Ultimate New Guinea Islands

Sydney.

Experience the diversity of this vibrant city with its world-famous icons. Sydney is home to two of the world’s most famous landmarks – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, both perfectly situated on the magnificent harbour. Enjoy the sun and surf at one of the many beaches, discover the thrilling entertainment or wander through the chic shopping precincts.

It was at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788, not too far from where your ship docks, that the Union Flag of Great Britain was hoisted by a weary group of settlers, consisting mainly of convicts, marines and sailors led by Captain Arthur Phillip. They had just completed an epic journey from England in eleven small ships collectively known as the First Fleet. Before European settlement, Sydney was home to the indigenous Eora, Dharug, Tharawal and Kuring-gai peoples. Engravings by these original inhabitants can still be found on rocky outcrops in the bush around the city and in its suburbs. Sydney has a wildness and uniqueness that derives from its convict beginnings. It also has a rich cultural and artistic vibrancy that constantly rivals other cities.

Alotau.

Capital of Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Alotau is steeped in history, rich in culture and blessed with natural beauty. As well as being naturally stunning, Alotau is rich in WWII history. The area where the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat before the Kokoda Track battle, a memorial park at the old battle site commemorates the event.

The gateway to some of the most remote island communities remaining in the world today, this is a place that is enriched with age-old culture and traditions. The area claims its fame in the history books where the Battle of Milne Bay took place in 1942 and an Australian digger was awarded a Victora Cross for bravery – Put these two elements together and add a beautiful harbour, relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals, and you are left with a pretty amazing destination – a place whose visitors can quickly and easily find something they love, no matter what their tastes.

Madang.

Divers, snorkellers and mariners beware – you may never want to leave.

This is arguably Papua New Guinea’s most popular location for on and under water adventures, and that’s saying something considering the diving and snorkelling are excellent almost everywhere you turn in this country. Water visibility is fantastic, small islands dot the coastline and the little mountain flanked coastal town sits waiting, filled with culture and opportunities for exploration.

In Madang you’ll have the chance to witness the fascinating tradition of the Goroka mud men in action and also a very special ‘sing sing’, where tribe members from the highland areas come together and share their culture and traditions with each other, as well as P&O Cruises passengers.

Vitu Islands (Scenic Cruising Port).

Many of these small islands and islets are uninhabited. They are literally just drops of sand in the ocean. We won’t be landing here, but thought you might like to take a closer look, so we’ve arranged to anchor just offshore. Enjoy some time contemplating the quiet and tranquillity, and marvelling at the sights.

Rabaul.

Located on Papua New Guinea’s northeastern tip, this province – blessed with natural beauty but plagued with an unlucky past – has literally risen from the ashes. The former capital of New Britain is a town with a colourful history and no stranger to rebuilding itself from the ground up. It’s been destroyed by volcano eruptions in 1937 and 1994, as well as being all but flattened by aerial bombardment in World War II. Its kilometres of underground tunnels built by the Japanese during its occupation in World War II are a testament to its wartime past. Since 1994, Rabaul has returned to life and its harbour is still one of the most impressive in the entire Pacific basin.

Kiriwina Island (Trobriand Island).

Here, one of the world’s most intact island cultures resides on one of the world’s most untouched islands, and you are among the select few who are lucky enough to experience them both. Located in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Kiriwina is the largest and by far the most populous of the Trobriand Islands, and home to one of the most colourful and fascinating cultures on earth.

Conflict Islands.

Possibly the most peaceful place on earth. Don’t be fooled by the name, this is paradise in the Coral Sea! The Conflict Islands are made up of 21 untouched islands in Papua New Guinea. With spectacular reefs, palm trees and deep blue seas, the Conflict Islands are home an incredible array of marine wildlife.