Albert Park – the green heart of Suva

A popular historical site in Suva, Fiji, is Albert Park, named after the Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.

The now public park was established as a recreational reserve in 1922.

It was first constructed as a cricket ground in the 1800s, Albert Park has been a popular site for some of Fiji’s significant events such as the landing of the first airplane in Fiji by Australian Aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith during the first trans-Pacific flight in 1928.

The park was further recognised during Fiji's independence on October 12, 1970 where the union flag was lowered and the next day, the new national flag of Fiji was hoisted.

A memorial of the landing of the Southern Cross at Albert Park was built near the new pavilion

Albert Park was constructed as a cricket ground in the 1880s on land that once belonged to the indigenous village of Suva.

The land which is today called Albert Park was first purchased by a Melbourne-owned Polynesia Company as part of a larger allotment which would become the new capital of Fiji, Suva.

The indigenous residents were relocated to Suvavou which is located on the outskirts of town.

Albert park in Suva.

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Historical information about Albert Park.

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Today, Albert Park has become a central hub for sporting or outdoor activities as the Suva City Council through the Fiji Government, has provided facilities to accommodate such activities.

One of the facilities provided was the remodeled pavilion which opened in 2016 and is being used today for hire to host events such as birthdays, fundraising, or any form of celebration events.

The old Pavilion on Southern Cross Road was demolished and replaced by a new pavilion on Cakobau Road.

The playing fields were re-laid and re-renovated.

Below the pavilion are restrooms and eateries that serve Fijian-Indian dishes.

There are exercise machines on the side of Albert Park that the public can freely use.

Exercise machines at Albert Park.

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Getting to Albert Park

Albert Park’s well-maintained ground is visible from the roadside hence it’s easily accessible for the public or any visiting tourists.

Anyone wanting to visit Albert Park can do so by getting on a public bus such as the Nasese bus or by taxi.

Monuments that capture the landing of the first airplane in Fiji by Australian Aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith during the first trans-Pacific flight in 1928.

Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

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