Fiji is a tropical paradise complete with white sands, turquoise water and a beautifully slow pace of life.
In this article, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip to Fiji. From understanding the best time to visit, to practical tips for activities and attractions, here’s everything you need to know about this tropical island nation.
Before You Leave Australia
There’s lots to consider when planning an international trip, and most of this needs to happen before you board the plane. The first section of our guide covers everything you need to tick off before you leave Australia.
Preparing for Your Trip
Fiji’s Seasons
Before you plan a trip, you need to understand the best time to visit this country. As a tropical destination, Fiji’s wet season coincides with summer (which is from November to April).
Rainfall is usually only an hour or two each afternoon. At this time of year the waterfalls and greenery will be at their most beautiful! However, this is also cyclone season in Fiji, which might impact your travel plans.
The dry season is from May to October, though beaches will be considerably more busy if you travel in these months.
Passports, Visas and Documents
Travellers from Australia do not need a visa to enter Fiji.
As long as you have booked accommodation and a return ticket, you can stay in Fiji for less than four months.
You do need to check your passport’s expiry date, though. You must have a valid passport with more than six months left on it.
You might also be asked to show proof of funds, documents for your next country or a tourist visa for your next destination.
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy is essential for trips to Fiji. Make sure your policy covers you for medical evacuation, in case you get seriously ill.
Also ensure you have sufficient cover for overseas medical costs, as many hospitals in Fiji will require you to pay for treatment upfront.
You should also make sure your policy covers you for adventure activities, like scuba diving or whitewater rafting, if you plan on doing these.
Staying Up to Date
The Australian government website is the best place to stay up to date ahead of your trip.
On the Smartraveller site you can find the latest information about travel to Fiji. This includes detail on crime rates, weather warnings and any outbreaks of infectious diseases.
We suggest checking this site before and during your trip.
Understanding the Country
Each country has its unique laws and local customs, and being aware of these is the best way to stay safe and respectful whilst travelling. This section will help you understand
Fiji’s Dress Standards
Rural areas and villages are more conservative than busy tourist destinations like Nadi and the Mamanuca Islands. Carry clothes to cover up if you plan to travel off the beaten path.
Same Sex Relationships
Whilst same sex relationships are not criminalised in Fiji, same sex marriages are still illegal. Tolerance in rural areas might be lower, so be aware of public displays of affection.
Drug Use
Fiji is no exception when it comes to illegal drugs. You should not carry illegal drugs, or take them. Penalties include prison sentences, even for small amounts.
Whilst You’re in Fiji
Once you get to this tropical paradise, you’re on Fiji time. That means no rushing and no stressing. If you want to lay on a beach for 7 days straight, this is the perfect country for you. Or, if you want to get out and about… we have some tips.
Things To Do and See
Coral Coast
Fiji’s coral coast is home to beautiful beaches, rich coral reefs and the Fijian hospitality that you’re sure to fall in love with.
The Coral Coast offers swimmable beaches for families with young children and surf-able beaches (when the conditions are right) for those who want to enjoy some of the best breaks in the Pacific Ocean.
You can also enjoy zip lining, quad biking and scuba diving.
Denarau Island
Denarau Island is a tiny island off the main island of Viti Levu. It’s home to world-class hotel resorts, sandy beaches and an impressive 18-hole golf course. This is the place to go if you want a luxury break.
Port Denarau is a brilliant place for shopping and this island also has an impressive selection of water sports activities on offer.
Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Group is made up of around 20 volcanic islands. If you’ve always wanted to experience life on a deserted island, the Yasawa Group is the place for you. These islands are best known for being the filming location for the iconic 1980 film, The Blue Lagoon.
Island hopping around the Yasawa Islands will treat you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can kayak the ocean and snorkel with manta rays.
Downtown Suva
Most travellers (understandably) flock to the beaches, but if you want to see the urban side of Fiji, downtown Suva is perfect.
It’s the largest, and most cosmopolitan, city in the region. And, it makes a great contrast to the palm-lined beaches that Fiji is best known for.
Vanua Levu
Vanua Levu is the second biggest island in Fiji. This island is a jungle paradise, full of beautiful waterfalls and more palm trees than people!
You can tour cocoa plantations, tropical gardens and hot springs whilst on this tropical island.
GETTING AROUND FIJI
As you’ve probably noticed, Fiji is full of islands. This means the best way to get around is by boat. There are plenty of boat transfer companies to book through, or you can also use the ferry to island hop.
Staying Safe in Fiji
Fiji is a relatively safe place to travel.
As of the time of writing, Fiji is on the Australian government’s ‘green list’, meaning the advice is to exercise ‘normal safety precautions’.
Below is some general safety advice for travel to Fiji from Australia. You should always follow local authorities’ advice too.
Crime
As with any country, be aware of travelling alone late at night (especially in urban areas).
Always protect your pin when using ATMs. Credit card fraud does happen in Fiji. You should also regularly check your card and bank statements for any signs of ATM card skimming.
Avoid protests and street rallies in public places. These can quickly turn violent and the police may be called to break up gatherings. Stay up to date on planned protests by checking in with the authorities.
A note on taxis
Be sure that you are using licensed taxis. ‘Pirate taxis’ are unregulated and they present a safety risk.
You can understand which metered taxis are registered by looking at plates. Taxis should have yellow registration plates that start with LT, LTK or ND. Licensed minibuses should start with LB.
Mosquito Borne Illnesses
As with most tropical countries, Fiji has its share of mosquito spread diseases. These include dengue fever, Zika virus and malaria.
Bit prevention techniques (like mosquito nets and insect repellent) are the best way to protect yourself whilst on holiday.
Food and Water
Infectious diseases like typhoid and hep A are present in Fiji. These are spread via the fecal-oral route, which is associated with poor hygiene.
Always drink bottled water, try to avoid ice cubes (as these may have been made with tap water) and practice good hand washing.
Typhoid and hep A are two of the main vaccinations for Fiji, though you should arrange a proper consultation with a medical professional to find out exactly what vaccinations you need.
Other Health Risks and Vaccinations
Yellow fever is not present in Fiji, though if you are travelling to Fiji from a high-risk country, you might be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. High risk countries include most of South America and Africa.
Fiji is rabies free, so there is no need for you to have the rabies vaccination.
One thing you should know, however, is that medical care standards are not at the same level as they are in Australia. Some hospitals will lack services, equipment or access to medication.
That’s why it’s so important to ensure you have an adequate insurance policy that will protect you if you fall ill.
Before You Go…
Fiji is an incredibly beautiful place full of palm trees, white beaches and a slower way of life.
To get the most out of your trip, make sure you’ve sorted all your admin before you book your flights.
Check your passport validity and ensure you have onward travel confirmed. And, don’t forget your travel insurance and vaccinations.
(For more information on travel vaccinations, book an appointment at the Travel Vaccination Clinic.)
Whilst you’re there, you’ll be completely spoiled for things to do and see, from the main island of Viti Levu to the other 331 islands that make up this archipelago. Just stay aware of local laws, customs and health and safety, and you’re sure to have an amazing trip.
