Milne Bay Extension-POA
Kokoda Historical wants you to get excited about Australian history! We aim to bring to life the many ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes of our proud nation. That is why we don't simply trek Kokoda; we visit all the major battlefields in both Papua and New Guinea.
Why not visit the significant battlefield of Milne Bay? Perhaps at the end of your Kokoda Trek or as an addition to one of our non-trekking tours. Either way, come and visit the area where Australian soldiers defeated the Imperial Japanese and secured vital Allied airfields.
The fighting at Milne Bay cost Australia 377 battle casualties, including 172 dead or missing. Although relatively minor in scale, Milne Bay was a significant morale boost for Australia. It cost the Japanese 600 of their best troops and proved for the first time that they could be decisively beaten on land. With victory at Milne Bay and later Kokoda, Port Moresby was safe.
Visit places such as the Jack French VC Memorial, Cameron's Springs, KB Mission, and the No's 1 & 3 airstrips, to name but a few. Your historian will bring to life the desperate struggle to stop the invading Japanese forces.
This tour can be added to any of our treks and tours as an extension to an existing package you have booked with us. You may also want to travel to PNG specifically to visit Milne Bay. We can build a PNG tour around your needs.
Milne Bay - Battle for Australia
Itinerary
Day 1:
Early start today as we take you to the domestic airport in Port Moresby for your flight departing to Gurney. You will be picked up by the Masurina Lodge courtesy bus will meet you on arrival where you will be driven to the Lodge located at Ealeba St, Alotau. Note the airport you will be landing at (Gurney) is actually the wartime No. 1 Strip and was named in honour of RAAF pilot Squadron Leader C.R. Gurney. Fall River was the name given to confuse the enemy.
When you arrive and check in at the lodge, lunch will be provided. At 1230pm you will be met by our local (ex-pat) Milne Bay historian who will take you on a full guided tour of the Milne Bay battlefield. You will also visit the Massim Museum. You will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. To name but a few, some of the important sites you will visit include; Wagga Wagga (Japanese Landing Site), the Cross Roads where the John French Victoria Cross action took place, Cameron Springs, KB Mission, No 3 Strip and the Milne Bay Memorial. (B, L, D)
Day 2:
Early star this morning, after breakfast your historian will meet you at the Lodge. Don’t forget to collect your packed lunch form the hotel staff. Today you will take a boat trip out to Samarai Island, if weather permits you will also travel over to Kwato Island. Our local historian is a wealth of local knowledge and he will bring to life not only the events of 1942 but also the rich social and cultural history of the Milne Bay Province. You will return by boat to Alotau and then back to the Masurina Lodge for your dinner and night’s stay. (B, L, D)
Day 3:
This morning you will be dropped back at Gurney airport by the good people of Masurina Lodge. On arrival back in Port Moresby you will be met by one of our friendly staff who will either help you connect you to an international flight or return you to the Hilton Hotel. You will also have the option of visiting the PNG Nature Park the No.1 tourist attraction in Port Moresby. (B).
Note: Day 3 Connects to either your original tour package such as Kokoda Trek or Kokoda Non-Trekking or to your return flight to Australia. You may choose to do this before or after your trek/tour.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers
- 2 nights twin share accommodation Masurina Lodge
- All meals as indicated on the itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch. D=Dinner
- History guide & local staff
- Boat & vehicle transport
Exclusions
- Extra meals*, drinks, laundry and phone calls
- Additional fresh local fruit and vegetables can be purchased along the way
- Personal travel insurance
History
Optional Extras
- Single Supplement Hotel Accommodation
- Personal Travel Insurance
- International Airfare
