The Coral Coast on Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu, has been a popular tourist choice for many years.
Located within easy driving reach of Nadi International Airport, this picturesque coastline with waves breaking along a fringing reef offers a scenic drive. The winding Queens Highway, with many local villages, bays, beaches and hills to the interior, presents a variety of accommodation options for families, couples, divers, surfers ... even conference facilities for business organisations.
What to see and do ...
The main provincial market town is Sigatoka, famous for its huge sand dunes (now a National Park) and surfing and windsurfing beach. Caution should be taken, especially those who are less experienced. Ask the locals about where it is safest.
A picturesque drive inland along the Sigatoka River valley passes by sugar cane fields and vegetable plantations, with rolling grass covered hill slopes. At the end of the drive, visit the Tavuni Hill Fort, an ancient tribal fortification, complete with visitor centre and hiking trails.
Further along the coastal highway is the popular town of Korotogo offering family and budget resorts as well as some higher star accommodations, including the new Outrigger Reef Resort. There are a number of restaurants and local cafes at which to eat, making it a very popular destination for families and budget travellers. The Coral Coast also offers a variety of attractions and most resorts organise traditional dancing (mekes) and even firewalking!
The Coral Coast beaches vary greatly... some consist of dead white coral, others (such as at the budget travel accommodation known as the Beachouse (camping and backpacker), are really nice. Some of the resorts along the Coral Coast have taken care in improving their own stretch of beach, by regular raking and maintaining.
Further still toward the end of the Coral Coast, the scenery starts to change - with lush rainforest covering the coastal hills. Good surfing opportunities exist from Waidroka Bay - boats go out to Frigate's Pass, where there are some great breaks.
How to get there
Regular bus services travel from Nadi along the Coral Coast and on to the capital, Suva. Some are air-conditioned express services - check at Nadi Airport where they stop. Self-drive hire cars and taxis are also available.
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