Levuka

I made a last-minute decision to visit Levuka when I found myself in Suva with a few extra days to spare. Previous reviewers have already described the town well. I found it more functional and active than I was expecting. Sure it is small, but the mid/late-19th century wooden colonial architecture along Beach St. reminded me of a displaced gold rush town like the ones I'd recently been visiting back home. Unlike those, which often have a ghost town "museum" feel to them, Levuka is simply trapped in time and very relaxed and friendly. I got a walking tour map from the New Mavida Lodge where I stayed (in the one remaining original structure and not the newer, larger section) which proudly pointed out Fiji's firsts: the first government-run school, post office, police station, town hall, social club, etc. In many cases the buildings have been repurposed but everything is still in use and refreshingly lacks any touristic focus. I am not sure how often it runs but on the Friday and Saturday that I visited, there was even a small vegetable market set up along the waterfront across the road from the historic core. Overall I enjoyed my visit and found it to be a great and relatively easy escape from touristic Nadi and busy Suva with 1 night just the right amount of time. 

As of Sept 2024 when I visited, there are 2 trips/day with Goundar Shipping from Suva. They have a small ticket booth at …

Levuka is not an easy site to get to, even if you start on the right side of the world in Sydney, Australia. From Sydney, it's a just a quick 4-5hr flight to Nadi, the main airport in Fiji, from where most people head directly to resorts. But then you need to get to Suva, on the other side of Viti Levu, either a short flight or a 4-5hr bus ride. And Levuka is located on the small island of Ovalau, just off the coast to the north. Previously, there were flights to Ovalau, but there haven't been commercial flights now for multiple years due to the state of the runway. Instead, it's a 4-5hr trip by a bus/ferry combo.

After a late departure from Sydney, luckily all our other transport connections ran smoothly. We selected to take the cross-island bus rather than fly to Suva, as the flights didn't line up and the bus ticket was about 10 or 15% of the cost of a flight. The cross-island buses often run a little late, but at least we stopped on the way at a market - a good spot for cheap snacks. Also, make sure you turn up at the "loading" not the "departure" time for the bus/ferry - it often departs early!

It ended up taking about 24hr to arrive in Levuka from Sydney, including a hotel stay in Suva with a late arrival and early departure (we recommend the Capricorn Hotel near the bus station), …

Its May in the South Pacific and we are into the dry season. My wife and I have spent the last three weeks, with two other couples enjoying and exploring a myriad of different islands. It is interesting to distinguish the differences between the Melanesians, Micronesians and Polynesians. Also I am reading the wonderful travel book, 'The Happy Isles of Oceania' by Paul Theroux.

Everyone is packing to go home except I am doing a last excursion to Levuka on my own. No one else wants to make this trip and Mrs Sun insists its time for her to return home to see her grandchildren. So after sending them off at Nandi, Fiji to fly to Los Angeles, I start my attempt to hit another WHS.

If you are in this part of the world, most international flights come in and out of Nandi, Fiji. From here to get to Levuka is quite an effort.First of all, you need to get to Suva, the Capital of Fiji which is 4-5 hours by bus across the main island of Viti Levu.

Then you overnight and catch the early bus from Suva to Levuka which is 2 hours by land and 45 mins by ferry to the island of Ovalau and then another 45 mins round island on gravel road where you will be deposited in downtown Levuka. The return bus starts out at 4.00am!

Its a one street town and so you cannot get lost. Look for the Royal Hotel for …

Well Levuka was a home for me ten years back. The Heritage is like a candle light that never fades away. With the old style of nature and free- styled multi-cultural society, I felt that theres no reason to seek for transfer. I have been to the peak a couple of times with my brothers and sister, have travelled to St John College twice and did my practicum at Levuka Public School. At the moment I am still looking forward to taking my children to this beutiful and peaceful town to experience the love and peace of Levuka and its, although old but free and friendly nature.

I am glad to see that Levuka is inscribed in the World Heritage Listing after many years of struggle to preserve, safeguard and promote one of the many historic landmarks in Fiji' Levuka is unique amongst many countries of the world.I had visited Levuka Town before the inscription in June 2013 and hope to see many revitilisation and work in terms of keeping Levuka town since the government is pouring funds into the maitenance of this historic port town.

Was based there for 5yrs with Customs...2000 to 2005.wonderful place and people.Sites and many great things to see.Listening to the history of the place told by the elders is also another great experiance.So glad the sight has been approved for World Heritage.

From 1874, when Fiji was ceded to Queen Victoria, until 1879 Levuka was the capital city of Fiji. Actually it was little more than a village, one kilometer from end to end.

Once the capital was transferred to Suva its decline began. An attempt to revitalise it was made when a tuna canning plant was built, but otherwise, the streetscape along the waterfront from the Cession Stone to Gun Rock remains pretty much unchanged. Even if the streets have reverted to gravel, as they would have been in 1879, Levuka still has its charm.

I was born in Suva Fiji in 1975, and schooled at Leveuka Public School from 1983-1987. In this time I loved everything about Levuka, the people, culture, heritage and the good times. It was evident then that the national language was English, as I had to learn it straight away.

But 26 years after 1987, I visited Levuka on the day it was listed under world heritage, I so surprised,I arrived that night and the next day went to the museum and spoke a couple of people and asked them what the heritage listing meant for them. It is great honor one said, and the other said hope it brings in more tourists.

My personal take on Levuka was sad, in some ways as the place seem to have been abandoned in some regards, with the LEvuka club closed, Masonic hall burnt, the roads were gravel where they used to be sealed. Just seemed to be a town that was struggling, I hope with this Heritage listing the government of Fiji really puts their effort into this town to promote and preserve it. My son aged 10, daughters aged 6 & 3 really loved Levuka. It still is Levuka, and it was great getting back to this beautiful place.