South Pacific Island for Holiday/Snorkelling direct from Sydney?

[ademanuele]

We are planning a round the world trip and will be in Sydney July/August and looking for a South Pacific Island to spend a few days. We are using oneworld so we would like to be able to fly direct from Sydney using Qantas or a oneworld affiliate such as Air Fiji. We would like to stay on a preferably quiet island where we can easily access the snorkelling (preferably without having to take a boat) and that offers other activities including walking/exploring. Any suggestions for an island and accommodation... It will be winter when we visit (~August) so please send us somewhere warm!

ps French Polynesia was on our list but not really doable with oneworld round the world

 

[clownfishsydney]

Cook Islands but this is via Jetstar which is Qantas owned. Rarotonga has many resorts or apartment accommodation. Vanuatu (Port Vila) is great but has cruise liners every few days which means lots of people. Both are great spots with good snorkelling.

If money is no object, Lord Howe Island tops them all, but water is a bit cold in July/August. Norfolk Island is also great, but water is cooler than Vanuatu and Cook Islands. Both are accessed via Qantas.