Sigatoka Sand Dunes
NATIONAL PARK
Fiji’s First National Park
The Sigatoka Sand Dunes are one of the unique natural wonders of Fiji. Over 650 acres of sand dunes and dry forests form the distinctive landscape of the area. Almost 50% of this special landscape has been protected within the National Park since 1989.
BIODIVERSITY
Plant species in the Park are a diverse mixture of native and introduced species. Its native tree species are floristically unique, having adapted to an environment of shifting sands. The Park forests are home to over 37 species of bird, 8 of which are endemic to Fiji. This includes the Fiji Bush Warbler, Fiji Goshawk, Many Coloured Fruit Dove and the Fiji White- Eye. Explore further and you will find Skinks, Lizards, Geckos, Fruit bats, Fijian Swallowtail Butterfly and the cryptic Pacific Boa, who also find refuge in the Park’s diverse habitats.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND LAPITA HISTORY
The Park holds significant clues to man’s first arrival in Fiji. In the late 1940s a team of archaeologists uncovered an ancient burial site with over 50 individuals. These archaeological remains have been dated to approximately 2600 years ago. Pottery shards and other cultural materials found within the Park have led experts to believe that these early inhabitants are of Lapita origin. Lapita is an archaeological site in New Caledonia where similar pottery was first discovered.
Late Lapita pottery
Human burials dating to app. 1650 to 1500 years ago.
The Park has produced the largest collection of complete and near complete Lapita pots from the Pacific region. Today, evidence of the past is clearly visible throughout the dune system as stone tools, human remains, and pottery continue to be uncovered by natural possesses. Many unearthed artifacts are on display at the Fiji Museum in Suva.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Special team-building programs with environmental themes for children and adults are offered at the Park. These include a range of group activities such a birdwatching, Tree Planting, Sand Sculpture, Beach Tepee and Tree Huggers. These hands-on programs encourage team spirit and a closer relationship with nature.
WALKING TRAILS
Visitors can take either of the two Walking Trails. The short trail or Yatole kaleka Walk is an hour long walk with bird watching. The longer trail or Yatobalavu Scenery is a two-hour walk with birdwatching and dune climbing. You should not walk during the hottest time of the day! (between 1pm– 3pm)
Visitor Information Centre
Your first point of introduction to the National Park will be at the Visitor Information Centre. Here you will find information on the fascinating history of the Park and the region. Park Rangers will provide you with assistance or guided tours on request.
OPENING HOURS
Monday- Sunday 8am-4:30pm (excluding 1pm-2pm)
Also Open Public Holidays.
*Arrangements can be made if you wish to visit the park before or after the opening hours. However, this will incur additional fee costs.
ACCESS
Queens Road, Sigatoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
The Park lies along the main Queen’s Highway, in the Coral Coast region. It’s a 10 minutes drive from Sigatoka Town, right after Volivoli village, on your way to Nadi. Keep a lookout for the Park’s billboard.
ENTRY FEE
Adults – $10
International Students (With ID) – $7
Local Students (6 – 17 years) – $5
Children 5 years and under – FREE
For School Excursions and Special Programs contact Telephone: 6520243 or Email: jtutani@nationaltrust.org.fj