1 week in Viti Levu. Authentic Fiji suggestions?

Hi Guys,

I'm going to Fiji (flying to/from Nadi) for 1 week at the end of March. It's quite a tight schedule, but still would like to visit a few places where I can see the authentic Fiji, not resorts or tourist traps. Coming from Australia, so not much interest in the beach... Will appreciate if you have any suggestions.

Tentatively, thought of skipping Nadi at all and go from the airport straight to Lautoka. From there, eventually could take a day trip to the Mamanucas (Beachcomber Is.? or any other excursion from Lautoka just for the day?), and then move along the Kings Rd to Ba and if time allows me, Tavua or Rakiraki. The guidebooks recommend visiting Navala village for a "true local experience". Wonder how "true" it is... Any chance to go there by local bus? Or any day tour from Lautoka maybe? Any other village would also do, I don't mind.

Any suggestion will be more than appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

Skip Nadi :-)
Lautoka is NOT a tourist town (we live there), but it is bigger than Nadi and would be worth a day or 2 (preferably Friday/Saturday, being best market days).
From Lautoka it is 2 1/2 hours to Rakiraki by bus. Good trip to see some country side and some villages along the way.
It is possible to circumnavigate Viti Levu by bus (if the bridges are fixed after the floods), but a cab has some advantages in terms of stopping off along the way.

A day trip to Beachcomber is possible from their sister resort ''The Anchorage'' at Vuda, south of Lautoka.

Cheers,
Peter