Fiji Family Holiday Ideas 2023: A Beginners’ Guide


Fiji, an idyllic South Pacific archipelago of more than 330 islands, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush tropical rainforests, and vibrant local culture. With its welcoming people, beautiful landscapes, and diverse range of family-friendly activities, Australian families flock to Fiji for family holidays. If you have never been, here’s our overview and beginners’ guide to creating a fun Fiji family vacation.

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Castaway Island wide shot
Castaway Island seen from the air

1. Discover the Magic of the Mamanuca Islands

The Mamanuca Islands, a picturesque group of 20 sun-drenched islands, offer a wide array of family-friendly resorts and activities. Choose from a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious, that cater specifically to families. Spend your days snorkelling among colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life, kayaking along tranquil lagoons, or simply relaxing on pristine beaches.

Our family has only visited the gorgeous resort at Castaway Island, it was heaven for us, with primary school aged kids and teenagers. One of the teens did his PADI course when we were there, the rest of us did some adventurous snorkelling. (Read all about the marvellous kids club on Castaway Island here.)

For an exciting day trip, visit the uninhabited Modriki Island, the setting for the popular film ‘Cast Away,’ where you can explore its breathtaking beaches and rugged landscapes.

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The pristine waters of Modriki Island, an amazing day trip in the Mamanuca islands
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Amazing views over the Sigatoka River on Fiji’s Coral Coast

2. Embrace Adventure on the Coral Coast

The Coral Coast, stretching along the southern coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, is famous for its palm-fringed beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Families can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including rainforest treks, waterfall excursions, and cultural village visits. Don’t miss a trip to Kula Wild Adventure Park, Fiji’s only wildlife park, where you can observe an array of native birds, reptiles, and marine life up close, including the endangered Fijian crested iguana.

Alternatively, unleash your inner adventurer with a thrilling jet boat ride or a zip-lining experience through the lush rainforest canopy.

Check out this one-minute video of a family zipline adventure.

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Meeting Fijian people is always the highlight of the holiday!

There are many family-friendly resorts on the Coral Coast, our family’s favourite is the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort which has a fabulous kids’ club, excellent family pools, a lagoon for snorkelling and some very appealing adults-only areas too.

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The adults-only pool area at the Outrigger on the Coral Coast
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Playing touch footy after a school visit, how cool is the playground and its island views?!

3. Immerse Yourself in Fijian Culture

Fiji’s warm and welcoming culture is a significant aspect of any family holiday. Visit a traditional Fijian village to experience authentic local life, observe traditional crafts, and participate in a kava ceremony – a unique social and cultural experience. In many resorts, children can join “Meimei” (Fijian for nanny) programs, where they learn local customs, crafts, and language through engaging activities.

Families can also attend a traditional lovo feast, where food is cooked underground in an earth oven, followed by a mesmerising meke performance of song and dance that tells stories of Fijian legends and history.

Seana Snorkelling at Sacred Is
Snorkelling in the Yasawas

4. Explore the Pristine Waters of the Yasawa Islands

The Yasawa Islands, a chain of volcanic islands located northwest of Viti Levu, are famous for their striking natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and secluded beaches. The islands offer a range of family-friendly accommodation options, including all-inclusive resorts and traditional thatched-roof beachfront bures. Snorkel or scuba dive in crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful fish, manta rays, and sharks.

For a truly unforgettable experience, participate in a guided shark-feeding excursion in the pristine waters of Kuata Island, where you can witness reef sharks up close in their natural habitat.

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A simple Fijian village on one of the Yasawa Islands
Reef Endeavour cruising

5. Set Sail on a Family Island Cruise

A family island cruise is an excellent way to experience the diverse beauty of Fiji’s islands while enjoying a range of fun-filled activities. Choose from day cruises, dinner cruises, or multi-day excursions, with options that cater specifically to families. You’ll have the opportunity to explore remote islands, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and even swim with sharks or manta rays in some locations.

Many cruises also incorporate visits to traditional Fijian villages, providing a fascinating insight into local customs and culture. Onboard, enjoy delicious meals, live entertainment, and educational presentations about Fiji’s unique history, environment, and marine life. With everything taken care of, families can sit back, relax, and savour the breathtaking views as they sail through the turquoise waters of the South Pacific.

Hello Sydney Kids has had the pleasure of setting sail on a seven-day Yasawas cruise with Captain Cook Cruises, read all about it here.

outrigger fiji adults only area

6. Experience the Serenity of Savusavu

Located on the remote island of Vanua Levu, Savusavu is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and laid-back family holiday experience. Known for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and pristine coral reefs, Savusavu provides a serene setting for families seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of busier tourist destinations. Spend quality time together exploring nature trails, swimming in refreshing natural pools, or taking a guided tour of a local pearl farm.

At the end of the day, relax and unwind at one of the family-friendly resorts or private villas that dot the coastline. The world-famous Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji is on Savusavu. Our family has never had the joy of holidaying there but friends have and they came back raving about it.

7. Delve into the Heart of Suva

For families seeking a balance between nature and city life, the bustling capital city of Suva is an ideal choice. Rich in history and culture, Suva offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to all ages. Visit the Fiji Museum to learn about the nation’s intriguing history, stroll through the vibrant Municipal Market, or explore the picturesque Colo-i-Suva Forest Park.

Kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Fiji Science Centre, while parents can indulge in some retail therapy at the many shops and boutiques that line the city’s streets.

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There are mud baths at Suva which make for a hilarious day of family fun

8. Create a Custom Family Adventure

For families who prefer a more personalised holiday experience, consider creating a bespoke itinerary tailored to your specific interests and needs. Collaborate with a travel agent or tour operator to plan a custom family adventure, selecting from a diverse range of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, or cultural workshops. Design your dream holiday, incorporating a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, for a truly unforgettable Fiji family experience.

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Affordable-Fiji-family-holidays

How To Save Money On A Fiji Family Holiday

Here is a case study, written by a friend of mine. Julie and I had been chatting about Fiji and she told me how she’d gone about planning a family holiday for herself, her husband and their two girls.

I was really impressed by how much research she had done. Thanks so much for sharing your findings with us, Julie.

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The calm waters of the Coral Coast

Julie writes:

I had been to Fiji once before three years ago, we stayed at Treasure Island. We had a marvellous time with our two kids who were aged four and fine and we have wanted to go back ever since.

However, a (crazy?!) decision to return to uni as a mature student has taken its toll on the family finances so the only way we could go back was to go on a budget.

I started off at Flight Centre but the same all-inclusive deal at Treasure Island OUT of school holidays was coming in at MORE than it had done during school holidays three years ago.

During the course of the research, Flight Centre did come out more expensive for all resorts.

I researched online and it quickly became apparent that the islands weren’t really an option if we wanted to keep the whole holiday (8 nights) below $5k including meals.

It possibly could have been done at Plantation Island but we had a day trip there when at Treasure Island and hadn’t liked it as much as Treasure (others definitely disagree).

We were worried about trying to recreate the island experience too closely but not being as satisfied.

It soon became clear that the Coral Coast offered the most affordable deals for family-orientated, all-inclusive packages.

I looked at Travel Online, Holidays with Kids, myfiji.com, Hoot Holidays and the Sun-Herald supplement on a Sunday.

We saw some good deals for big resorts such as Shangri-l La and Outrigger but as Treasure Island had been small and casual, we didn’t want to go for the big five star luxury resorts (really??!! – Seana). We wanted smaller, friendlier family-focused.

Plus, those deals didn’t include meals or drinks and I’d been warned it could cost an extra $1000 or so once meals were added in.

I preferred the idea of having a fixed price for meals just so that we would know in advance what we were up for.

It soon became apparent that Naviti Resort and Hideaway were the more affordable, family orientated destinations.

I was worried about going too down market after being on the island but both resorts receive excellent reviews on TripAdvisor so fingers crossed!!

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Fijian musicians are a feature of many resorts

In the end it really came down the toss of a coin but we chose to go with Naviti as, now that the girls are a bit older, we liked that it seemed to offer a broader range of activities.

We did like that Hideaway offered bures rather than hotel rooms and it certainly sounds very friendly.

Both resorts include local wine and beer and reduced cocktails as part of their all-inclusive deals!

It certainly seemed that booking online can save almost $1000 compared to the travel agencies.

Flying Fiji Airways rather than Virgin would have saved us a further $161 but the Virgin times suited us better so we opted to pay more for them. We will arrive at the resort late afternoon rather than late in the evening.

I found the deals offered through the agencies (ie HOOT) were better value than doing it myself through Travel Online, plus if you do it yourself you have to keep a close eye on things such as transfer times.

So the whole holiday with flights, drinks, meals, kids club, 8 nights, a cruise, activities such as snorkelling etc comes in at $4600.

Maybe someone could get it cheaper but as my aim was to keep it under $5k, so I was happy with that.

We booked through HOOT and found our consultant very helpful.

Job well done, Julie.  We all know there’s no such thing as a really cheap Fiji family holiday but your tips will help other families make their Fiji family holiday more affordable.

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The fabulous family pool at the Outrigger

Here are more tips on making Fiji more affordable.

  • Go during school terms
  • Go in the warmer summer months
  • Do a meal deal or even find an all-meals included deal
  • Book well ahead to get cheaper flights
  • Taking some of your own food and drink eg buy a case of beer duty-free and a case of water. Even though tap water is safe to drink I prefer bottled water
  • Or stop at local supermarket to stock up before you hit resort
  • Take crackers, vegemite, cereal from home. We normally have big breakfast and early drinks or dinner so having snacks on standby keeps the kids happy
  • Join a Facebook group, I joined the closed Facebook group Holidaying in Fiji. It’s a great place to check things up and get ideas and advice.

Why use a Fiji-focused travel agent?

Kate Steven is a Sydney mum of four who runs her own business called Fiji For Families.

Kate has helped me book two trips to Fiji, I asked her why families should use an agent:

  • Most of the time I have personally visited the resorts/island that you are considering.
  • I know where to find the best deals (we often get access to special rates at resorts that are popular with families).
  • I can tell you which boat transfer to arrange to match your flights when transferring to an island.
  • I can explain what ‘kids eat free’ really means: there are often conditions which go with these deals.
  • I know which hotels offer interconnecting rooms. The last thing you want is to be at the opposite sides of a resort when you have little kids.
  • I can tell you what the children’s policies are in each resort, like the ages at the kids club, babysitting rates, how many kids per room.
  • I know the dining options on offer, spa services, swimming pools, golf courses and all of the other small but essential details that help to make an unforgettable family holiday.
  • Also a  full-service travel agency means that we are available should there be even the slightest unforeseen glitch in your holiday arrangements – you won’t be left stranded waiting for a transfer, arrive to find your hotel rooms are on different floors or that the tour you had set your heart on is unavailable. Should illness or weather interfere with your plans, then Fiji for Families can step in and help modify your travel arrangements with the minimum of stress.

Conclusion

Fiji is an enchanting family holiday destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse activities suitable for all ages. Whether you choose to island-hop through the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands, explore the lush landscapes of the Coral Coast, immerse yourself in the local culture, or design your custom adventure, a family holiday in Fiji is guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

We’ve had some lovely family holidays in Fiji and so have many of our friends.  

We hope your family enjoys a Fiji family holiday too!

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How to save money Fiji holiday

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