Levuka

Levuka is a town on the eastern coast of the Fijian island of Ovalau, which is one of the Lomaiviti Islands.

Culture and History

Levuka today has a population of about 3000 people. The town was the capital of Fiji from 1874 until 1883 when the capital moved to Suva. Levuka was designated an historic town in 1989 and has applied to UNESCO for World Heritage Status.

Ovalau Island is a lush tropical volcanic island of about 100 square kilometers surrounded by large coral reefs. It is the main island of the Lomaiviti Group which is made up of the islands of Namena, Makogai, Koro, Wakaya, Batiki, Nairai, Gau and Ovalau. The islands are the peaks of deep-sea volcanoes that became extinct millions of years ago.

Travel to Levuka - Visa Requirements

AIR: Air Fiji (Ph: 3313 666) has two flights daily, seven days a week from Suva to Levuka (Bureta airstrip), flying time of approx.12mins.

The airstrip, approx. 40 minutes from the town, is on the western side of the island and is serviced by a local bus**.

SEA: Patterson Brothers shipping (Ph: 3315 644) has a daily bus and ferry service from Suva to Levuka. The trip takes 4.5 hours, and is recommended for its experience.

Tours and Getting around Levuka

You can hire bicycles (ask at the Dive Shop) which are a great way to see the scenery. Alternatively, hire a taxi for the day to drive you round. You could always try hopping on a 'carrier' (a pick-up truck/lorry with benches and a tarpaulin covering it) but beware, these don't run to a schedule so you may end up stranded if you're not careful!!

Your own two legs will help you see most of Levuka, going up the many, many steps to Delana School, or indeed the Peak.

Levuka tourist attractions and sightseeing

Levuka city tours

Tours to all important historic sites are on offer, coastal walks, round the island tours, bike hire, various hikes into the mountains, that is to The Peak or Epis tour to Lovoni, snorkeling to beautiful barrier reefs, exciting scuba diving trips, seasonal whale sightings, fishing trips, village tours, wild pig hunt, and island trips.

Levuka souvenirs and shopping

There are a few second hand clothes shop in Beach Street, which have cheap clothes, mainly from Australia.

Levuka Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

For a little bit of luxury, try the Whale's Tale, run by an Australian. The chocolate shakes are amazing. For something less pricey, try Kim's, the local Chinese upstairs from the street. Ask for freshwater prawns, they don't have them everyday.

The Shell Station near PafCo sells Roti Curry which are a great filling snack...and the Chinese bakeries make delicious fresh rolls perfect for a treat.

The new restaurant Koro Makawa, just opposite the dive shop is open daily and offers Fijian, Indian, and European dishes as well as tasty pizza, in a traditional but very comfortable ambience.

The Ovalau Holiday resort (a bit outside Levuka) has great food, too.

Levuka nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

1. the koro makawa house doubles-up as a nightclub for locals and tourists. The staff are very friendly and welcoming to foreigners and drinks are well priced.

Levuka cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

• Royal Hotel, PO Box 47, Teephone: +(679) 3440024, Fax: +(679) 3440174, Email: Royal@connect.com.fj.

• Mary's Holiday Lodge, Beachstreet, Phone +679 3440013.

• Levuka Homestay, Churchstreet, Phone +679 3440777 email: levukahomestay@connect.com.fj.

• Mavida Guest House, Beachstreet, email newmavidalodge@connect.com.fj.

• Levuka Holiday Cottage, Beachstreet, north of Levuka, Phone +679 3440166 email: cottage@owlfiji.com.

Get out

Epi's[1] midland tour is a good one. Epi leads you up, and then down into the volcanic crater to visit a small village called Lovoni. Ask for Epi in Levuka, he's not hard to find.

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