Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Australia & New Zealand Cruises

In 1994 the volcanoes Tavurvur, Vulcan and Rabalankaia erupted. None of the 80,000 evacuated residents of Rabaul were injured thanks to the organisation and attitude of the people. During your tour you’ll visit the only Volcanological Observatory in the country, which monitors all volcanic activity. Situated on a hill top overlooking Rabaul’s tranquil harbour you’ will enjoy fantastic views of the ocean, harbour and the surrounding active volcanoes.

Re-boarding your coach you we head towards the Japanese Monument, before taking a scenic drive around Rabual to the Submarine base. You will see where the Japanese forces first landed during the second World War and hid their supplies in a tunnel to use as a supply base. Remains of the tunnel can still be seen today.

Your final point of interest is Mount Tavurvur hot springs. See and smell the bubbling, steaming hot springs, surrounded by active volcanoes.


This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. Please be advised that you must not stand too close to the hot springs. This tour may run with a reverse itinerary. There is a moderate level of walking over rough and uneven ground at some of the sights.

An interesting and thought provoking tour providing an insight into the impact of World War II on Rabaul.

A prime target for the Japanese, the women and children of Rabaul were evacuated in 1941. The evacuation was a prudent move because The Battle of Rabaul began early the following year when thousands of Japanese marines landed on the shores.

Shortly after the occupation, the Japanese army dug many miles of tunnels to shelter from the Allied air forces. Visit a Japanese Barge tunnel and learn how the Japanese hid their vessels, head to tail, and how they turned Rabaul into a powerful military base.

You will then travel to a local village and experience the local culture combined with a typical Tolai dance, be immersed in the song and dance of the local community.

Continue with a visit to the fascinating Kokopo War Museum to see the vast collection of impressive World War II artifacts including local art and culture, warplanes and guns from the German Colonial period and Japanese occupation.

The final highlights will be the Bita Paka War Museum and Bita Paka War cemetery. The final resting place of the soldiers and natives who lost their lives during the Pacific campaign, this well kept cemetery is a poignant reminder of the war.


This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. This tour may run with a reverse itinerary. There is a moderate level of walking over rough and uneven ground at some of the sights.