Explore Magical Milne Bay

On the south eastern peninsula of the Papua New Guinea mainland lies Milne Bay Province – 16,000km² of mountainous coastal land, and gateway to more than 600 islands. Home to 200,000 people, Milne Bay Province is a melting pot of many mainland and island cultures.
Alotau, the capital, is a peaceful town where all visitors receive a warm welcome from the friendly local people.

The area hosts a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, yet much of the province remains virtually untouched by tourism. It is this unspoiled environment, which adds to its appeal for a growing number of travellers seeking unique experiences - and it doesn’t disappoint. There are numerous activities to choose from, as visitors to Alotau can:

• Discover sites significant in World War II history and find relics left behind
• Learn about the traditional cultures of the local mountain, coastal and islands people - the matrilineal family system, skull caves, and sing sings. Savour local cuisine village style.
• Enjoy nature based tours – such as relaxing bird watching, adventurous walks through the jungle, across waterfalls and into caves
• Visit picturesque Samarai Island, the former Capital of Milne Bay Province until 1968, just a few hours away by boat and discover why it was known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”
• See how the European influence evolved in Milne Bay following the 19th century arrival of missionaries and establishment of the Kwato Church, which is only 15 minutes from Samarai Island
• Just 20 minutes away from town and close to the airport, LauLau has sandy white beaches to relax on, or perhaps you may like to swim or fish in the pristine waters of the nearby islands.

Alotau to East Cape Escape

Six hour tour. Optional 30 min trek to the skull caves, which requires a medium level of fitness. Swimwear and walking shoes recommended.

A two hour drive from Alotau, around the coastline, through jungle, past local villages, along the Owen Stanley Ranges and into grassy land enhanced with pandanus palms, lies East Cape – the most easterly point of the PNG mainland.

The tiny local village of Bilubilu is blessed with beautiful beaches, pristine waters and local reefs, making it the perfect location to relax, swim, or snorkel. And it is here, at one of the three marine time navigational entrances to Milne Bay, you see the merging of the tides as the Solomon and Coral Seas meet.

For the energetic, a short trek to a nearby skull cave adds some extra adventure. Several skulls lies under the rock overhang, remnants of a traditional burial ritual. Family members were buried in an upright position with clay pots on their head. When the heads separated from the body, the skulls were placed in a cave as a mark of respect. By arrangement, and for a small fee, the villagers may let you paddle their dug out canoes to the nearby island of Meymeyala.

Includes

• Pick up from (and drop off to) your hotel
• Escorted four wheel drive trip to East Cape
• Driving through local villages along the way
• Time to relax at Bilubilu – snorkelling equipment provided
• Picnic lunch
• Entry to skull caves site

Samarai Island Discovery

Located to the south east of Milne Bay in the China Strait lies tiny Samarai Island, just 24 hectares in size and a living piece of Milne Bay colonial history.  Little is documented about Samarai prior to the arrival of Captain John Moresby in 1873. Although he named it “Dinner” Island, it is commonly known as Samarai Island, meaning “peace”.

The island was first established in 1886, and it soon became a key pacific trading port. By the turn of the century, it was the administrative headquarters of the Eastern Papua region of British New Guinea and was tagged the “Pearl of the Pacific”.   The white resident population enjoyed a grand lifestyle until WWII when most of the town was destroyed by Australian troops fearing a Japanese invasion. Samarai was bombed by the Japanese, but never invaded.

Although rebuilding did take place after the war, the town never recovered its former glory. By the 1960’s it became clear that Samarai had outgrown itself and it was decided to relocate the capital to Alotau.  What remains is a quiet, pretty island with a small settlement, a few shops, a church, school and signs of a colonial past. Six hour boat tour (three & a half hours en route).  Swimwear and walking shoes recommended.

Includes

• Pick up from (and drop off to) your hotel
• Boat trip to Samarai across Milne Bay, into the China Strait and past numerous islands (Choose between a banana boat or game fishing vessel)
• Stop over at Kwato Island and visit to the historical Kwato church
• Picnic lunch and snacks
• Guided tour of Samarai Island
• Light fishing equipment provided upon request

Milne Bay War History Trail

This is a three hour escorted vehicle tour. Some sites are off the track so a medium level of fitness and walking shoes are recommended.

Milne Bay played a significant role in World War II history. American and Australian forces were based in Milne Bay from May 1942. When the war in the Pacific escalated and the Japanese navy started moving south, two battles ensued in Milne Bay, which altered the course of the war.
In May 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, allied forces turned back the Japanese after an intensive battle in the skies. Three months later, a second attempt saw the Japanese troops land at Ahioma. After twelve days, the Australian army defeated the invading troops.
Allow us to share a trail of discovery as we visit the sites written about in history books, hear villager accounts of wartime and have the rare opportunity to see relics that have remained unseen until recently.

Includes

• Turnbull War Memorial – visit the site of original No.3 airstrip during WWII and it’s memorial to Australia’s Squadron Leader Peter St George Turnbull, killed during the Battle of Milne Bay.
• Alotau War Memorial – stop at the commemorative plaque in the town centre.
• Corporal John French Memorial at Goilani River – see the monument to Corporal John French, honoured with the Victorian Cross for his outstanding actions at this site.
• Wahuhuba Bay - see the site where the Japanese first landed, and the first exchange of gun fire in the Battle of Milne Bay took place.
• Giligili – see the remains of the wharf believed to be used by American troops during WWII for fuel loading.
• Nigila – experience the privilege of accessing privately owned land where six American landing barges were “dumped”, 1km from the shore.
• On your return, see on private land yet another war relic just discovered. Ten American amphibians lie in the rainforest and Milne Bay Magic Tours has exclusive access to these.
Hotel pick up and drop off included.

Travel Agents Enquiry Here