The Sunshine Coast region of the Fiji Islands is located on the northern shore of the main island of Viti Levu. The coast stretches approximately 40 kilometers from the town of Ba past Rakiraki to Nananu-i-Ra Island at the northern tip of Viti Levu. It take about 2 1/2 hours to drive to Nananu-i-Ra from the Nadi International Airport passing sugar cane fields and green pastoral land, with spectacular views of coastline and ocean on one side, and majestic highland ranges of the inland on the other.
Yaqara Cattle-Grazing Region
The scenic trip down the coast passes a number of places of interest, including the market towns of Ba and Rakiraki, and the Yaqara cattle-grazing region, with its impressive Nakauvudra Mountain Range backdrop. Yaqara is also the proposed site for the Yaqara Studio City, a tax-free zone for the development of the Audio-Visual industry in Fiji. The region is also known for its water resources, and the famous ‘ Fiji Water ‘ is produced at a factory just a kilometre or so inland from the coastal highway near Yaqara. The northern coastline of Viti Levu has very few beaches so tourist resorts have been slow to develop along the Sunshine Coast. One of the most popular ‘attractions’ of the Sunshine Coast region, therefore, is the vacation island of Nananu-i-Ra which has beautiful white sand beaches plus good scuba diving, wind surfing, kayaking, sailing and fishing opportunities, such as at the Safari Lodge. The island’s unique shape, close proximity to the mainland and make it a destination well worth the visit.
Rakiraki and Nananu-i-Ra
Most accommodation on the Sunshine coast is located near the Rakiraki and Nananu-i-Ra regions, with deluxe resorts, small backpacking resorts and private villas to rent. Wananavu Resort is a well-established resort with great views across to Nananu-i-Ra. The Starfish Blue Villa Rental next to the Wananavu Resort is a popular vacation rental. The new Volivoli Beach Resort is a great budget style option and has a small but great beach, with a unique sand spit that projects from Volivoli Point. The Sunshine Coast road itself has spectacular views of the general region and offers many photo opportunities.
