Itinerary

Day 1
Boarding our purpose-built expedition vessel, Oceanic Discoverer in Cairns, we are joined by new and old friends as we set sail towards the China Strait and settle into the rhythm of life on board.

Day 2
After a leisurely morning, we enjoy a day at sea relaxing in the comfort of our home away from home. Our knowledgeable guest lecturers will inform and entertain us on the experiences that may unfold over the next few as we make our way towards the fertile waters of Papua New Guinea.

Day 3
Steaming into the tranquil isles of Milne Bay province, with their backdrop of majestic volcanoes and pristine coral atolls, an ancient land of strange traditions unfolds. We are flanked by the splendour of imposing mountain ranges on each side as we sail into the harbour town of Alotau.

Day 4
Dobu is a small circle of land floating in the southern D'Entrecasteaux and is the island image of Eden. At the main wharf stands the handsome stone church, the first Methodist Church in the islands. Mangroves shade a shoreline path where we may be greeted by villagers with gifts of betel nut. On Fergusson Island we will delight in the Dei Dei Hot Springs where the landowner shares the mythical and spiritual tales of these hot water and mud springs.

Day 5
Historically known as the 'Islands of Love', the Trobriands offer us a glimpse of traditional culture largely unspoilt by outside influence. We hope to witness the traditional Trobriand yam harvest dances performed by the locals in stunning traditional costumes.

Day 6
We explore Tuam, in the Sassi group of islands, which offers a mix of both mainland and Bismark Archipelago cultures. Their prized trinkets and decorations include dog's teeth, spondyllus shells and wonderful balsa wood and sago bark headdresses.

Day 7
The historic town of Madang sits on a peninsula surrounded by picturesque islands. Famed for its diving, the waters surrounding Madang offer excellent visibility and many WWII wrecks to explore. We explore the town and have the opportunity to purchase magnificent artefacts. There is also the chance to go swimming, snorkelling, diving and explore the harbour.

Day 8
This morning we enter the mouth of the mighty Sepik River - of the world's great river systems. Oceanic Discoverer will cruise upriver to the middle Sepik region renowned for its distinctive and much sought-after artefacts. We visit the remote villages of Angoram and Bien where the local Sepik people are among the greatest primitive artists on Earth and each village has its own distinct style. We anchor this evening deep in the Sepik itself, while overhead hundreds of noisy flying foxes stream across the sky.

Day 9
An early morning start offers a great opportunity for bird watching. Join our naturalists and seek out Spotted Blue-eyed Cockatoos, Wagtails, Great Egrets, Little Egrets, Great Billed Heron and the enormous Blyth's Hornbill as we cruise up the great Sepik River.

Day 10
A renowned turtle nesting ground and home of the giant lizard, we explore the beaches of this seldom-visited island and spend time relaxing or snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters.

Day 11 - 12
With the support of a local guide, we will embark on an exploration of the region. Kimbe Bay is one of the world's richest and most diverse coral reef systems, home to over 860 different species of tropical fish and in excess of 400 different varieties of coral. With over 70% of all coral species in the Indo Pacific region found here, Kimbe Bay is recognised as one of the world's most diverse marine environments. We may experience genuine island friendliness and hospitality, as we are welcomed into the region by a flotilla of outrigger canoes.

Day 13
In the early morning we sail into Simpson Harbour and the port city of Rabaul. Surrounded by six volcanic peaks, including the still active Mt Tavurvur, forming a stunning backdrop and fitting farewell to our new and old friends.

Activities

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid? 
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements? 
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Please contact our reservations staff for assistance, or if you are unsure if you require a visa.

Travel insurance? 
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details? 
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Papua New Guinea Clothing Guidelines

Papua New Guinea Photography Hints

Papua New Guinea Recommended Reading

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions – Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

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