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Fiji | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Hotels, things to do, best time to go, deals and more.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

Updated

Boat on a secluded beach in Fiji

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It’s time to switch off, rejuvenate and unwind, because within moments of landing in this tropical paradise you’ll understand what they mean when they say "Fiji time".

This nation of luxury resorts and private islands offers a diverse range of activities to suit every travelling style. From the sunset-seeking honeymooners to the adventurous family unit, one moment you could be sipping cocktails on the beach, the next you could be snorkelling with turtles and whale sharks. The choice is yours.

With frequent direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane, Fiji is also one of the most accessible tropical nations for Australians.

Hotels

Resorts, spas and backpacker stays in Fiji.

Hotels

Flights

Special flight fares and must-know information if you're flying to Fiji.

Flights

Things to do

Diving, firewalking, hiking and general relaxing.

Things to do

Overwater bungalows

Escape to the ultimate tropical accommodation.

Overwater bungalows

Best time to go

When to visit tropical Fiji for the most idyllic holiday, weather and price-wise.

Best time to go

Cruises to Fiji

Sail the tropical islands of Fiji with these lines..

Cruises to Fiji

Travel insurance

Compare Fiji travel insurance policies and save.

Travel insurance

Travel money

Get competitive rates and learn more about the Fijian dollar

Travel money

Travel deals

Latest deals on flights, hotels, cruises and more.

Travel deals

Getting around Fiji

Getting around Fiji is budget-friendly and can be done easily.

On the main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu transportation is common and affordable and as such, walking is not a common form of transport.

Below we share all the ways that you can get around the mainland as well as from island to island cheaply.

Fiji public transport

Types of transport: Buses can be hailed from the side of the street, carriers, which are trucks that depart when full, minivans, taxis.

Paying for transport: All transport in Fiji is paid for in cash unless booked in advance where credit cards may be accepted.

Taxis and Uber

  • Taxi: Yellow taxis are available at the airport with prices ranging from $15 to $50 depending on where you are heading on the island. They can also be flagged down on the street. Private transfers can be prebooked.
  • Uber: Uber is currently unavailable in Fiji but taxis are available and affordable.

Car hire in Fiji

Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Bula Car, Carpenters and Satellite Rentals are all available at the arrivals concourse in Nadi International Airport. Cars can be pre-booked online or booked at some hotels.

See our latest car hire deals

Fiji transfers from the airport and to islands

Private Transfer from Nadi Airport to Hotel
Private Transfer from Nadi Airport to Hotel

Viator

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Private Transfer from Nadi Airport to Coral Coast
Private Transfer from Nadi Airport to Coral Coast

Viator

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Private Arrival Transfer from Nadi Airport to Hotel
Private Arrival Transfer from Nadi Airport to Hotel

Viator

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Private boats: Ferry services are available between Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Ovalau and Kadavu. Alternatively you can hire a boat for an island transfer.

Frequently asked questions about Fiji

Is Fiji expensive?

  • Accommodation: Hostel prices start at around FJD15 ($9.50) per night. For a private room, you can expect to pay approximately FJD100 per night ($63.40). Budget hotels start somewhere in the region of FJD60 ($38) per night for a twin or double room. Fancier resorts start at approximately FJD250 ($158) per night. In general, prices increase the further out you get from the main island. Shop around and book in advance to save!
  • Food: The average cost in a basic restaurant is FJD10 ($6.30) for a meal. Mid-range restaurants charge in the region of 30 FJD ($19). Beer in a bar will be in the region of FJD5 ($3.20).
  • Transportation: Buses and taxis are readily available and inexpensive in Fiji. Travelling between the islands is usually run by small boats offered by accommodation.

In conclusion, as with most holiday destinations, the price you pay will depend on the level of luxury you wish to experience. You can holiday relatively well on a shoestring budget, but if you're planning extravagance, you'll need more spending money.

When is Fiji's wet season?

Fiji's wet season runs from November to April and as a result it experiences a much larger amount of rainfall during that time than in May to October.

Check out our guide on the best time to visit Fiji.

Which Fiji island is best for couples?

Couples considering honeymooning in Fiji may want to consider Likuliku. It is a unique luxury escape for couples that's located on Fiji's Malolo Island in the Mamanuca archipelago. This award-winning resort offers couples a five-star experience in a beautiful and extravagant Fijian location.

But with so many islands to choose from and a variety of adult-only resorts, the possibilities and options are almost endless. Do shop around and read reviews.

Which Fiji island is best for families?

Again, for families, there are so many different resorts on the different islands of Fiji to choose from. Some of our recommended options are:

  • Castaway Island: Castaway's Kid's Club focuses on natural activities like constructing elaborate sandcastles on the beautiful beaches, building boats out of coconut husks and leaves, and swimming races in the resort's super-safe kids pool.
  • Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort: Home to The Bula Club which is largely considered the best kids club in the South Pacific; it's free for children under 13 and has two daily programs of activities based on age: 0–5 years and 6–12 years.
  • Malolo Island Resort: At this resort, there are two pools – one for families which is connected by waterfall to an adults-only pool. Malolo also has a complimentary and funtastic kids club, Tia's Treehouse. It is regarded as one of the best designed and run kids clubs in Fiji.

Is Fiji gay friendly?

Homosexuality was only legalised in Fiji in 2010, which may lead to public displays of affection being frowned upon. Although having said that, the Fijians are largely a friendly and welcoming population so you shouldn't encounter any discriminatory behaviour.

There are some Fiji resorts that cater specifically to gay couples so if you're in any sort of dilemma, this is always an option.

Does Fiji have volcanoes?

Yes. Fiji's remaining volcanoes are scattered around the country and still experience thermal activity. Some of these volcanoes have not erupted for several hundred years. Koro is a cinder cone volcano that rises approximately 1,713 feet high between Vanua Levu and Viti Levu islands. Nabukelevu is a complex of lava domes that is located on Kadavu island.

Are there casinos in Fiji?

Gambling in the islands of Fiji is restricted to sporting bets and the local lottery. It does not have any casinos.

In 2012, an exclusive casino gambling licence was granted to One Hundred Sands Limited for a period of 15 years. The casino was planned to be built on Denarau Island; however, the construction of the resort suffered delays, resulting in the withdrawal of investors.

What should I pack for a trip to Fiji?

Here's a recommended list of everything you should take with you when holidaying in Fiji:

Passports and any required travel documents including copies of your travel insurance.

  • Clothing: the climate is probably warmer than you're used to. Pack lightweight cotton clothing to keep you cool, but also pack something to wear when you're dressing to impress!
  • Sunscreen: choose a high factor UV protection.
  • Insect repellant: to keep those pesky blood suckers away.
  • Camera: and extra batteries, charger and/or memory cards. There are photo opportunities in abundance.
  • Sturdy shoes: if you're planning to trek through the island rainforests, sandals won't cut it.

Is Fiji part of Polynesia?

No. Fiji is a part of Melanesia, not Polynesia. Fijians are not Polynesian, they are Melanesian. However, their native language has more in common with Polynesian than Melanesian.

Is Fiji its own country?

Yes. Fiji is an independent country as recognised by the United Nations. Officially known as the Republic of Fiji, it is an island country in Melanesia situated in the South Pacific Ocean.

Does Fiji have daylight savings?

Yes. Despite it having a relatively small variation in daylight length, Fiji implemented daylight saving time in 1998–99 but ended it after that. Fiji recommenced observing DST in 2009 starting on 29 November and ending on 26 April 2010. The decision to recommence the practice was due to a productive activity report detailing the implementation of daylight saving in 1998 and 1999, which received a very encouraging response from the people and the business community.

Is Fiji safe for tourists?

There are no significant issues concerning safety in Fiji. We do advise that Aussies express the same due diligence with their personal safety and belongings as they would anywhere.

Theft from hotel rooms has been known, as has bag snatching, and thus we recommend safeguarding your valuables and especially your passports.

Does Fiji have Zika virus?

Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes in Fiji are infected with Zika and have been spreading it to people. Many of those infected with Zika virus do not get sick or only experience mild symptoms. However, infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects.

Because there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika, travellers should take steps to prevent getting Zika during travel and to prevent spreading the virus on their return home. Due to the impact of contracting Zika on pregnancy, we highly recommend avoiding Fiji if you are pregnant or trying to conceive until public health officials have confirmed the danger has passed.

Latest Fiji travel deals

Hotels.comHotels.com

Extra 8% off on hotel bookings

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P&O CruisesP&O Cruises

$1 deposits on Australia and South Pacific cruises

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MarriottMarriott

Up to 50% off room upgrades + free breakfast on stays

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P&O CruisesP&O Cruises

Up to $1,000 onboard credit on cruises

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