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Suva is the administrative, commercial and political centre of Fiji, and the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. Located on the southeast coast of main land Viti Levu, it is a region known for its high rainfall patterns - which are the highest in Fiji. So it is certainly not where you come if you're looking for a white sandy beach and a suntan.

But Suva is Fiji's Capital City and as such does receive a lot of business travellers. It is also a city known for its wide range of shopping, restaurants, pubs, clubs and other entertainment... Well, let's just say that its entertainment is better than anywhere else in the country.

Landmarks in Suva

Suva City Library - Built in 1909, it stands out amongst newer buildings hinting at its previous importance during Fiji's colonial days. It housed the Children's Library but now stocks the city's entire book collection. The building was financed by the Scottish-American steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

The Suva City Library

Government Buildings complex - Formerly the seat of Parliament, the complex was built on the bed of a swampy creek which was drained in 1935. Over five kilometres of reinforced concrete pilings were driven into the creek bed to support the massive buildings that were being erected. Construction completed in 1939, two years after the foundation stone was laid. A new wing was added in 1967. In 1992, Parliament moved a new complex on Ratu Sukuna Road. The complex is now home to Fiji's courts and judiciary as well as several Government departments.

A statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna stands tall outside Government Buildings, Suva

The Fiji Museum - Founded in 1904, the Fiji Museum originally occupied the old town hall on Victoria Parade. It was moved to its present location in 1954. The museum houses the most extensive collection of Fijian artefacts in the world, and is also a research and educational institution. Among specialisations are archaeology, preservation of Fiji's oral tradition and publication of material on Fiji's language and culture.

Government House - The stately building was the residence of Fiji's colonial Governors, that of Fiji's Governors-General after Independence in 1970. It is now the official residence of Fiji's President. Originally erected in 1882, it was rebuilt in 1928 after the original building was destroyed by lightning in 1921.

Changing of the guards at Government House, Suva

Suva Central Plaza - Recently completed, the building stands a good 24.6 meters (81 ft) taller than the Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, making it the tallest building in the country. It is currently the tallest building in the Pacific Islands region.

Parks - Suva has about 78 parks. In fact, sometimes they say there's a park for every Lord Mayor the city has ever had. Some of the other parks include the new Takashi Suzuki Garden and Thurston Gardens. Opened in 1913, Thurston Gardens nurses flora from throughout the South Pacific. Apted Park, at Suva Point, is a well-known spot for viewing the sunrise and sunset.

University of the South Pacific - USP occupies what was once the New Zealand seaplane base (during the days of war). Today the Laucala campus the the largest of the many USP campuses dotted throughout the South Pacific.

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