When to visit?
Low season: November, February to April (Best time for budget travellers)
November to April is Fiji’s wet season, with heavy rains and high humidity. There are fewer tourists in Fiji, and a greater chance of getting reduced rates on accommodation.
High season: June to September, December and January(Best time for those tied to school holidays)
The high seasons coincide with the school holidays in Australia and New Zealand. Prices go up by 10% to 20%; costs peak in June and July. June and July are also the coolest, driest months, with pleasant temperatures.
Shoulder season: May and October (Best time for milder temperatures)
Not a fan of the heat? This is the reccomended time to go!
The shoulder season includes the “Fijian winter” or dry season (May to October), bringing low rainfall, low humidity, milder temperatures and a lower risk of cyclones. Outside of high season you’ll frequently find useful discounts and lower walk-in rates.
Visitor visas and requirements For Australian passport holders, with a stay shorter than 4 months, you will be issued a visa on arrival. You may need to show proof of booked accomodation and a return travel ticket to be issued a visa on arrival.
Best places to visit The eclectic gateway city of Nadi
On landing into Fiji you’ll see Nadi from the air. This pint-sized city is located just a short drive from the international airport and is a great spot to kick off your Fijian adventure. A mix of stores in a rainbow of colours line the roads, with everything from electronics to handicrafts on offer. Palm-lined beaches on the Yasawa Islands Yasawa means "heaven" in Fijian and this string of islands is certainly heavenly. The archipelago, located in the northwest, comprises around 20 islands of varying size with palm-lined beaches, aquamarine waters, and dramatic topography being the running theme. Despite their remote location, the majority of the islands are inhabited and many feature hotels. To get there, the Yasawa Flyer ferry departs daily from Port Denarau Marina close to the airport and stops at more than 12 of the islands. South Sea Cruises also runs ferry services and excursions in the area.
Book a stay at the five-star Nanuku Resort
Elevate your Fiji trip by booking into the blissful confines of the five-star Nanuku Resort. This award-winning hotel on the southern edge of Fiji’s main island makes for a dreamy setting, with villas and apartments enveloped by lush foliage and a two-mile white sand beach fringing the property. The rooms feature an attractive blend of modern and Fijian-styled interiors with amenities including private plunge pools and cinema rooms. On the food front, the main restaurant serves up French cuisine with a Pacific twist but for a special occasion, book a dining experience on the shores of the hotel’s private island or its cliffside perch.
Best place to stay for families
Located 20 minutes from the airport, the small island of Denarau makes a great setting for families with everything you need on the doorstep. The outcrop, connected to the mainland via a bridge, has been developed into a luxury tourism spot complete with a state-of-the-art marina, five-star resorts, top-notch restaurants, and an 18-hole golf course. It's an apartment hotel, fully equipped kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas. Other perks at the property include parking, a swimming pool, babysitting services, a cafe, a gym, and a tour desk offering a wide range of day and multi-day trips.
Enjoy authentic Fiji on the Coral Coast
Nestled on the southern most coast of the mainland is th coral coast, stretching over 100km of pristine beaches and off shore reefs. On the Coral Coast, you can enjoy calm swimming conditions as most of the beaches are protected by their reefs. It is also a fantastic place to snorkel, visit villages, and explore Fijian wilderness and waterfalls.
Things to do
Visit a village and experience life the Fijian way
Anyone who has ever pulled ashore to a Fijian island resort can testify to being received with hearty greetings and welcoming songs. But to get beyond the bula!, head to a homestay or visit a village. Homestay's provide an unmatchable, authentic insight into the real Fiji – you’ll be living with a Fijian family, like a Fijian family. Village visits offer a shorter – but equally enthralling – experience. On the main island of Viti Levu, the strikingly scenic Navala offers guests an immersive stay in a traditional village, while offshore, home stays on Waya Island welcome visitors keen on seeing the Yasawas from a local perspective.
Snorkel and scuba dive in an underwater wonderland
One of the country’s top offshore draws is the chance to swim and snorkel near huge manta rays, especially in the channel between the Yasawa group’s Nanuya Balavu and Drawaqa islands, and further south at Kadavu’s aptly named Manta Reef. In the Yasawas, Mantaray Island and Barefoot Manta resorts offer ethical ‘look, don’t touch’ manta ray encounters; in Kadavu, head out with the crew from Matava Resort or Kokomo Private Island Resort. What currency is used in Fiji?
The Fijian Dollar (FJD, FJ$, $) is Fiji’s official currency, made up of 100 cents.
Ways to get around
Save money with public transport
If you’re traveling on a budget or fancy getting a taste of local life, buses are the best way of getting around Fiji’s main islands. Around 95 percent of the country’s roads are found on Viti Levu and the neighbouring island of Vanua Levu with frequent bus services running around both.
Fares start from just 70 Fijian cents (36 cents) and run up to $19.93 for the longest multi-stop journey on offer.
Minibus services also run on Viti Levu via Viti Minibuses, while Sunbeam Transport, Pacific Transport, and Coral Sun have air conditioned coaches for a more comfortable experience.
Although cheap, public transport can be hard to navigate as it often isn't as marked as what you would expect back home, with no sign posted bus stops or sign written vehicles.
Navigate the island by car or motorcycle
If you want to go at things at your own pace and you’re confident at being behind the wheel in a foreign country, one of the best ways of touring Viti Levu is by hiring a car.
Driving is on the left – the same as Australia – and the main roads are tarred thanks to years of investment. The road network is also largely devoid of traffic other than some minor congestion in the cities and during bad weather.
Avis and Europcar are two of the best-known car hire providers in Fiji and you’ll be able to find outposts at Nadi International Airport, Denarau Island down the road, and the colorful capital of Suva on the southeast coast. Soak up Fiji’s paradisiacal scenery by hopping on a ferry or boat
Hop off the main island and explore the Fijian archipelago by traveling via a ferry or boat. One of the best places to pick up services is from Port Denarau on Viti Levu, which is just a 15-minute drive from Nadi.
There are two main ferry companies running to the Yasawa islands, with boats stopping at around 12 or the outcrops in the ruggedly beautiful archipelago. The Yasawa Flyer serves as a high-speed modern catamaran with refreshments available on board, while South Sea Cruises has some equally comfortable vessels providing island to island transfers.
Five best hotels in Fiji Shangri-La Yanuca Island Extraordinary setting occupying an entire island, joined by a causeway. Lovely grounds contain immaculate gardens and faultless beach. For older guests: an adults-only section the size of a normal resort, Infinity pool and golf course. For those younger: a waterpark, kids’ club and multitude of activities.
Sheraton Denarau Villas
Spacious self-contained 2- and 3-bedroom villas ideal for families and small groups. In a gated complex in suburban Nadi with marina, golf course and world-class shopping complex. Particularly appealing are the overall Fijian design and Infinity pool. Seafront Villas boast idyllic ocean views. Guests can also use the extensive facilities and wonderful beach at the associated Sheraton and Westin resorts nearby.
Grand Pacific Hotel
Over 100 years old, it’s hands down the most graceful hotel in Fiji, if not the entire South Pacific. The antithesis of a soulless resort, with serene seaside setting. Convenience, charm and charisma in spades. And the facilities – such as an opulent guest lounge, breezy cocktail bar and elegant dining room – are utterly enchanting.
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
Ticks so many boxes: vast tropical gardens, traditional design, fabulous facilities and outstanding beach. Caters very well for families, but adults without young ones also spoiled, with tranquil child-free facilities. Appealing rooms and stylish bungalows. The out-of-the-way vibe doesn’t mean that it’s isolated.
The Pearl South Pacific Resort, Spa & Golf Course Unique setting, where a river meets the picturesque cove. Ideal for golf enthusiasts and sun-lovers searching for a tranquil shady beach, with snow-white sands and calm blue waters. Spend mornings enjoying a multitude of activities, afternoons at the swim-up bar, and evenings in the romantic café. Easy to reach from Suva.
Have you been to Fiji yet? Let us know your favourite spots below!
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