Experience everything this Pacific Island has to offer
Breathtaking beaches, lush and leafy interiors and some of the happiest locals in the world. Say hello to Fiji.
Sitting pretty in the South Pacific, Fiji is a fascinating archipelago of more than 300 islands. Here we reveal the best places in Fiji for your next escape.
Discover more about Fiji
The happiest place in the world
Scattered like seeds across the South Pacific, the islands of Fiji promise adventure, unique culture and boundless R&R. There are pounding waterfalls and lush rainforests, castaway beaches and seas of luminous water. But there’s also a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be explored and encounters with locals who are genuinely some of the happiest people in the world. And who can blame them?
The point is, this deliriously beautiful nation will enchant just about anyone and you’ll never struggle for things to do in Fiji, whether you’re romance-seeking honeymooners, backpackers travelling on a shoestring, or families with freewheeling children.
Airports in Fiji
There are two airports in Fiji. Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the main international gateway to Fiji, located near Nadi town. Nausori International Airport (SUV) is Located in Suva, Fiji’s capital. It offers flights to Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands.
Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Qantas
Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Qantas
Why Australians just can’t get enough of Fiji
It’s thought the first people to colonise Fiji were the Lapita people in around 1220BC. Melanesians arrived 1000 years later and for centuries, the people of the archipelago lived and evolved, hidden from the rest of the world. It wasn’t until 1643 that Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, first wrote about his ‘discovery’ of the islands, followed by Captain James Cook who sailed through in 1774 and visited throughout the 18th century.
In 1874, the British established the Colony of Fiji, before the islands gained independence in 1970. It was around this time the government started to see the economic potential of Fiji as a travel destination. During the Seventies, plans for hotels, luxury resorts and tourist infrastructure to be built amongst the natural wonders and colonial architecture were rolled out, as was a marketing campaign to lure Australians.
Why Australians? Well, beyond Fiji’s unique natural beauty, it is just a short flight from the east coast. You’re looking at around 3h45m from Sydney, 3h40m from Brisbane and 5h from Melbourne. Thankfully, it looks as though our love affair with Fiji isn’t going anywhere.
5 of the best spots in Fiji
Whether you’re seeking city thrills or serene beach time, here are five of the best destinations to add to your Fiji bucket list
Suva
Easy going vibes
Pitched on the eastern side of its main island, Suva is the easy-going capital city of Fiji. Head to lively Suva Municipal Market, walk through the historical and cultural exhibits at the Fiji Museum, and gaze at the colonial architecture. As night falls, McCarthur Street and Victoria Parade offer a taste of nightlife in Fiji.
Nadi
Your Fijian intro
When you’re flying into Fiji, you’ll spot this tiny city from on high. Many people stop here before heading across to the palm-speckled Denarau Island with its luxury resorts, making Nadi the perfect little Fijian intro. Check out the intricately carved Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple, the largest in the Pacific.
Yasawa Islands
Heaven awaits
So knockout is this string of 20 islands, Yasawa actually translates as ‘heaven’. And you’ll realise why as soon as you land here with some of the best beaches in Fiji. Expect drooping palms, white sands and luminous turquoise seas. For diving in Fiji, it’s the place to descend into the depths.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
Abundance of beauty
For something entirely different, this national park is an eerie place to test your head for your adventure in Fiji. Walk in the shadow of towering native trees, sandboard down honey-coloured dunes, and look out for endemic species of birds flitting from branch to branch.
Taveuni Island
Go off grid
Also known as the ‘Garden Island’, Taveuni is the sort of place you can go off-grid. Divers will relish a trip to the great white wall, where reef fish hover and it’s possible you’ll glide alongside manta rays, spinner dolphins and humpback whales. Don’t miss a hike through the Bouma National Heritage Park, with its pounding waterfalls.
Insider tips for travelling in Fiji
Tipping isn’t encouraged in Fiji. Instead, tip with a smile and ‘vinaka’ (thank you).
The easiest way to island hop is via ferry. There are several services from the main island.
Avoid wearing anything on your head whenever you enter a village, even sunglasses.
Your Fijian budget
Food & Drink: Expect to pay around FJD 10-30 (6.80-20.42 AUD) for a meal.
Transportation: Local buses cost around FJD 1-2 (0.68-1.36 AUD) per trip, while taxis can range from FJD 10-40 (6.80-27.22 AUD) depending on distance.
Accommodation: Budget hotels start at around FJD 50 (34 AUD) per night, while luxury resorts can go up to FJD 500 (340 AUD) or more.
Adventure Activities: Water sports, trekking, and diving can cost between FJD 100-300 (68-204 AUD).
Souvenirs: Traditional Fijian crafts, jewellery, and clothing range from FJD 20-100 (13.61-68 AUD).
Insider tip:
Getting cash out of an ATM has a high conversion cost, plus added fees so it’s wise to take Fijian dollars with you. If you do run out of cash, all ATMs in Fiji have a daily withdrawal limit of FJD$1,000 (680 AUD) so it’s worth taking the maximum out in one go to keep your per-transaction costs down.
The beaches across Fiji’s 300 islands are knockout. Fact. But there’s so much more to this archipelago than its idyllic curves of sand and incredibly clear seas. Chasing waterfalls, snorkelling coral reefs and sandboarding down dunes are all entirely possible. Who wouldn’t want to travel to Fiji?
Thinking of travelling to Fiji? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
