2 Day Rabaul Experience 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 battlefields of Rabaul? We explore both the First and Second World War battlefields, from our first action in the Great War—the Battle of Bita Paka in 1914—to the tragic demise of Lark Force and the loss of the Montevideo Maru.
You will walk the very spot where the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force landed and follow their route on the way to capturing the German wireless station. We will visit the area where Lark Force defended Rabaul, explore Japanese fortifications, see caves with Japanese landing barges, a hidden submarine base, gun emplacements, and even look into the eye of an active volcano.
This tour can be added to any of our treks and tours as an extension or booked as a standalone experience. You may also want to travel to PNG specifically to visit Rabaul. We can tailor a PNG tour around your needs.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Early start today as we take you to the domestic airport in Port Moresby for your flight departing to Kokopo. On arrival you will be met by your local Rabaul Guide David Graham. David will take you to the Gazelle International Hotel. On arrival you will check into the hotel, have lunch in the main dinning room before meeting David to drive up to Bita Paka War Cemetery. You will then return to the hotel for dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 2:
After breakfast, David will meet you in the main foyer of the hotel. From here you will drive out to the old town of Rabaul. Along the way we will visit the Japanese Barge Tunnels. In Rabaul we will head to Tavurvur Volcano and visit the megapode farm and the hot springs (previously the spa baths of the Japanese Imperial Army). We will then go on to view the Lark Force-2/22nd & Montevideo Maru Memorial before visiting Yamamoto’s Bunker.
We will then make our way up to Namanula Hill for our picnic lunch where the remains of the old German Governor Haber’s residence sit. Over lunch we will take in the vista of Simpson Harbour. After lunch we will visit the Japanese Peace Memorial, and view the remnants of a Japanese Betty Bomber. We then make our passed the Kenpeitai post before heading over to the Japanese submarine base. On the way back to the hotel we will stop at look out over the harbour from Observation Hill.
(B, L, D)
Day 3:
Early start this morning, 6am breakfast and check out of the hotel by 630am. Don’t forget to take your lunch pack with you (provided by the hotel). Today David will drive you over the Gazelle Peninsula to Tol Plantations. You will also visit the Henry Reid/Walmut River and Perry’s Knoll. Today will be a full day of driving along the Paradise Highway which cuts across the Gazelle Peninsula you will be driving through spectacular jungle scenery. We will pay a special visit to where the Tol Plantation Massacre happened and hold a small ceremony of remembrance. In the evening you will stay at the Tol Plantation Guest House.
(B, L, D,)
Day 4:
After breakfast you an David will drive to Waitavalo Plantation before heading back to Rabaul. Again today will be a long day of driving, if anything is misted from the day before this will be able to catch up on. Remember to take your lunch from the guest house. You will arrive late back to the Gazelle International Hotel. Dinner will be in the main dinning room.
(B, L, D,)
Day 5:
Up early as the hotel courtesy bus takes you back to the Kokopo airport to board your flight back to Port Moresby for your connecting flight home or to join one your Kokoda Historical trek/tour.
(B, L, D).
We can tailor the itinerary to make the extension shorter or longer depending on your requirements.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers
- 2 nights twin share accommodation Gazelle International Hotel
- All meals as indicated on the itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch. D=Dinner
- History guide & local staff
- All 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-you can purchase your policy direct by clicking the link below:
Rabaul History
Optional Extras
- Single Supplement Hotel Accommodation
- Personal Travel Insurance
- International Airfare
