9 month old daughter, including beach, a bit of scuba diving (both my wife and I). We've been to Vanuatu (Santo) previously. Have been considering Fiji though not too impressed with what we're found so far. Also Cook Islands or New Caledonia (don't know much about it, but it's significantly closer!). What about Bali - is it safe?

thanks, any tips would be great.

Bali is safe - even if another nightlife spot happened to get blown up when you are there (very unlikely) you are not planning to go clubbing with a 9 months old anyway, right?

New Caledonia is stunning, with MUCH better beaches (but also much less in the way of sights and visually obvious "culture") than anything on Bali, but the savings in distance would probably need to be balanced by higher prices.
See the New Caledonia link in my signo line for a summary.

I'd prefer either of the above to Fiji if only going for a short holiday.

I agree with Laszlo in his first 2 paras (and most other things he says!, except to say that travel in Fiji is VERY easy with a toddler/baby
Any of the 3 would be good. We've been to Fiji and also to NC with small children (as well as Vanuatu), and had a great time. We went to Bali ( twice ) without kids, but know that would enjoy it too.

I would lean towards the Pacific (ie New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu) with little ones rather than say Bali.The Pacidfic is quiter, cleaner and the locals are better with them than in Bali.

Oh, no doubt Fiji is very easy with a toddler - certain resorts there go out of their way to specifically cater for the needs of families with children.

I'd simply prefer the other two for a short holiday because they have more sights or great scenery on offer within easy reach of a resort.
Fiji would have the edge in terms of having numerous diverse outer islands, but that's not something one can appreciate on a brief trip with a small child.