Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Fiji from AUD

When is the best time of year to fly from Melbourne to Fiji?

Fiji is blessed with tropical warm weather all year round, with wet and dry seasonal variations the key difference. During Fiji’s dry season, running from May to September, you’ll experience Fiji’s beautiful blue-sky days, less humidity, and great conditions for surfing, diving, trekking and other outdoor activities. Travelling during this period can however be a bit busier, and with that, generally more expensive, especially during July and August.

Late October to early November is ideal if you are looking for a quieter, more affordable escape with sensational weather. Outside of that, the low-season months of February, March, June are when you’ll often find decent deals on your airfare and accommodation.

The wet season runs from November through to March. During this period temperatures are high during the day, and only drop a few degrees in the evening, you’ll experience high humidity, and there’s an increased risk of cyclones during this time. The upside is you’ll find good deals on flights, cheaper accommodation, and it’s less crowded.

What should I pack for Fiji?

With tropical sunny weather year-round and a super casual vibe, the essentials to pack are shorts, t-shirts, singlets, havaianas, swimwear, and a sarong. Bring some outfits for going out to restaurants or clubs, however you’ll find the dress code is casual.

If planning to do some trekking bring walking shoes, and a daypack for day trips and adventures.

While in the ‘cooler’ months, it might be worth bringing a light jacket for the evenings, just in case.

Make sure to pack your sunglasses, a hat, plenty of sunscreen, and some basic first aid – including Imodium. Naturally, don’t forget to bring your passport to the airport (ensure that you have a minimum of 6 months validity), plus your travel booking documentation. It’s also handy to have minimal local currency on arrival, you will find it easy to either change money on arrival or withdraw cash at the ATMs available at Fiji International Airport, and in the mainland resorts.

What are Fiji's top attractions?

Fiji mainland and surrounding islands offer travellers so much to see, experience and explore – natural attractions, a fascinating and proud culture, luxury spas, museums, and temples. The below is just a small sample of Fiji’s top attractions.

Cloudbreak

A must-visit on your visit to Fiji is Cloudbreak, one of the world’s best surf breaks. Voted one of the best/most challenging waves in the world, Cloudbreak is located on a reef in Tavarua, which is 5km away from Namotu Island and just minutes from famous Castaway Island Resort.

Garden of the Sleeping Giant

One of the most tranquil experiences, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is another must-do on your Fiji itinerary. This beautiful landscaped garden lies in the shadows of the Nasouri Highlands and ‘Sleeping Giant’ mountain, with over 30 varieties of Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrid, once the private collection of the late American actor, Raymond Burr.

Sabeto Thermal Mud Pool and Hot Springs

Located on the main island of Viti Levu, set in the Sabeto Valley between Lautoka and Nadi, and only a few kilometres from the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, you’ll immerse yourself in Fijian tradition at Sabeto Thermal Mud Pool and Hot Springs. Naturally occurring, the geothermal springs are heated by an underground volcanic source, just follow the unmistakable smell of sulphur to the pools. Enjoy the pampering qualities of the mud pools, then wash off in the clear water springs (but not before taking some fun photos ).

Cloud 9

Cloud 9 is a floating paradise on the Ro Ro Reef, just 40-minutes boat ride from Port Denarau on mainland Fiji. A water sports hub for snorkelling the surrounding crystal blue ocean, Cloud 9 also has an epic bar and live music playing – what a dreamy way to spend a day in Fiji.

Naihehe Cave

‘A place to get lost’ – the literal translation of Naihehe Cave – was once the shelter for the Sautabu people who hid for 79 days from a cannibal tribe. Located in the stunning Sigatoka Valley, a visit to the cave on a guided tour is an essential historical must-do experience. Discover the large main chamber as you enter the cave, sight the incredible natural features within including ‘pregnancy gap’ and Grand Cathedral Chamber, and learn the intriguing history and stories from your guide.

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

Known for its ornate carvings, colourful festivals and Dravidian architecture, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. A towering structure with its carvings that depict the Hindu gods, the temple is set in the heart of Nadi, and is open to tourists. Don’t forget to dress respectfully and cover your shoulders and legs.

Coral Coast

Popular with Australian travellers, the Coral Coast is renowned for its family-oriented resorts dotted along the shimmering 80 kilometre stretch of beaches in the south of Vitu Levu. After time in the resort pool, enjoy the natural attractions nearby, such as Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Tavuni Hill Fort – with its spectacular views of Sigatoka Valley, and the spectacular rainforests in Namosi Highlands.

Fiji’s Idyllic Islands

From the nearby brilliant blues of the Mamanuca Islands, to the famed Yasawa Islands, Fiji offers an Island for every type of traveller and budget.

Mamanuca Island

A volcanic archipelago, the Mamanuca Island group boasts exclusive resorts, a wide range of water sports and natural attractions, local cuisine such as the tasty Fijian curries, and white-sandy beaches. Choose from family-friendly, to adults-only resorts, across this group of 20 idyllic islands.

Kadavu

For unspoilt beauty and a non-commercialised Fijian holiday, travel to the fourth largest Fijian Island, Kadavu. With only one small township, Kadavu offers a few accommodation options nearby include eco lodges, and environmentally friendly resorts. Renowned for world-class diving around the fringing coral reefs, Kadavu Island is nature’s paradise, offering nature-based activities such as surfing, snorkelling and kayaking.

Yasawa Islands

Best known for scenes from Hollywood film The Blue Lagoon, the Yasawa Islands (Yasawas) are a group of 20 volcanic islands offering rugged and dramatic landscapes, making it an ideal hiking destination. With tourism since the ‘50s, the Yasawas have long been renowned for their spectacular dive sites, some straight from the shoreline.

Taveuni Island

Known as the garden island, Taveuni Island, comprising of protected rainforest and the Bouma Heritage National Park making up 80% of the land, is an adventurer’s paradise! Diving is a top reason to visit, two of the most popular sites being the Great White Wall and Rainbow Reef. The island also offers tropical rainforests, waterfalls and coastal walks.

Other

Other incredible islands to visit are Vatulele Island – situated only 30 minutes from Nadi, man-made Denarau Island – featuring the closest 5-star resorts from Nadi Airport, and the Lomaiviti Islands – offering a remote adventure-filled Fiji island holiday.

Where to eat in Fiji?

Most of the cafés and restaurants are either based in and around the tourist resorts in Nadi, Denarau, Pacific Harbour, the Coral Coast and on the Islands; or in the Fijian towns.

Where to find the best cafes?

Resorts in Denarau, Pacific Harbour, the Coral Coast and on the Islands, proudly feature their own cafes, and you can also pop into other Resorts’ cafes as a visitor.

For a meal outside of the Resorts, don’t miss a visit to Taste. Located in Nadi, this café/restaurant serves up a delicious range of pacific fusion-style breakfast and lunch treats, such as their signature caramelised Vuda pork belly – delish!

Another local favourite in Nadi is Bulaccino, with their own organic farm supplying most of their fresh ingredients, their ethos is to serve the best coffee and organic fresh farm food in Fiji.

Where to find the best fine dining?

Fiji offers such an incredible range of both local Fijian Indian cuisine, and western dining, to suit all budgets and styles.

Most restaurants are in the Resorts - in Denarau, Pacific Harbour, along the Coral Coast, and on the Islands. A few well-known and popular restaurants to try are Wicked Walu – Warwick Fiji’s signature sand-floor restaurant experience, and Sundowner Bar at Outrigger Fiji – serving renowned steaks and stunning views overlooking the coral coast.

You’ll also find some great dining at Port Denarau, home to Indigo Indian Asian Restaurant and The Rhum-Ba and Denarau Yacht Club – serving fresh delicious meals with spectacular marina views.

Where to find the best food and artisan markets in Fiji?

With food, art and dance at the very heart of Fijian life you’ll discover an incredible array of markets to explore. Discover the magical colours and the aromas of the herbs and spices in the local Fijian food markets, found in the townships – such as Nadi Market.

Markets are a great place to purchase locally made handicrafts and Fijian produce. Some popular markets to visit are Lawai Pottery Village in Sigatoka and Lautoka Market – for everything from fresh produce to authentic Fijian handicrafts.

Where to find the best cheap eats?

Fiji has a reputation for expensive dining, this is due to the high tax placed on food and alcohol imported into the country. If you venture however outside of your comfort-zone of eating western cuisine, you’ll find tasty local value meals aplenty.

For cheap eats we recommend that you dine at the markets or stalls (pick up a hot corn-on-the-cob), local cafes, and try the local food - which is often based on cassava and taro (starchy carbohydrates), fish, chicken and pork.

Where to shop in Fiji?

The main gifts purchased in Fiji are the local handicrafts, souvenirs such as the lush Pure Fiji body products (found in both Resorts and shops in Port Denarau) and sarongs (sulus).

Where to shop for local art and woodwork in Fiji?

Outside of the handicraft markets you can also find an array of local art and handicrafts in the main tourist areas of Nadi, the Coral Coast, and Suva. If you’re wanting a quieter shopping experience venture to Lautoka or Savusavu. You may also be fortunate to pick up handicrafts direct from the villages. Whilst shopping take note of the label ‘made in Fiji’ – a Government initiative that’s supporting the Fijian communities. You’ll find that these goods are more traditional too.

What are some etiquette tips for Fiji?

We have collated a few helpful etiquette tips for your visit to Fiji, paying respect to the Fijian people, their religion, and culture.

It’s okay to wear regular beach wear around a Resort, however refrain from exposing your shoulders and legs outside of the tourist areas. If you’re visiting a Fijian village ensure to take off your hat, sunglasses and shoes before entering a bure.

The Fijian culture is more conservative. Make sure that you don’t touch anyone’s head (it’s disrespectful), stay with a host if invited to a village, don’t abstain if offered a bowl of kava to sip during a ceremony, speak softly (Fijians interpret raised voices as anger), avoid pointing your finger, and always ask permission before photographing anyone.