In July 1989, the Sigatoka Sand Dunes were designated as Fiji's first National Park and their management handed over to the National Trust of Fiji.
The Dunes are a unique feature of Fiji's National Heritage. They form an area of outstanding natural beauty covering 650 hectares, and offer a rich combination of interesting features.
The national park is of importance as an educational and recreational facility. It is the first milestone in Fiji's drive for environmental conservation and management.
The Dunes comprise a sensitive ecosystem unique to Fiji, and to the rest of the Pacific. It is an area of which Fiji can be truly proud.
Enjoying the Dunes
The dunes are unique in their natural beauty, and have long been an attraction for people both locally and from overseas.
To manage and ensure the continuing preservation of the area, and to give visitors the maximum benefits of the Park, the National Trust has provided an information centre and there are two rangers who provided guided tours via a footpath constructed by the Trust for that purpose.
Human History of the Dunes
Archaeological excavations on the eastern end of the dunes have revealed a unique sample of ancient Fijian civilisation. Initially several skeletons were collected dating from around 5BC to 240AD. These skeletons form only a small part of a more substantial burial complex. Over 50 individual remains have been excavated as part of the ongoing archaeological programme.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes are also rich in ancient pottery artifacts that continue to surface as the processes of erosion and accretion continues. These artifacts are said to be the remains of pottery from the LapitaEra, giving important clues to the origin of the early inhabitants of Fiji.
Ecological features of the Dunes
The PArk area comprises of native forest (Casuarina and Pandanus) near the coast, a reforested area inland, introduced herbaceous plant communities and the largest dune complex in the Pacific Islands leading down to a windswept high energy beach. The surrounding sea has no finging reefs.
The western end of the Park is important in that it provides a typical and now rare example of natural Fijian beach forest. There are 165 recorded plant species growing in the park. The park supports a small population of reptiles and migratory birds.
Visitors to the Park
There are organised tours to the Park, tourists usually arrive by coach, however anyone who is interested can visit the Park and should contact the ranger on duty at the visitor centre. There is a fee of $5.00 per person for visiting the Park
Concessionary rates are available for students and families, and all National Trust members are exempt from payment. Further information is available at the reception desk or from the National Trust Office in Suva.
National Trust for Fiji
3 Maafu Street
Suva
Fiji
Tel: (679) 3301 807
Fax: (679) 3305 092
E-mail: nationaltrust@is.com.fj
National Park Visitor Centre
Sigatoka, Fiji
Tel: 679 6520 343
Fax: 679 6520 243
