4-Day Rabaul WWII History and Volcano Tour

Tour Overview

Discover the history, culture and volcanic landscapes of Rabaul during this four-day, three-night guided experience in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

The tour includes return Tokua Airport transfers, three nights’ twin-share accommodation with private facilities and two days of guided sightseeing. Explore Rabaul’s World War II history, the effects of the 1994 volcanic eruption, the region’s colonial past and its early missionary history.

Tour stops and their order may vary according to weather, local conditions and site access.

Duration

4 days and 3 nights

Availability

Available year-round, subject to availability.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Tokua Airport Arrival and Welcome to Rabaul

Upon arrival at Tokua Airport, meet your driver and travel to Rabaul in an air-conditioned vehicle. The transfer takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on road and traffic conditions.

Along the way, travel through Kokopo, which became East New Britain’s main township after the 1994 volcanic eruption devastated Rabaul. Continue along the coast through forested areas and villages before checking in to your hotel in Rabaul.

Your hotel was rebuilt following the 1994 eruption and is connected to Rabaul’s long history of welcoming visitors. The original Hotel Rabaul was destroyed during the World War II bombing campaign, and the hotel tradition has continued in Rabaul since 1952.

Included today: Tokua Airport transfer and accommodation.

Dinner is not included.

Days 2–3: Guided Rabaul WWII, Volcano and Heritage Tour

Spend two days exploring Rabaul and the surrounding area with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Tour locations may include:

Rabaul Volcano Observatory

Learn about Rabaul’s volcanic history and see the landscape shaped by the region’s active volcanoes.

New Guinea Club and Rabaul Historical Society

Visit the historic New Guinea Club, a former colonial-era gentlemen’s club. The building was damaged during both World Wars, rebuilt during the 1950s and later affected by fire and the 1994 volcanic eruptions. It has since been partially restored and is now home to the Rabaul Historical Society.

Matupit Island Missionary Landing Site

Visit the memorial marking the location where the first Sacred Heart Missionaries landed in the Rabaul area around 1875. This location also provides views of Matupit Volcano.

2/22nd Lark Force and Montevideo Maru Memorial

Visit the memorial honouring the members of the 2/22nd Battalion who were left to defend Rabaul and those who lost their lives aboard the Montevideo Maru. The sinking remains Australia’s largest maritime disaster, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 prisoners of war and civilians.

Included on these days: accommodation, breakfast and guide services.

Lunch, dinner and required entrance fees are not included.

Day 4: Tokua Airport Departure Transfer

After checking out of your hotel, transfer to Tokua Airport for your onward flight to Port Moresby.

Flights are not included.

Your tour concludes upon arrival at Tokua Airport.

Included:

• Three nights’ twin-share accommodation with private facilities

• Tokua Airport transfers as described

• Two days of guided Rabaul sightseeing

• Experienced guide services

• Breakfast where specified in the itinerary

Excluded:

• Domestic or international flights

• Visas

• Entrance fees where required

• Lunch, dinner and other meals or drinks not specified

• Gratuities

• Travel, medical or cancellation insurance

• Personal expenses and purchases

• Sunscreen, insect repellent and personal medication

What to Bring

• Lightweight, comfortable clothing

• Comfortable flat walking shoes or sandals

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Hat and sunglasses

• Water

• Camera

• Small day bag or shoulder bag

• Local currency for entrance fees and personal purchases

Optional Port Moresby Arrangements

If you require accommodation or transfers in Port Moresby before or after your tour, please contact us. These services can be arranged separately upon request.