|
click to enlarge
Tour Date: 01 Aug 12 - 12 Aug 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $9,797.00
Papua New Guinea is a unique destination and, considering its proximity to Australia, remarkably little visited. It has one of the most vibrant cultures on earth, in addition to magnificent landscapes dominated by volcanoes, lofty mountain ranges, remote and pristine rivers, untouched islands and tropical jungles. On this spectacular 13-day adventure we visit Rabaul, an astonishing town under threat from one of the Pacific's most active volcanoes; Wewak and the mighty Sepik River, where villagers keep crocodiles as pets; the glorious Highlands; and finally, one of the world’s most spectacular cultural events, the Mount Hagen Show.
01/08/2012 Brisbane - Port Moresby (D)
Depart from your chosen Australian capital city to Brisbane to connect with our flight to Papua New Guinea.
Depart Brisbane Air Niugini PX 4, 10.10
Arrive Port Moresby 13.10
Airways Hotel
Boroko Jackson Parade
Port Moresby
Ph: 0011-675-3245200
Fx: 3245300
02/08/2012 Port Moresby (BLD)
Bomana War Cemetery
This morning we start our journey to the south end of the Kokoda Track. On the way we visit the extremely moving Bomana War Cemetery where as many as 3,800 Australian soldiers are buried, a large proportion of them unknown. We then travel to Sogeri village and onto Owers' Corner at the end of the Kokoda Trail.
One of the bloodiest campaigns of World War II began 61 years ago. On July 21, 1942 Japanese troops landed on the northern coast of, what was then, New Guinea and unexpectedly began to march over the Owen Stanley Ranges, with the intent of capturing Port Moresby. Had they succeeded, the mainland of Australia would have come under dire threat. Kokoda was arguably Australia's most significant campaign of World War II.
On return to Port Moresby we dine at the famous Royal Papua Yacht Club, with its stunning harbour.
03/08/2012 Port Moresby - Rabaul (BLD)
The active volcano of Tavurvur
Depart Port Moresby Air Niugini PX 252, 06.00
Arrive Rabaul 07.25
After a short morning flight to Rabaul we visit the spectacular Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes. In 1983 and 1984 Rabaul's residents were ready for evacuation when both volcanoes started to heat up. However, nothing happened until 19 September 1994 when again Tavurvur and Vulcan erupted, destroying the airport and covering most of the town with ash.
The inhabitants had only 19 hours warning, but nearly everyone was able to evacuate before the eruption. Superb advance planning and evacuation drills helped keep the death toll very low. Most of the buildings in the southeastern half of Rabaul collapsed due to the weight of ash on their roofs. In 2006, Tavurvur erupted once more and today is one of the most dangerous and spectacular volcanoes on the so-called 'ring of fire'.
Rapopo Plantation
PO Box 489
Kokopo
Ph: +0011-675- 982 9439
982 9490
04/08/2012 Rabaul (BLD)
Wreckage of Japanese war planes
In addition to its famous volcanoes, Rabaul has a fascinating military history. During the occupation by the Japanese in World War II, the town and harbour were developed into a powerful base. By 1943, there were approximately 110,000 Japanese troops stationed in Rabaul. The Japanese dug many kilometres of tunnels in a bid to shelter themselves and their supply barges from allied bombing.
On April 18 1943, Admiral Yamamoto, the architect of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, was shot down and killed by American aircraft over South Bougainville after taking off from Rabaul. Japanese communications giving Yamamoto's flight itinerary were decrypted by the US Navy cryptographers. Eighteen US Army fighter aircraft took off from Guadalcanal and destroyed the two bombers of the Yamamoto flight and the escorting Japanese fighters.
Instead of capturing Rabaul, the Allied forces bypassed it by establishing a ring of airfields and naval bases on the islands around it. Cut off from re-supply and under continual air attacks, the base became completely ineffectual. The Japanese held Rabaul until they surrendered at the end of the war in August 1945.
Today we visit some amazing wrecked Japanese planes on the old airfield of Rabaul, as well as Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and the tunnels themselves!
05/08/2012 Rabaul (BLD)
Duke of York Islands
Today we travel by boat to the remote Duke of York Islands. Part of the Bismarck Archipelago, these 13 islands are exceptionally beautiful and provide a fascinating experience for visitors.
06/08/2012 Rabaul - Port Moresby - Wewak (BLD)
Early morning on the Sepik River
Depart Rabaul Air Niugini PX 253, 10.15
Arrive Port Moresby 11.35
On arrival in Port Moresby we have a city tour, taking in National Parliament House, the superb National Museum and the amazing Motuan water villages. After lunch in the city, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Wewak.
Depart Port Moresby Air Niugini PX 126, 15.20
Arrive Wewak 17.20
Wewak Boutique Hotel
PO Box 96
Wewak, East Sepik
Ph: 0011-675-856 2000
Fx: 856 2181
07/08/2012 Wewak - Sepik River (BLD)
A crocodile man of Ambunti
Early this morning we depart Wewak for the mighty Sepik River. On arrival at the village of Pagwi, we transfer to dugout canoes for the fantastic journey down the Sepik to the remote village of Ambunti. Here we meet the amazing crocodile people. We witness their unique life and customs and even share lunch with them. In the afternoon we visit a nearby crocodile farm, before returning to Wewak.
08/08/2012 Wewak - Madang (BLD)
Madang from the air
Depart Wewak Air Niugini PX 125, 06.10
Arrive Madang 06.50
This morning we fly to Madang before visiting the village of Bilbil, which is famous for its hand-made pottery. The process is entirely by hand, without the use of wheels, and the pots are fired over an open flame.
Afterwards, we visit the local markets where produce and handicrafts are sold. This is one of Papua New Guinea's larger markets due to Madang's accessibility by road to the rural areas. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful paradise of Madang.
Madang Resort
PO Box 707
Madang
Ph: 0011-675-8541300
09/08/2012 Madang - Mount Hagen (BLD)
Bilums at the Madang market
Depart Madang Air Niugini PX 125, 07.20
Arrive Port Moresby 08.20
Depart Port Moresby Air Niugini PX 180, 09.10
Arrive Mount Hagen 10.10
On arrival in Mt Hagen we transfer to our hotel.
Highlander Hotel
PO Box 34
Mount Hagen
Ph: 0011-675-542 1355
Fx: 542 1216
10/08/2012 Mount Hagen (BLD)
Mount Hagen Show
This morning we travel to the village of Paiya. Here, on the eve of the main Mount Hagen Show, the village conducts a full 'dress rehearsal'.
This allows us to get very close to the action and, if we arrive early enough, we can even witness face and body paintings. The natural arena of the mini festival is stunning in its beauty.
11/08/2012 Mount Hagen Festival (BLD)
Mount Hagen Show
This world-renowned festival showcases the diverse cultures of Papua New Guinea and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The show began in the 1950s by missionaries as a way of improving relations between the different tribes. The people come in bilas (full traditional costumes) with stunning face tattoos, body paint, elaborate headdresses and shell breastplates.
The Highlanders are very proud and competitive people and the show is a vibrant and energetic display. Altogether an unforgettable day!
12/08/2012 Mt Hagen - Port Moresby - Brisbane (B)
Depart Mt Hagen Air Niugini PX 181, 10.15
Arrive Port Moresby 11.15
Depart Port Moresby Air Niugini PX 25, 13.30
Arrive Brisbane 16.40
On arrival in Brisbane, we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian capital city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Easy
AUGUST 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $9,797
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,902
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia/Papua New Guinea/Australia
* All internal flights in Papua New Guinea
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers and ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides
* Travel Directors tour escort
* All sightseeing/entrance fees as specified
* Visa and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Travel insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that while every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form must be completed by each traveller and accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person, at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum of 10 people travelling.
|
