The Travel Guide to Suva for Families

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How to Get to Suva

Families travelling to Suva are spoiled for choice when it comes to ways to get there. Suva is connected to the rest of Viti Levu via two main roads – the Queens Road and the Kings Road. This means there are plenty of road transport options. Suva also has a nearby airport, Nausori Airport, with an active domestic flight schedule.

Suva by Plane

Most international visitors to Fiji arrive at Nadi International Airport, so one of the easiest transport methods for getting to Suva is by taking a flight from Nadi Airport to Nausori Airport. Flights take approximately 30 minutes and can cost anywhere between FJ$70 to FJ$300 (adult) / FJ$50 to FJ$200 (child) for a return flight depending on date, time and when you book. From Nausori Airport, it is around a 30-minute drive into Suva. Taxis, buses and car rentals are available at Nausori Airport. Find out more in Where Can You Fly to in Fiji?

Suva by Bus

A cheap but time-consuming way to get to Suva is via express bus. Express buses go between Nadi and Suva via the Queens Road and the Kings Road (Queens Road is the fastest and most popular route). The trip between Nadi International Airport and Suva via the Queens Road takes approximately five hours one way and costs FJ$10-$20 for an adult fare. Child fares are half the adult price. Learn more in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus.

Suva by Cruise Ship

Suva is the main port of Fiji for cruise liners so if you are taking a cruise to Fiji, it’s likely that you will be stopping at Suva. The cruise ship port is within walking distance of the city centre. There are public bus terminals nearby the port. Check out which cruises stop at Suva in the 10 Cruises that Visit Fiji.

Suva Car Rentals

For the family that wants to get out and explore Viti Levu independently, renting a car is a fantastic way to go. Car rentals are available at Nadi International Airport, Nausori Airport and in a few resorts along the Coral Coast. Check out recommendations in The Best Car Rentals in Fiji.

Suva by Private Transfer

Enjoy your own space in a private transfer to Suva from Nadi Airport, which takes three to four hours. Booked prior to your arrival in Nadi,  your driver will be waiting for you and your family at the airport ready to take you straight to your chosen accommodation in Suva. This transportation method can range from FJ$160-$500 one way, so be sure to shop around for the best price – see recommendations in the 6 Ways to Get to Suva.

© Matthias Süßen on Wikipedia

City Activities in Suva for Kids

Suva is the capital city of Fiji and one of the largest hubs of the South Pacific, so naturally, city activities play a big part in your trip to Suva! In between wandering the vibrant city streets, trying Fijian treats and snacks like Twisties, Bongo, Jive and Crispies, visiting the bustling markets and wandering along the waterfront, here are some fun things to do in Suva city with the kids!

City Parks in Suva

If your kids have the energy to burn, take them to one of the city parks. One of the most popular areas is Albert Park. Aside from the park’s claim to fame being the site of an emergency landing made when Charles Kingsford-Smith did his 1928 trans-Pacific flight, the park has recreational sports fields. Watching the locals play rugby or soccer is always a treat. Thurston Gardens next to Albert Park is another pleasant area to explore with tropical trees and flowers to admire. Ratu Skuna Park, named after the founding father of Fiji, is a lovely green area along the waterfront flanked by McDonald’s and the Suva Civic Center. Finally, the kids will love the playground at My Suva Park along the waterfront near the University of the South Pacific. The park is beside a beach ideal for swimming.

Shopping in Suva

Get some retail therapy and set your kids on a souvenir-shopping mission to get a present for Grandma at one of the great shopping malls in Suva. While there are plenty of quirky shops lining the streets of Suva, malls like Tappoo City and MHCC have lots of options and are great for kids. Scour the interesting trinkets in the souvenir shops and stop at one of the food courts for an incredibly affordable lunch! Check out Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Fiji for souvenir-buying tips.

Swimming Pools in Suva

It can get pretty stuffy in Suva so cool off in one of the many outdoor pools available around the city and get in some essential splash time with the kids. In terms of public pools, the Olympic Pool on the waterfront of Victoria Parade is your best city centre option, while the Damodar Aquatic Centre on Gavidi Street is popular with the locals. Alternatively, you could treat the kids to accommodation in Suva with a swimming pool, such as the Holiday Inn Suva or Grand Pacific Hotel. The Suva Motor Inn even has a water slide!

Cinemas in Suva

Need a break from the heat or just some time to unwind, check out one of the many cinemas in Suva. Damodar Cinemas has two cinemas in Suva, Village 6 in the city centre and one at the Damodar City shopping centre, showing the latest blockbusters at super cheap rates – under FJ$6 for children under 12 years.

Tom’s World

Finally, one for the little ones, treat them to a play session at Tom’s World. There are hours of fun to be had in the ball pits and slides of this indoor kids playground – ideal for when the weather isn’t playing ball. Find Tom’s World at the Damodar City shopping centre.

© Matthias Süßen on Wikipedia

Cultural Activities for Families

Discovering the fascinating island culture is usually one of the biggest highlights on a trip to Fiji. No doubt mum and dad will want to spend time seeing the grand churches, temples and architecture reflecting the diverse cultures of Suva, but when it comes to keeping the kids happy, there is a couple of fun and educational cultural activities you could be doing as well.

Fiji Museum

Educate the kids (and yourself) at the acclaimed Fiji Museum. With a wide range of ancient Fijian artefacts, some dating back 3,700 years, there’s enough to get the imaginations of the little ones running! Cannibal forks, drua canoes, carvings, pottery, and tropical plants and animals. When your museum visit is over, the kids can burn off some energy in the fantastic Thurston Gardens where the museum is located.

Old World on Orchid Island

Enter the old world of Fiji at the family-friendly Orchid Island. There’s a wide range of cultural and natural experiences to keep the kids stimulated: craft demonstrations, tame local wildlife such as the crested iguana, a 50ft (15m) Bure Kalou Fijian temple, demonstrations of ancient rituals and so much more! Orchid Island is located 10km outside of Suva in Veisari. Tours to Orchid Island are available on Viator and Tripadvisor.

© Ben O'Mara on Flickr

Nature Activities in Suva for Families

For the active family seeking nature and a great day in the outdoors, you won’t have to travel too far to find something family-friendly in Suva. Right on the city’s doorstep, you have a national heritage park, as well as the “adventure capital”, the Pacific Harbour, just a short drive away. Taking a trip to either one is an absolute must for families staying in Suva.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park boasts a river of crystal clear water in a serene rainforest environment. A family trip to the forest park is a must, where two waterfalls, short walking trails and crisp clean air will really help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Find the park along Princess Road about 10 minutes from Suva. Bus services also run to the park and Guided walks of Colo-i-Suva are also available with Kay Services Tour (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

The Pacific Harbour

Less than an hour’s drive east of Suva, the Pacific Harbour is packed with outdoor adventures suitable for the whole family. Try snorkelling in coral reefs, ziplining through the rainforests, river tubing, boat rides down the Navua River, building sandcastles on Debua Beach, and much more! Check out 10 Things to Do on the Pacific Harbour with Kids, as well as Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families for more recommendations!