Lark Force

This track near Rabaul, PNG is a reminder of the little-known yet significant experiences of an Australian military unit in WW2 known as the Lark Force. The Lark Force totalling 1200 men, the majority of whom was the 2/22nd Battalion , were sent to defend Rabaul against a Japanese invasion. Lark Force not only was routed from Rabaul by a superior Japanese force on 23rd January,1942, but it was informed by Australian authorities that there was to be no reinforcement, no further support and no evacuation. Literally and realistically it became “Every man for himself” for Lark Force personnel retreating from Rabaul.

Totally unfamiliar with the local environment and in the context of thorough mayhem, these Australians fled from the invaders along the contemporary Lark Force Track. Faced with diseases, starvation, disorientation and climatic rigours approximately 250 returned to Australia. More than 160 personnel were massacred by Japanese at Tol, after responding to Japanese re-assurances of support.
Another 850 personnel who were captured by Japanese were embarked on the “Montevideo Maru” which was sunk with total loss of life.

Today’s Lark Force Track is over 60km, traversing an extremely pristine jungle environment incorporating a few small villages. The current beauty and ruggedness of this track belies the horrors, struggles and bravery of those who fled on this track in WW2. Nevertheless there are significant challenges and experiences for today’s trekker on this Track. The Lark Force Track presents an adventure into unsurpassed environmental beauty, diverse cultural experiences, history and personal challenges.

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 – Travel to Rabaul; Meet and greet at airport and travel to Resort
• Day 2 – Free morning to pack gear for trek; Depart for Vunga Village at midday and overnight at base camp.
• Day 3 – Commence trek from Vunga Village to Baram (7.5 hrs)
• Day 4 – Baram to either Renagi (If fire dance is held here) or Rogus campsite (3 hours or 7.5 hours)
• Day 5 – Renagi to Bush Camp (8.5 hrs) or Rogus Campsite to Bush Camp (8.5 hrs)
• Day 6 – Bush Camp to Mondrabet (7.5hrs)
• Day 7 – Travel by 4x4 to Mevelo River; Board Banana boat and travel down river for 3-4 hours; Visit tol plantation and memorial; Travel to karlai plantation for afternoon Beach Bbq and tranditional welcome.
• Day 8 – Travel by boat to Kokopo from Karlai (4 hours); land Tour of Kokopo and Rabaul
• Day 9 – Free Day in Kokopo

• Day 10 – Travel (End of Tour)

Trek Dates

17 - 26 April 2012  4 spaces available - closing soon.

29 Oct - 7 Nov 2012 Selling Now

The rest of the year is open for private groups and dates will be set once locked in. The best times of year are May, September and October, but we'll trek from April to November.

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