2 Day Lae Experience POA
Kokoda Historical wants you to get excited about Australian history! We aim to bring to life the many numbers of ordinary people that 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 & New Guinea.
Why not visit the significant battlefield of Lae. 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 place where between 4-16 May 1943, the Australian 9th Division supported by United States Naval Forces, drove the Imperial Japanese Forces out of Lae and subsequently Salamaua.
Visit places such as Singawa Plantation, Bukawa village (Red Beach) where the LST -468, LCT-174 and LCI 339 landed, the famous ANGAU Memorial Hospital, and the lookout at Salamaua Point, to name but a few.
This tour can be added to any of treks & tours as an addition to an existing tour you have booked with us. You may also want to travel to PNG specifically to visit Lae. We can build a PNG tour around your needs.
Itinerary
Day 1:
After breakfast you will fly from Port Moresby to Lae. On arrival you will be met by our local guide who will take you to Stium, where you will have the chance to view the 7th division Memorial School and also the Situm War Society (agriculture estate). You will then drive towards Singauwa plantation. Before approaching Singawa plantation we will cross the Burep and Bunga River where some men of the 9th division crossed before advancing through Lae. After crossing the two rivers we are now Singawa plantation. At Singauwa plantation we will see some scene where the men of the 2/23rd and 2/17th fought with the Japanese.
We will pass Singauwa and cross the Buiem River towards Apo village. Our vehicle will drop us at Apo village, and we will walk towards the beach from for about 20 minutes. Along the way we will have some views of the some remains till we reach the beach. From the beach our boat will be waiting for us. We will get on the boat and take a ride to Bukawa village (Red Beach). We are now at the red beach. This is where the LST -468, LCT-174 and LCI 339 landed. We will meet the local villages and have the chance to chat with them. We will go up to the village and straight to the old war cemetery (Diddyman's Cemetery). After our tour of the village, we will stay the night at Bukawa village.
(B,L,D) (Sleep tonight Bukawa Village)
Day 2:
This morning we will board a boat heading towards Hopoi Mission Station. Here will visit the old war cemetery and tour ground before again proceeding by boat to the Lae Yacht Club. Here you will have lunch before visiting the Japanese Tunnel at Namanula Hill, the famous ANGAU Memorial Hospital, and the lookout at Salamaua Point. You will then visit the old war airport which is now the Malahang Industrial Centre. In the afternoon you will have plenty of time to visit the Lae War Cemetery. Lawrence will then take you to the Huon Gulf Hotel where you will say goodbye to Lawrence and have your evening meal.
(B, L, D) (Sleep tonight -Huon Gulf Hotel)
Day 3:
Sadly, today your tour comes to an end. The hotel courtesy bus will return you the Nazdab airport and you will fly back to Port Moresby. You will then transfer to the international airport and fly home to Australia as per your flight itinerary.
(B)
This extension can be added to any of treks & tours as an addition to an existing tour you have booked with us. You may also want to travel to PNG specifically to visit Lae. We can build a PNG tour around your needs.
Exclusions
- Extra meals*, drinks, laundry and phone calls (*breakfasts and dinners are included)
- Single Supplement Fees
