Driving time around Viti Levu

How long does it take to drive around the entire island of Viti Levu? If it's more than a day, where should I stop to sleep? Thanks.

? where should I stop to sleep

consider a night in a Fijian village on the coral coast

pictures at this link

http://www.fijihomestays.com/guests-photos

You could do it in a day. Parts of our roads are very bad, and should you have a breakdown theres no AA to the rescue, or a telephone handy at the closest village. If you are a female and travelling alone I would advise
against it. Not because it is Fiji, just dont take risks. Buses are so convienient, you can hop on and off all day. nztourist had a good suggestion.

Even though you could do it in a day, you may want to take some extra time to stop and see things in more depth along the way. There are 3 national parks, the 2 largest cities in Fiji, a hydroelectric dam, the 'most picturesque' village in the country, the Fiji Water factory, markets, islands not too far off the coast....You can arrange for stays in lodges or villages supposedly Abaca Visitor Center in Koroyanitu Natl Park (although I wasn't able to get in touch w/ phone) or Colo-i-Suva Natl Park (they have a website and look easier to contact). There's Bulou's Eco Lodge near Navala village (the picturesque one) which is a couple of hours off the main road (but I couldn't get in touch w/ them over the phone either). In Suva, I think the Univ of South Pacific may have accommodation.

@nztourist
I tried emailing and calling Namatakula to no avail! Both through fijihomestays.com and fijibure.com I think.

@ childchi

Really? Hmm youve got me thinking.

I was planning on driving from Suva to Nadi along the northern coast in a sedan. Not a good idea? Someone else on here recommended 4wd but I think they are all booked up, plus Id rather not pay the extra $ for the upgrade if it is not absolutely necessary (I don't want to get stuck either because I have to catch plane the next day). Do you think bus would be better? I heard buses aren't so reliable and often run late? I also kind of liked the idea of being able to make quick stops along the way.

I was also thinking about driving (w/ 4wd) from Ba to Navala to Sigatoka. I saw in Fiji Times the Monasavu Dam rose 5m! That sounds like a lot of rain! How bad is this road? Will it just be a little mud or will the road be more like a river? Do you think it is not a good idea this time of year?

We took a bus from Lautoka to stay with Childchi at Pacific Harbour a few weeks ago. It took 4 1/2 hours (including one flat tyre and 25 minutes stop at Sigatoka) and about 3 1/2 hours back.

We have also travelled from Lautoka to Rakiraki a few times. It takes 2 1/2 hours each way.
These times are for "Express" busses. The regular ones that stop everywhere are slower and more fun.

Take a couple of days, enjoy the ride and spend the savings on some accomodation along the way.......

Cheers,
Peter