Escorted vehicle tour. No trekking required.
The
European History of Alotau began with the early 17th century explorers,
followed by Christian Missionaries in the late 19th century. More recently,
Milne Bay was historically significant as the site of two key battles between the allies and the Japanese Military during WWII. The wreckage of these battles is still rusting in peace today.
The word ‘Alotau’, means “Bay of Views” in the
local Suau language, and has been the Capital of Milne Bay Province since
1968.
Relatively isolated by its mountainous surrounds, Alotau is a relaxed
town and considered to be one of the safest in Papua New Guinea.
Lying on the coast and surrounded by spectacular reefs, islands and beaches.
The landscape is blessed with mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and cave systems. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of natural attractions.
Milne Bay’s island, coastal and mountain cultures converge in Alotau.
The matrilineal system of landownership and family rights; burial rituals;
marriage rituals; Mumu feasts are just some examples of the rich cultural
heritage.
The people of Milne Bay today live a semi traditional lifestyle, relying
on Palm Oil, Copra and Timber processing, Fishing and other Marine products,
such as Bech de Mer, Trochus shells. The people of Milne Bay Province
are recognised as very talented Wood Carvers, Weavers of basket wear,
makers of grass skirts, and other traditional crafts.
The Alotau tour introduces visitors to the town providing an insight into
the area’s cultural, historical and natural attributes. This tour
includes:
• Pick up from (and drop off to) your hotel
• Ahioma - drive around Milne Bay to the beaches of Ahioma where
war barge wrecks still stand.
• Toptown Lookout – photograph the panoramic view of Milne
Bay.
• During the drive, you will be shown where the Alotau Market, the
town centre, the Alotau War Memorial and Alotau Hospital Alotau Cathedral
and Anglican Church are all situated.
• Turnbull War Memorial – visit this memorial and site of
the No.3 airstrip during WWII.
• Rabe Village - experience Milne Bay culture first hand, sample
local delicacies and learn about traditional customs.
• Artifact Shopping – your opportunity to collect authentic
Milne Bay quality artefacts, which includes carved bowls, clay pots, Trobriand
grass skirts and woven baskets.
Tour 2 - Milne Bay War History Trail
This is a three hour escorted vehicle tour. Some sites are off the track so a medium level of fitness and walking shoes are recommended.
Milne Bay played
a significant role in World War II history. American and Australian forces
were based in Milne Bay from May 1942. When the war in the Pacific escalated
and the Japanese navy started moving south, two battles ensued in Milne
Bay, which altered the course of the war.
In May 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, allied forces turned
back the Japanese after an intensive battle in the skies. Three months
later, a second attempt saw the Japanese troops land at Ahioma. After
twelve days, the Australian army defeated the invading troops.
Allow us to share a trail of discovery as we visit the sites written about
in history books, hear villager accounts of wartime and have the rare
opportunity to see relics that have remained unseen until recently.
This tour includes visits to:
• Turnbull War Memorial – visit the site of original No.3
airstrip during WWII and it’s memorial to Australia’s Squadron
Leader Peter St George Turnbull, killed during the Battle of Milne Bay.
• Alotau War Memorial – stop at the commemorative plaque in
the town centre.
• Corporal John French Memorial at Goilani River – see the
monument to Corporal John French, honoured with the Victorian Cross for
his outstanding actions at this site.
• Wahuhuba Bay - see the site where the Japanese first landed, and
the first exchange of gun fire in the Battle of Milne Bay took place.
• Giligili – see the remains of the wharf believed to be used
by American troops during WWII for fuel loading.
• Nigila – experience the privilege of accessing privately
owned land where six American landing barges were “dumped”,
1km from the shore.
• On your return, see on private land yet another war relic just
discovered. Ten American Amphibians lie in the rainforest and Milne Bay Magic Tours has access to these.
Choose to suit. The Bat Cave expeditions involve a three hour escorted vehicle, trekking and caving tour. A medium level of fitness and suitable shoes with a firm grip are required. Tour 3a - Damawewe Expedition
Just 20km from town is an extensive Cave system known as Damawewe to the landowners of Yaneyanene village. The land on which this cave is located is privately owned. These caves were chartered in 1980. With local guides our clients are able to venture into large caverns (some several metres high), through tunnels and across under ground streams.
The limestone formations and thousands of bats create a spectacular sight that you’ll long remember. Best to wear old clothing for this trip.
Tour 3b - Diu Diu Cave
This cave also requires a medium level of fitness, suitable footwear and involves a lot of contact with mud and guana.
This cave complex is located at the back of Waigani, 30km from the town centre. The entry to this cave is a little difficult, and requires you to climb down into water and then through an opening about 80cm high. At this point you are standing in a large pool of water and mud.
Tour 3c - Giligili Cave
This cave has a 10min walk through lovely bush and follows a creek along the way.
Within the first 10 minutes of entering this cave, you will wade through water chest deep and then the climbing starts. This cave requires a much higher level of fitness than the previous two caves.
A change of clothes is essential for this tour, and a fair bit of climbing is involved. For the adventurous: This adds to the excitement of this particular caving experience.
This is a three hour vehicle escorted tour. Only a small amount of walking is required, as tracks are easy to walk on.
Around
Milne Bay are many of the 700 bird species that can be found in Papua
new Guinea.
On this tour we will take you to a sight known to have the stunning male
Ragianna Bird of Paradise dance and “show off” each afternoon.
We will also take you to where there is active bird and wildlife, including
a lovely view of the Bay of Milne .
