Rabaul's War & Colonial History
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Port
Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Papua New Guinea's remarkable beauty comes to life as you learn about the seismic and volcanic activity of Rabaul. You will also explore some of the island's equally turbulent war history.
Beginning with a picturesque drive along Kokopo Road, you will see the base of Mt Vulcan and learn all about the explosive 1994 eruption that destroyed the town of Rabaul.
Pause a moment to admire the remarkable engineering feat of the fortified Japanese barge tunnels. These are part of more than 300 miles of underground pathways designed to conceal munitions stores and hospitals.
Step inside the Kokopo War & Cultural Museum to view an intriguing and impressive collection of Japanese World War II relics -- vehicles, weapons, historical photos and artifacts -- all gathered after Japan's occupation of Rabaul. See compelling pieces of aircraft fuselages gathered during the last 60 years, including the painted nose-cone of an American B-17 (Flying Fortress) bomber.
The Bita Paka War Cemetery is home to more than a thousand graves -- the final resting place of Allied and Australian soldiers who died defending Rabaul -- an insightful and soulful conclusion to the tour.
Notes:
Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water.