Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

Photo #1 of 2 . Swipe for more photos. Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park In a country blessed with an abundance of scenic beauty,the Sigatoka Sand Dunes stand out as one of the more unique wonders of Fiji. In July 1989, the dunes were designated as Fiji's first National Park under the management of the National Trust of Fiji Islands. This distinct feature covers an area of 650 hectares and offers a rich combination of geomorphological, ecological, cultural and aesthetical attributes. The National Park is of great importance for educational and recreational use and is a milestone in Fiji's drive for environment conservation. The dunes contain a diverse mixture of endemic and introduced plant species. The National Park also plays host to 22 species of bird, eight of which are endemic to Fiji, including the Fiji Bush Warbler,Fiji Goshawk, Orange-breasted Mycenaean, Skinks, Lizards, Geckos and Fruit bats find refuge in the park's diverse habitats.

Overview

As you pass the Shangri-La's Fijian Resort heading to Suva, keep watching to your right and you can't miss the visitor centre for the renowned Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is located at the mouth of the Sigatoka River on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji approximately 3km west of Sigatoka.

The dunes are the product of erosion in the coastal hinterland and coastal dune forming processes. The extensive dune system covers an area of 650 hectares and comprises a series of parabolic sand dunes of various ages and activities. The dunes range from around 20-60m tall. It is best to visit the area before 11am or after 3pm as doing otherwise, particularly at midday, would be a particularly hot experience. The dunes, which is Fiji's first National Park, extends for several miles along the coast, two thirds of which is stabilized by grass.

Pottery carbon dated back to 3000 years ago has been found alongside human remains. The area also has an ancient burial site of the people who once lived there. The dunes have been forming over millions of years and archaeological excavations have uncovered pottery more than 2600 years old, as well as one of the largest burial sites in the Pacific. Evidence of the past is clearly visible throughout the dune system as pottery scatters, stone tools, human remains and other archaeological relics continue to be uncovered by natural processes.