Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Given that Fiji is renowned for its tiny coral islands, many visitors are struck by the
sheer size of its main island, Viti Levu or “Big Fiji”. Covering just over ten thousand
square kilometres, it's roughly half the size of Wales and offers a wide range of scenery,
from sunburnt yellow sugarcane fields along the dry north coast to the verdant blanket
of rainforest spread over the eastern half of the island. With the exception of the Nadi
to Lautoka corridor and the urban sprawl between Suva and Nausori, Viti Levu is dis-
tinctly rural in character, with only a handful of small market towns along the coastal
road circling the island. Most such towns are found at the mouths of rivers, which in
turn connect the isolated and seldom visited mountainous interior.
Viti Levu can be hastily explored in two days, either by public bus or rental car, but a week
is recommended to have a chance to meet some of the exceedingly hospitable characters who
will welcome you along the way. More time will allow you to branch off the main roads to
explore and
hike
amongst some of the most beautiful countryside in the South Pacific.
The Queens Road, the main artery connecting Nadi and Suva, travels along
South Viti
Levu
, a relatively well developed tourist region. The first stop is the small town of Sigatoka,
close to the absorbing Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Further east are the beach resorts
of the Coral Coast and the adventure sports capital of Pacific Harbour. By contrast,
North
Viti Levu
appears rather barren, its scenery dominated by sugarcane farmland interspersed
with the market towns of Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki. Inland, however, is Fiji's most attract-
ive village, Navala, as well as the country's highest point, Mount Tomanivi; offshore are the
budget resorts of Nananu-i-Ra island.
East Viti Levu
is the least developed area on the main-
land, still mostly covered in rainforest; its main attraction is the picturesque Tailevu Coast,
accessed by remote dirt road.
