Fiji’s best secret islands revealed

These incredible tropical islands are just a short flight away from Sydney and ready to host the holiday of your dreams.

Tropical, nearby, and shaking off Covid-19 restrictions by the day: Fiji might be the most talked-about destination for Australians seeking post-pandemic escapes. Here are some of the best island destinations.

The Yasawa Islands

There are 15 words that mean heaven in the Fijian language and “Yasawa” is the first. This remote chain of atolls in Fiji’s northwest looks like it was ripped straight out of a honeymoon marketing brochure. Think sun-drenched, white sandy beaches rimmed by coconut trees, fluorescent-coloured coral, and water so clear you don’t need a snorkel to see fish darting above a vibrant reef.

People visit the Yasawas to eat fresh lobster under the stars, and float in the same underwater cave that actors Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins swam in when they filmed the iconic 1980 film The Blue Lagoon.

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The Yasawa Islands comprise about 20 islands – some of which disappear with the tide. Picture: Tourism Fiji

The pristine beauty is a product of remoteness; you’ll need to catch a 30-minute flight from Nadi in an “island hopper” plane that is strict on your 20kg luggage allowance. Fishing is abundant (this writer and her crew reeled in seven big ones on a half-day boat trip) and diving or snorkelling remains unmuddied by city pollution.

“Our location is amazing. There are lots of great islands in Fiji but we’re in an area where there are no other tourists at all; you’re really in your own patch of paradise,” says James McCann, the owner of Yasawa Island Resort, an all-inclusive boutique resort with just 18 luxury bungalows on 22 kilometres of land.

One of the best-kept secrets at McCann’s uber-luxe resort is the peeling reef wave breaking right out front of Yasawa, which only a handful of people have ever surfed.

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Turtle Island, Nanuya Levu. Picture: Tourism Fiji

An alternative splurge option is five-star Turtle Island with its 14 bures. Otherwise, get a local’s perspective at the handful of less expensive, Fijian-run lodges and homestays.

Beqa Lagoon Islands

Pronounced “benga”, the islands of this enormous lagoon have access to what is one of the world’s biggest barrier reefs. They’re only a 45-minute boat ride south from the main island of Viti Levu but when you’re peering through a snorkel mask at the underwater playground teeming with coral, fish, turtles and manta rays, the place seems totally out of this world.

Divers travel from around the globe to get up close and personal with sharks. It’s also a lesser-known pick for surfers, with close access to left-handed barrels at Frigates Pass – dubbed Fiji Pipeline.

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Beqa Lagoon is famous for its diving. Picture: iStock

“You’ve got really clear water, incredible coral, the colours are amazing,” says CEO of Tourism Fiji, Brent Hill. “We did a jetski tour there and you can stand up and see the bottom 10 to 15 metres below. It’s like jetskiing on glass.”

Royal Davui Island Resort, an adults-only private island (pictured) with just 25 villas featuring their own private plunge pools, is the most exclusive place to stay. Families can opt for Beqa Lagoon Resort. Both have complimentary snorkelling, paddleboards, kayaking and sailing.

Royal Davui Island Resort, Beqa Lagoon.

Taveuni

Fiji’s rainforest oasis, this island is known as the “Garden Isle”. Bouma National Heritage Park dominates more than a third of Taveuni’s 430 square kilometres and steaming waterfalls plunge off cliffs into the ocean.

In the centre of the island, a dormant volcano lures adventure-seekers to its impressive views at 1200m above sea level. The island is touted as an eco-tourist’s dream but you can still enjoy creature comforts at the all-inclusive private villas of Taveuni Palms Resort (pictured below) and adults-only Matangi Private Island Resort.

Lavena village coastline on Taveuni Island, Fiji.

“Only about five to 10 per cent of Australians have ever visited Taveuni, because it’s less accessible in the sense that you have to catch a 1.5-hour flight north from Nadi,” says Hill.

“But if you are somebody that has been through Asia and Europe and loves adventuring, then going somewhere like Taveuni pays off in spades.”

Kadavu

Lush, raw, wild, and remote, this is the fourth-largest Fijian island and a one-hour flight south of Nadi. It’s one of the least-developed islands but outdoorsy types know it as the ultimate place to unplug.

Kadavu, Fiji.

The Great Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu’s southern edge is a world-famous diving destination, while hikers delight in the many trails winding through dense rainforests to sparkling waterfalls and secluded beaches. Explore the island’s rugged coastline and isolated beaches on multi-day kayaking trips run by companies like Tamarillo Active Travel (pictured). Or, reel in a deepwater monster with some of the world’s best game fishing charters.

“Kadavu is completely different to Yasawa – it’s more about hiking and tropical rainforests and waterfalls,” says McCann. “I always say to people, if you want a complete contrast – come to Yasawa and then go to Kadavu.”