While we are touring the north part of Australia this August with our 2 kids , we are thinking of taking a side trip to either Phuket or Bali from either Cairns or Darwin. Which is more advisable? Thinking since we are way over on that side of the world either of these locations might be an easy side trip. We have about 6 wks. Is it better to wait and book it over there? Any comments and/or advise?

I don't know the prices but it would be out of Darwin in any case, though you can fly out of Cairns but will still go through Darwin unless you return to Brisbane. <BR>Bali is only about 3hours away but Phuket is about 6 hours I would say, not allowing for transfers. <BR>Why either of these places when you have the Solomons, New Caladonia, Vanuatu etc with easy reach? Are you particularly interested in Balinese culture or Thai or just thinking that a tropical island would be nice because neither of them are particularly cheap when adding airfare from Australia.

Bali is fabulous! The resorts are expensive, but it is cheap to tour (we paid about $35 per day for our own tour guide, van, and driver). We spent three days there and it wasn't nearly enough. The people are wonderful, the food delicious, and the culture unique. We loved it!

we just returned from Australia & while there thought we would return to Bali.It turned out that flying times were very long..almost 10 hrs.Distances in Australia itself are gigantic !<BR>I concur there are much closer<BR>spots especially with kids.How about Lizard Island for great snorkelng ?

What about Club Crocodile at the Whitsundays? They cater for children and there is always lots to do. Besides you are less likely to get sick going there as well, especially as its very difficult for children to remember the rules of how not to get Bali Belly and all the other nasties that you can get there.<BR>These places are not close really and there are so many wonderful places on the eastern seaboard in Australia that I cannot see why you would want to leave actually<BR>

If you are in Darwin, yes I would recommend a trip to Bali. But I'm not sure I would bother going there if you are only on the Eastern Seaboard of Australia. But I wouldn't go to New Caledonia or other Pacific Islands either; I think Bal is a more preferable destination. <BR><BR>Bali from Darwin or Perth IS cheap and the food/accommodation is also cheap and excellent. August is wonderful in Bali.<BR><BR>See if you can check out some prices on the net. I think booking from Australia would be cheaper.