Fiji took an 8-0 lead against Australia, the first time since the 2013 World Cup Final that the Jillaroos had failed to score first in a Test.
On their World Cup debut, the Bulikula troubled the world champions at Allianz Stadium on Sunday before Australia rallied to win 30-14.
Luisa Yaranamua opened the scoring with a penalty, then added a try and conversion after Jaime Chapman's error gave Fiji field position.
Australia levelled before halftime through tries by Abbi Church and Tamika Upton, leaving the sides tied 8-8 at the break.
Church scored twice early in the second half, with Jess Sergis setting up her first and Tarryn Aiken kicking for her second.
Jaime Chapman and Church extended Australia's advantage to 24-8, before Fiji's Maria Paseka scored from a Yaranamua pass.
Church then gathered a high kick and ran about 80 metres to complete her four-try performance and secure the result.
She made 205 metres, while captain Isabelle Kelly ran for 165 and Olivia Kernick made 156 metres from 19 runs.
Australia will face arch-rivals New Zealand in the World Cup Final in Brisbane. Chapman left the field with cramping with 20 minutes remaining.