The royal palms
Avenues planted in 1913.
User:Matthias Süßen — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Tucoxn — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Scan by NYPL — Public domain
Thurston Gardens are Fiji's botanical gardens in central Suva, between Albert Park and Government House, with big tropical trees and quiet lawns. The site includes the Fiji Museum, so it makes a natural complement to a visit there. Suva people come here to rest during the day, and it is a green break close to the capital's bustle. First known as the Suva Botanical Gardens, they were renamed in 1976 after Governor John Bates Thurston, who governed Fiji from 1888 to 1897. In 1879 he invited the botanist John Horne to make recommendations for a garden. It was reorganised in 1913, when 101 royal palms and 39 tree ferns were planted. The clock tower went up in 1918. You enter from a gate on the street onto a broad lawn shaded by huge trees, passing an old stone memorial and the plain clock tower. Palms, gingers, water lilies and other local plants grow here. Do not expect a highly manicured garden, as some parts need attention, but its calm is pleasant. It lies in central Suva, within walking distance of the waterfront, with the Fiji Museum in its grounds. Half an hour is enough, and you can combine it with the museum in one visit. Morning is best, before the midday heat, and carry an umbrella, as Suva gets a lot of rain. Cyclone season runs from November to April, so check the weather before you travel.
Avenues planted in 1913.
A 1918 structure.
Shade from huge trees.
Central Suva, between Albert Park and Government House, Viti Levu
Yes. The museum is inside the gardens, and two hours are enough for both.
As far as we know, yes, while the museum charges separately.
