Fiji is so much more than its postcard-perfect beaches. Beyond the resorts, you'll find a world of adventure waiting to be explored, from towering volcanic peaks and hidden jungle waterfalls to secret limestone caves and vibrant lagoons. In this guide, Australian travellers will find everything they need to rent a car in Fiji, plan a memorable self-drive adventure, and explore the island’s most breathtaking landscapes at their own pace.
A rental car turns your holiday from a rigid schedule into a flexible adventure. You control when to head to the highlands, how long to stay at a waterfall, and which side roads to explore. Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island, offers a network of sealed highways connecting major towns, while quieter roads take you to villages, river valleys, and nature reserves. Skip the bus waits or group tours and enjoy the comfort of your air-conditioned car with your favourite playlist, which allows you to chase the sunrise or sunset at your own pace.
Before you set off, keep your Australian driver’s licence, passport, and rental agreement in the glove box. Although an International Driving Permit isn’t mandatory, having one can help with any interactions with local authorities. Pack light, quick-dry clothing for the humid climate and sturdy walking shoes for rainforest trails. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent for your beach and jungle adventures. Mobile coverage can be unreliable outside major towns, it's wise to have offline maps ready when navigating remote areas. Finally, save or print your car hire voucher, insurance details, and emergency contacts to have on hand if you need roadside assistance.
Taveuni, known as the “Garden Island,” is the eroded remnant of a massive volcano. Its central spine is cloaked in rainforest, criss-crossed by waterfalls and streams. The Lavena Coastal Walk takes you through dense jungle to two hidden tidal pools and the twin Lavena Waterfalls. For strong hikers, the ascent of Des Voeux Peak rewards you with 360° views of reef-ringed islets and emerald valleys. Offshore, the Rainbow Reef in Somosomo Strait ranks among the world’s top soft-coral dive sites. To reach Taveuni, drive your hire car to the ferry terminal at Natovi, then take the vehicle ferry across. Once on the island, the sealed road runs north-south, with informal roadside stalls selling fresh tropical fruit and grilled fish.
Kadavu Island, located south of Viti Levu, is home to one of Fiji's most untouched lagoons. Ancient limestone barriers create a vibrant blue pool protected from ocean swells. At dawn, kayaking across the serene waters unveils a world of mangrove roots, mudskippers, and elusive birdlife. Snorkelling here offers the chance to see juvenile reef sharks, manta rays, and colourful reef fish. Picnic sandbanks appear at low tide, providing a perfect spot for a private meal of coconut bread and fresh local fruit. To reach Kadavu, enjoy a scenic drive from Suva to the ferry terminal, followed by a short boat ride. A car allows you to catch the afternoon ferry without any rush.
Bouma Park, located on the eastern slopes of Taveuni’s volcano, protects Fiji’s most diverse lowland rainforest. The well-maintained trail to Tavoro Waterfalls passes through giant ferns and bamboo groves. The first waterfall creates a calm plunge pool, while the third falls dramatically in a 25-metre drop surrounded by moss-covered cliffs. Canopy bridges offer stunning views of strangler figs and orchids from above. You can visit local villages with traditional bure, join a yaqona (kava) ceremony, and sample homemade cassava cake. The entrance fee includes a guided tour. The park has shaded parking, and the trails vary from short walks to full-day hikes.
For genuine off-grid adventure, the Lau Group stretches east into the Pacific. Ovalau Island, once Fiji’s capital and its cultural heart, features rolling green hills formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. In Levuka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, colonial wooden buildings line narrow streets. Hike to the old whaling station at the island’s northern tip, then circle crater-rim ridges overlooking the sea. Dive into Naiqoro Passage to explore sheer walls alive with gorgonian fans and pelagic fish. Ferries run weekly from Suva; booking your rental car on Viti Levu means you control the timing of your departure and return, avoiding rigid tour schedules.
The rugged dunes west of Sigatoka rise 50 metres above the sea. Over centuries, the wind has shaped the dunes, uncovering ancient pottery shards and shell middens. Guided walks highlight Fiji’s archaeological sites and native plants that help preserve the sandy landscape. Climb the summit for panoramic views of the Pacific and the distant island of Beqa. Early risers may catch sight of the rare Fiji petrel. A short drive from the main highway leads you to the park entrance, where local guides are ready to take you across the soft sand. The dunes look especially beautiful in the late afternoon light, making it a great time to visit.
The Sawa-i-Lau caves in the remote northern Yasawa group are partially submerged in a coral limestone island. Sunlight filters through ceiling openings, lighting the clear, emerald pools within. Ancient petroglyphs on the walls hint at the caves’ use in Fijian rituals. Swimming among the stalactites in the cavern is a unique experience, with the water temperature consistently at 26°C. While day trips depart from Yasawa Island resorts, driving your rental car to the ferry terminal in Nadi ensures you can catch the earliest boat and avoid the crowds. Once on the island, a 20-minute walk from the jetty leads you to the cave entrance.
Viti Levu’s Coral Coast stretches from Sigatoka to Pacific Harbour, fringed by a barrier reef and dotted with fishing villages. Beqa Lagoon is famous for no-cage shark-feeding dives where bull sharks, tiger sharks, and lemon sharks glide past under expert supervision. Inland, the Sigatoka River carves a lush valley where you can take a river safari, visit mud-pool spas heated by volcanic springs, or explore ancient hill-fort sites. The coastal road is fully sealed; a hire car lets you stop at roadside markets selling fresh mangoes, cassava, and coconut water.
On Viti Levu’s east coast, a chain of quiet lagoons lies just off the Coral Coast. Each is separated from the sea by narrow sandbars and fringed by mangroves. Early morning paddle to see mangrove kingfishers and egrets hunting mudflats. By midday, the water shimmers in every shade of green and blue. Local fishermen repair nets on the shore, offering an authentic glimpse of rural Fijian life. The tracks leading to the lagoons are gravel. A vehicle with modest ground clearance can handle them, but a 4×4 will provide added comfort.
At 1,324 metres, Mount Tomanivi is Fiji’s highest point. The multi-day trek begins near Tuirara village and ascends through four vegetation zones, including tropical lowland, mid-elevation rainforest, montane forest, and grassland near the summit. Endemic birds like the orange dove and Fiji bush warbler flit through mist-cloaked trees. Summiting at dawn rewards you with views over Viti Levu’s patchwork of sugarcane fields and rainforest canopy. Permits and an experienced guide are mandatory; drive to the trailhead and leave it at the ranger station before setting off on foot.
Close to Sigatoka, Kula Eco Park combines wildlife conservation with easy reef access. Semi-wild enclosures showcase Fiji’s endemic birds—pink-necked fruit doves, orange doves, and the giant Fiji iguana. Offshore lies the Coral Gardens snorkel site, where you can drift over bommies alive with clownfish, wrasse, and sea cucumbers. Park entry includes a guided nature walk and a reef briefing, making it an excellent half-day stop on a longer self-drive journey.
The limestone islands of the Yasawa chain are home to incredibly clear bays. The Blue Lagoon, famous for its films, offers views of sand ripples even ten metres underwater. On Drawaqa Island, manta rays visit cleaning stations at dawn. With a rental car on the mainland, you can choose which day cruise or overnight ferry to take, giving you more flexibility than a fixed resort package. Once on Yasawa island, footpaths connect beaches, caves, and village kava bars, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
On Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, Savusavu sits on a geothermal fault line. Public hot-water pools bubble up at 45 °C, set in gardens of frangipani and pandanus. Locals believe the mineral-rich water has healing properties. After soaking, drive inland through rolling hills to visit vanilla and cacao plantations.
Off Kadavu’s coast lies the Great Astrolabe Reef, the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. Diving here brings encounters with white-tip reef sharks, giant clams, and vast schools of fusiliers. Surface-snorkelling from a small boat reveals coral bommies in every hue. To reach the reef, drive your car to the Vunisea jetty, then board a dive boat for a day excursion. The reef’s health is closely monitored by local communities, ensuring a pristine environment for your underwater adventure.
Adjacent to the Lavena lagoons on Taveuni’s east coast, this small reserve protects rare tree species and is home to the endangered Fiji flying fox. Guided night walks reveal these giant bats roosting in fig trees. Daytime trails wind through a littoral forest, where you may spot the orange dove or the shy Fiji whistler. A rental car with good clearance is recommended to navigate rutted plantation tracks that lead to the sanctuary entrance.
Fiji offers diverse natural wonders, from volcanic peaks and hidden caves to emerald lagoons and windswept dunes. For Australian travellers, a rental car allows you to explore at your own pace—whether that means an early hike up Mount Tomanivi, a relaxing snorkel in the Blue Lagoon, or a spontaneous picnic beneath banyan trees. Your car is not just a means of transport; it’s the gateway to discovering Fiji’s hidden gems and unforgettable experiences waiting for you.
Ready to explore Fiji your way? Rent a car with Finalrentals today and start your adventure!
