Cairns to Rabaul - Lost in Paradise

Day 1 Depart Cairns

Boarding the purpose-built expedition vessel Oceanic Discoverer in Cairns, join new and old friends and sail towards the China Strait. Explore your home for the next week and settle into the rhythm of life on board.

Day 2 At Sea

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

Day 3 Milne Bay Province & Alotau

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 & Fergusson Island

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 Islands of Love

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 Tuam

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 Madang History & Adventure

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.

Days 8-9 Cruising the Sepik River

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.

On our second day cruising this mighty river rise for an early morning start for 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 Wildlife

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

Days 11-12 Kimbe Bay

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 Disembark in Rabaul.

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.