Fiji Islands Travel Guide | Discover the Islands | Coral Coast | Regional Highlights

Coral Coast Railway

Train rides can be fun but the Coral Coast Railways does well to ensure that your last train ride will stay with you forever.

Where else can you get a train ride through a forest, Fijian village, across bridges, old sugar cane plantations and then stop over for a refreshing cave excursion.

Based along the Queen's Road outside Shangri-La's Fijian Resort & Spa, the Coral Coast Railway Co uses two restored sugar-cane locomotives for a variety of tours of the area on narrow-gauge railway.

This is a perfectly personal way of experiencing the various sides of Fiji, from the work worn sugar cane fields to the cool embrace of a coastal village.

You might spot a grizzled faced Indo-Fijian cane farmer ambling his way home or a group of Fijian children happily splashing around in a small waterway.

The Sigatoka train features a model of an ancient British-styled steam locomotive is more of a hit with visitors.

The narrow gauge rail ran through the center of the sugar towns

Experience the romance of riding the rail

The train from Cuvu to Natadola is powered by the Pufffing Boto’ a small industrial-type diesel which chugs along for about 10 miles, the longer and reportedly better of the two runs.

The train traverses cane farms, dense forests and deep rivers and even breaks for a short exploration of Muka Caves, a cool respite from the tropical heat.

A great stop over point is the spectacular and world famous Natadola Beach where a barbecue lunch and a swim are part off the package.

"Natadola BBQ Bash" trips costs about $115 and runs daily, departing Shangri-La's Fijian resort at 10am and returning at 4pm.Children pay half fare.

The other locomotive makes trips east to Sigatoka offers half-day trip to the town for sightseeing and shopping.

The full-day "Ratu's Scenic Inland" tour which entails a visit to the Sigatoka Valley and sundown tours includes a kava welcoming ceremony and dinner.

The scenic railway tours offer a refreshing excursion away from the hotel environment and present a closer inspection of the real Fiji.