Albert Park

Albert Park was constructed as a cricket ground in the 1880s on land that once belonged to the indigenous village of Suva. It has since hosted sporting events, national celebrations, visiting dignitaries, and was the site of the first airplane landing in Fiji in 1928.

Last updated on 02 May 2024

“Landing of the Southern Cross at Albert Park, 1928”, Source: http://suvacity.org/albert-park /

AP002: “Memorial of Southern Cross landing, built 2016”, Source: Nicholas Halter 2018.

“First hoisting of the new national flag of Fiji on 10th October 1970”, Source: Source: http://suvacity.org/albert-park /

“Albert Park memorial”, c.2000s, Source: http://suvacity.org/albert-park /

“Albert Park and the new Pavilion”, Source: Nicholas Halter 2018.

“Albert Park and the Parliament Building”, Source: Nicholas Halter 2018.

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Timeline

1880s

The land was purchased by the 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 on the outskirts of town.

1884

The Colonial Secretary granted a licence to the Suva Cricket Club for the exclusive right to use as a cricket ground “the piece of Crown Land in the Albert Park, Suva, hitherto used by the club for cricketing purposes” (Suva Times, 23 March). Later the club erected a pavilion on the site (opposite the current pavilion today).

1901

More tennis course were added to the ones laid in the 1880s.

1907

The “Albert Park Recreation Ground' was levelled.

1928

Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith landed at Albert Park on 6 June on his trans-Pacific flight from the United States to Australia.

1953

An earthquake in Fiji caused the sea water to flood the entire park. Residents recall collecting fish from the ground once the waters had receded.

1954

Queen Elizabeth visited Albert Park.

1970

The new national flag of Fiji was raised during Fiji’s Independence Day celebrations at Albert Park on 10 October.

1986

Pope John Paul II visited Albert Park.

2014

The Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi visited Albert Park during his State visit to Fiji.

2016

The old Pavilion on Southern Cross Road was demolished and replaced by a new pavilion on Cakobau road. The playing fields were relaid and renovated. A memorial to the landing of the Southern Cross at Albert Park was built near the new pavilion.

References

Fiji Museum, n.d., “History of Albert Park Excerpt”, https://www.facebook.com/fijimuseum/photos/history-of-albert-park-excerpt/236297153097142/ accessed 25 July 2018.

Smith, C.K., 1937, My Flying Life, London: Andrew Melrose.

Stephenson, E., 1997, Fiji’s Past on Picture Postcards, Suva: Caines Jannif.

Suva City Council, 2012, “Albert Park”, http://suvacity.org/albert-park/, accessed 25 July 2018.

Suva City Council, 2013, “Experience Suva” (available online) http://www.experiencesuva.com/other-attractions/, accessed 25 July 2018.

Suva Times, 23 March 1884.