Colo-I-Suva Forest Park (pronounced Tholo-ee-Suva) was once a true tropical lowland rainforest, which has been interplanted with mahogany. It is in the upper drainage area of Waisila catchment, alongside Princes Road. The Department of Forestry manages the Forest Park.

Opportunities

For those of a more contemplative nature, the lookout is the ideal place to finish that book you’ve been meaning to read, write in your traveller’s diary or simply relax.

Facilities

The visitor information centre located at the Forestry Station can give you useful information. The Forestry Station recommends that you start from there. You will find three pools developed as swimming areas: the ever-popular Main Pool with its rope swing and the two Upper Pools. All other pools remain in their natural state and many are shallow enough for a child.

While there are picnic tables near the Main Pool, most facilities have been built near the Upper Pools where it was possible to provide adequate parking. Both these areas have toilets. Groups of up to 40 can be accommodated at the Steep Hill Group Area.

All Picnic Tables have shelters. All have fire grates and a sufficient quantity of wood.

A .5km nature trails has been built. This one-way loop begins a short distance from the Upper Pool Parking Area and interprets many interesting facets of the natural environment. If you wish to stretch your legs, hike some of the over 6.5km of trails of the area.

Climate

The Forest Park is between 122 to 183m (400-600ft) above sea level and is therefore both cooler and slightly wetter than Suva. It gets about 424cm (167in) of rain a year with some falling on average of 4 days a week. November – March are the wet months, while May – August is considered the dry season.

The mean annual temperature is a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius (3 degrees Fahrenheit) between February and July, the warmest and coolest months.

Safety & Comfort Tips

The streams rise slowly but surely during very heavy rains. Do not attempt to cross the streams in their flooded stage.
Wear adequate shoes and be careful when using the rope swing and diving in the pools.
Valuables can be kept at the Raintree Lodge or at the Forestry office for safekeeping.