Fiji is best known for its soft white sand, vibrant coral reefs, and clear blue lagoons. But beyond the resorts lies a wilder, less-travelled side—one of the rainforests, misty mountains, and waterfalls. Scattered across these lush landscapes are national parks rich with flora and fauna, waiting to be explored at your own pace.
For Australian travellers craving a self-driven adventure, hitting the road offers unmatched freedom. A two-week journey starting in Nadi winds through forest reserves, island paths, and coastal hideaways, finishing with hot springs and orchids before heading home. It’s an opportunity to travel at your own pace, enjoy the natural beauty, and see a side of Fiji that most visitors miss.
Public transport in Fiji is mostly set up for residents and doesn’t offer easy access to the remote places that many tourists want to visit. Buses run on fixed routes and schedules, while taxis can be expensive and hard to find outside towns. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore Fiji on your terms. You’ll be able to reach forest-covered valleys, quiet coastal turn-offs, scenic lookouts, hidden beaches, and waterfall trails that group tours often miss—making space for spontaneous stops along the way.
The rental process is straightforward and tourist-friendly. Australian licences are widely accepted, so no extra paperwork is needed. Most cars are manual and built for rural roads, with GPS and roadside assistance often included for added peace of mind. Ready to hit the road? Rent a car in and discover the islands’ natural beauty at your own pace.
This 14-day itinerary is designed to balance nature-focused exploration with moments of coastal relaxation and cultural insight. The journey starts and ends in Nadi, Fiji’s main tourism hub, making flights and rental logistics simple.
After arriving in Nadi, collect the rental car and head south along the Coral Coast. This region offers stunning ocean views, cliffside stops, and local markets selling fresh tropical fruits. Visitors can explore the rainforest behind beachfront resorts or unwind with oceanfront dining. Stay overnight in Lamai or Sigatoka, where accommodation options range from boutique villas to eco-lodges. A stroll along the beach at sunset makes for a peaceful start to the road trip.
From Sigatoka, drive toward Suva, Fiji’s capital city. Just outside Suva lies the Colo‑i‑Suva Forest Reserve—a lush, shaded park known for its marked walking trails and natural swimming pools. Travellers can explore dense jungle paths, spot colourful parrots and lizards, and cool off in secluded waterfall-fed pools. The area offers several hike options, from short scenic walks to more challenging climbs through the forest canopy. Spend the night in Suva to enjoy its harbour views and sample Fijian‑Indian fusion dishes in local restaurants.
On day five, return the rental car to Suva and board the ferry to Taveuni Island. Known as the “Garden Island,” Taveuni lives up to its name with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and vibrant flowers. Upon arrival, pick up another rental car from local providers who service the island. Drive toward the north and east coasts, where rainforest roads weave through small villages and offer ocean views around each bend. Taveuni’s natural beauty feels untouched and inviting. To dive deeper into the island’s lesser-known highlights, have a look at Revealing Fiji’s Secret Treasures and Hidden Destinations.
Bouma National Heritage Park covers over one-third of Taveuni Island and offers a window into Fiji’s pristine wilderness. It includes several standout attractions, including:
Trails are well-marked and accessible, though hiking boots and insect repellent are strongly recommended. Nearby villages welcome visitors warmly, and evening meals often feature local ingredients like freshly caught fish and taro.
Devote a full day to completing the Lavena Coastal Walk. This trail hugs the eastern edge of the island and ends at the breathtaking Lavena Waterfall. Travellers pass volcanic beaches, jungle groves, and scenic bays. After a rewarding hike and swim, return the rental car and take the evening ferry back to the mainland.
Once back on Viti Levu, drive south again toward the Sigatoka region, where travellers will find one of Fiji’s most unique landscapes. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes stretch for miles along the coast and contain archaeological finds such as ancient tools and pottery shards. Guided walks are available for those interested in the area’s history, while self-guided loops let visitors explore independently.
Just inland, Kula Eco Park offers a completely different experience. This conservation park is home to native Fijian species, including iguanas, fruit bats, and brightly feathered parrots. Families and photographers will especially enjoy the park’s elevated walkways and up-close animal encounters. Overnight stays in Sigatoka or along the Coral Coast provide comfort and convenience before returning to Nadi. To learn more about the natural wonders that await, visit Touring Fiji’s National Parks and Breathtaking Landscapes.
As the journey nears its end, return to Nadi and enjoy a more leisurely pace. Two standout attractions offer a gentle close to the road trip:
Round out the final day with a coastal drive or a sunset meal near Denarau Marina before returning to the rental car and preparing for departure.
Renting a car in Fiji is an easy and reliable option, particularly for Australians. Driving is on the left-hand side, road signs are in English, and an Australian driver’s licence is all that’s needed. What to look for in a rental:
Drive cautiously—many roads are winding and narrow, with average speeds of 50–80 km/h. Stick to daytime driving, as rural roads are rarely lit at night. With thoughtful planning, a rental car turns your holiday into a freeform journey.
Fiji’s national parks offer a rich, untamed experience far removed from resort decks and cocktail hours. By renting a car, Australian travellers unlock a deeper connection to the islands—one paved not only by roads but by curiosity and discovery. Whether it’s a misty rainforest waterfall, a centuries-old sand dune, or a quiet beach found by accident, driving in Fiji transforms a holiday into a genuine adventure.
With the flexibility to follow your own route and pace, every day becomes a chance to uncover something unforgettable. Make this journey your own—Rent a Car in Fiji with Final Rentals and set off on a national park road trip that blends wild beauty with tropical charm!
