USD 
With direct Virgin Australia flights now on sale from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Nadi, it’s easier than ever to find yourself encompassed in the Bula spirit. While this island nation is rightly famous for its overwater bungalows and postcard-perfect beaches, there’s far more to discover beyond the reef. From mud baths to star-filled skies, here are eight experiences you might not expect to do in Fiji – but shouldn’t miss.
1. Float down a jungle river
The Navua River winds through the inner highlands of Viti Levu, the nation’s largest island. Tubing it offers a glimpse into Fiji’s more rugged, inland beauty, as the river winds through thick rainforest, limestone gorges and traditional mountainous villages. Day tours begin with a longboat ride upstream before visitors transfer to inner tubes to drift downriver. Along the way, there are swimming stops, waterfalls and opportunities to learn about village life from local guides – many of whom grew up in the nearby hills.
2. Ride a bike along former railway tracks
Ecotrax Fiji has transformed the abandoned tracks of an old sugarcane railway into a low-impact adventure. Mount an electronically assisted bike and set off on a two-hour ride through jungle, farmland and villages, with regular stops to meet friendly locals or dip in the sea. Untouched shorelines unfurl for miles on this bucket-list ride through Fiji’s Coral Coast.
3. Soak in mud baths and volcanic hot springs
Just a short drive from the capital city of Nadi, the Sabeto Mud Pools and Hot Springs offer a back-to-nature, no-frills take on the classic geothermal bathing experience. The process begins with a full-body application of warm, mineral-rich mud, followed by a soak in a series of natural hot pools heated by underground volcanic activity. The estate offers just the essentials, creating an atmosphere that is genuine and unhurried – with the bonus of skin-softening effects.
4. Visit the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere
Located in Nadi, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere and a striking example of traditional Dravidian architecture. Vibrantly painted towers and intricately carved statues stand in contrast to the more familiar Christian churches found throughout Fiji, reflecting the country’s rich Indo-Fijian population. Visitors are welcome to explore, learn about local customs and admire the temple’s vivid colours and symbolic detail.
5. Stand on the International Date Line
On Taveuni Island, near the village of Waiyevo, a simple sign marks one of Fiji’s more curious landmarks: the International Dateline. Here, visitors can straddle the 180th meridian, placing one foot in ‘today’ and one in ‘tomorrow.’ Though the official line was shifted east to keep the whole country in the same time zone, the marker remains a popular stop.
6. Spend a day at the world’s first island beach club
Just 30 minutes by boat from Port Denarau, Fiji‘s premier marina, Malamala Beach Club offers a unique island escape that feels like it’s in the middle of the ocean – despite being so close to the mainland. This private island is home to the world’s first beach club on its own island – complete with overwater day beds, a glass-walled infinity pool and a menu that blends local staples and fine-dining flair.
7. Dive into the world’s soft coral capital
Fiji is famous among divers – and for good reason. French naval officer and oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called the country the soft coral capital of the world, and you only need to slip below the surface to see why. In the Somosomo Strait between Taveuni and Vanua Levu, coral gardens bloom in neon colour, and Rainbow Reef lives up to its name with purples, oranges and electric blues swaying in the current.
The Great White Wall, blanketed in pale coral, is a ghostly spectacle, while Beqa Lagoon, closer to the mainland, offers a thrilling shark dive for the brave. You don’t need to be an expert either – many of Fiji’s best coral sites are accessible to beginners, and some are even shallow enough for snorkellers.
8. Stargaze on Taveuni Island
Fiji’s beauty doesn’t clock off when the sun goes down. On Taveuni – often called the Garden Island – nightfall reveals an entirely different kind of wonder. With almost zero light pollution and open skies above, the Milky Way shines brightly and constellations feel close enough to touch. For the best experience, head to the eastern coast or stay at one of the island’s eco-resorts, many of which are tucked into quiet bays with unspoiled views of the horizon.
