Fiji Museum & Thurston Gardens
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Port
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji Islands
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Hop onto a motorcoach for a narrated panoramic drive through Suva. Traveling through the busy downtown district to view Government House -- the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji. The present mansion was built in 1928 to replace the original building, which was struck by lightning in 1921 and burned to the ground. Try to catch the majestic Changing of the Guard -- it's worth watching.
Continue past the Walu Bay industrial area to Tamavua Heights, one of Suva's nicest suburbs, for stunning panoramic views of Suva Harbor and Lathala Bay. View the National Sporting Center, site of the 2003 South Pacific Games, the University of the South Pacific, and the Parliament building. See the Australian, British, and United States Embassy buildings from the comfort of your motorcoach.
Pause for refreshments at the Thurston Gardens. Opened in 1913, the Gardens feature an array of native flora, including a variety of palms, gingers, water lilies and other local flora.
The on-site Fiji Museum is the oldest museum in the South Pacific. Inside, archaeological findings dating back 3,500 years and modern cultural objects reflect Fiji's complex society. Explore the museum at your own pace to see the rudder of Captain Bligh's HMS Bounty, Ratu Finau -- the last waqa drua (double-hulled oceangoing canoe) made in Vulaga in 1913, and the boots of Reverend Thomas Baker -- a missionary eaten by cannibals.
Guests wishing to stay in town to shop or explore independently are welcome to do so, but must make their own way back to the ship.