• Home
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

FIJI Shores and Marinas

Your Essential Guide to the Shores and Marinas of Fiji

  • Cruising Guide
  • Entering & Departing
    • Forms
  • Marinas
  • Anchorages
  • Conservation
    • Fiji Sea Petrel
    • Turtles
    • Whales & Dolphins
    • Sharks
  • Fun in Fiji
    • Exploring Fiji
    • Diving
    • Fishing
    • Golf in Fiji
    • Surfing
    • Watersports
  • News
  • Weather Resources
  • Directory
  • Your Free Guide
You are here: Home / Anchorages / Levuka Anchorage: Fiji’s First World Heritage Site

Levuka Anchorage: Fiji’s First World Heritage Site

17°41’08.61 South | 178°50’16.93 East

Levuka is a historical Port of Entry located on the eastern coast of the island of Ovalau. Formerly the Capital of Fiji, Levuka was listed as the country’s first World Heritage Site in June 2013!LevukaRecognised for “its low line of buildings set among coconut and mango trees along the beach front” – as a “rare” and “outstanding example of late 19th century Pacific port settlements”, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee said the combination of “development by the indigenous community” and “integration of local building traditions by a supreme naval power” [Britain] – had led to “the emergence of a unique landscape”.

The World Heritage status means that Levuka, in its present state, will remain as a snapshot, frozen in time, of a crucial part of our nations development and a permanent reminder of our unique history.

A Town of ‘Firsts’

Levuka Wharf

Levuka Wharf

Levuka was founded circa 1820 by European settlers, shipwrecked sailors and traders as the first modern town in the Fiji Islands. The sheltered harbour provided the safe anchorage that peaked European interest in Levuka, which soon became an important port and trading post.

Levuka is famous for many of Fiji’s other “firsts.” It was the site of Fiji’s first bank, post office, school, private members club, hospital, town hall, and municipal government. It was the site of Fiji’s first public electricity system and Fiji’s first national newspaper, the Fiji Times, was founded in Levuka in 1869. Interestingly, the Royal Hotel (which is still in operation today) is the oldest hotel in the South Pacific!

Levuka Coastline

Levuka Coastline

By 1870, the town had a population of more than 800, but by 1882 the move of our nations capital to Suva had been prompted by concerns that the 600-meter high cliffs surrounding the town gave it no room for expansion. So the town remains today, as it was then; developed only with respect to its former state – the saloons that lined the street are gone, but the quaint columned storefronts and weatherworn clapboard buildings have managed to survive the 130-something years since, and Levuka has retained its magic.

But why take our word for it? Make your way over to Levuka and see for yourself! Take a sail back into Fiji’s past and experience the unique atmosphere of heritage and culture…

Levuka Harbour

Levuka Harbour

Entering at Levuka

When choosing to clear into Fiji at Levuka, be sure to make contact by radio on Channel 16 once you reach the main wharf. Bunkering, watering facilities and ships’ supplies are available. The port area includes the wharf and large sheds once used to store copra. The tracks for trams that transported the copra to and from the wharf are still visible.

All necessary border control offices are located alongside the main wharf; including the oldest Customs building in Fiji!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Download your FREE copy

2020 Guide Cover

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

(17MB)

Find us on…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Testimonials

Mutually beneficial to visitors to Fiji and the Fijians themselves…

Firstly we wanted to compliment you on a fantastic guide for yachties to Fiji. It not only has extensive boat...
FIJI Shores and Marinas
2018-04-15T19:41:11+12:00
Firstly we wanted to compliment you on a fantastic guide for yachties to Fiji. It not only has extensive boat related information but your inclusion of thoughtful pieces on local customs and people are very insightful. Your focus on environmentally friendly practices is appreciated. Keep up the good work! It’s mutually beneficial to visitors to Fiji and the Fijians themselves in that it helps to protect their beautiful waters and coasts.  We will regularly refer to  your book and I am sure we will enjoy the services of many of your advertisers. We look forward to many more good years cruising these beautiful islands. Tony Whiting & Margaret Wilson - SY “Taranui III”,  New Zealand
https://www.fijimarinas.com/testimonials/keep-up-the-good-work-its-mutually-beneficial-to-visitors-to-fiji-and-the-fijians-themselves/

ALL the yachties had a copy of the guide

I was on a yacht at Musket Cove last week and ALL the yachties had a copy of the guide...
FIJI Shores and Marinas
4
2015-08-05T15:11:17+12:00
I was on a yacht at Musket Cove last week and ALL the yachties had a copy of the guide and were literally living by it. I’m kicking myself for not advertising last year - we need to be in there! 2014 Advertiser
https://www.fijimarinas.com/testimonials/all-the-yachties-had-a-copy-of-the-guide/

It is now my Bible…

I picked up one of your guides in Tonga. It is now my Bible. I have read it front to...
FIJI Shores and Marinas
5
2015-08-05T15:23:35+12:00
I picked up one of your guides in Tonga. It is now my Bible. I have read it front to back and just looking forward to exploring Fiji. I have been sailing for 8 years and long for info about the next island country and must say your guide is IT - thank you. I will let others know. V. Plett - Tonga
https://www.fijimarinas.com/testimonials/it-is-now-my-bible-2/

The publication is world-class…

I have visited 7 marinas in Northland, NZ and distributed over 150 copies of FIJI Shores & Marinas and received...
FIJI Shores and Marinas
4
2015-08-05T15:30:00+12:00
I have visited 7 marinas in Northland, NZ and distributed over 150 copies of FIJI Shores & Marinas and received very good feedback from the yachties. The publication is world-class and is far superior to a lot of guides that I came across. You guys are doing a great job and leaving everyone for dead in terms of presentation and content. Cheers! Adam Wade, Vuda Marina
https://www.fijimarinas.com/testimonials/the-publication-is-world-class/

…lots of reading for both Captain, crew and guests

Just to let you know that everyone who gets a copy of FIJI Shores & Marinas loves it. Much better...
FIJI Shores and Marinas
5
2015-08-05T15:33:16+12:00
Just to let you know that everyone who gets a copy of FIJI Shores & Marinas loves it. Much better as a hard copy as it has lots of reading both for Captains, Crew and guests Great job! Vinaka Vakalevu.   Capt. Carol Dunlop
https://www.fijimarinas.com/testimonials/lots-of-reading-for-both-captain-crew-and-guests/
4
FIJI Shores and Marinas
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Marinas
  • Anchorages
  • Fiji Information
  • Entering Fiji
  • Features
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Search

© 2021 · Fiji Shores and Marinas · Advertising · Contact Us