LEVUKA
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji photo.
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aid-back today as it was when the first traders and whalers arrived in the 18th Century, Levuka is where time stands still. Fiji’s first capital and first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Levuka is located on the island of Ovalau, east of mainland Viti Levu. Circled by large coral reefs, lush tropical volcanic Ovalau is the country’s sixth largest island, separated by a 20-kilometre wide channel from Viti Levu. Levuka and Ovalau are off the main tourist track and is a destination to experience a “trip back in time”. It is a part of Fiji that remains untouched by mass tourism and commerce. It’s still the way Fiji used to be.
Levuka was Fiji’s first capital from 1874 until 1883. The rugged mountains surrounding it prevented economic growth and Suva was declared the new capital. Levuka froze in time. In 1989 it was designated a historic town and recognized with UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2013. Founded by traders and settlers as early as 1830, Levuka became the first permanent European settlement in the Pacific Islands. The place flourished and attracted cotton and coconut planters, sandalwood and bêche-de-mer traders. Merchants arrived to set up shops, bars, and hotels. Schooners packed the harbour, bringing with them traders, adventurers, runaways and convicts.
Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji. Photo: Treasure Island Fiji.
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Wikipedia photo.
