Papua New Guinea Cultural Highlights: Rabaul to Cairns

Day 1 Rabaul, PNG

Orion offers an Austrailan operated optional direct charter flight from Cairns to Rabaul. This charter flight departs at approximately 9.00am. As this is an international flight, guests will need to be at the airport at approximately 7.00am.

The tropical port town of Rabaul has always been famous for its spectacular setting at the eastern end of the island of New Britain. Nestled on Simpson Harbour, the township is surrounded by six volcanoes providing a sensational backdrop for your overnight stay aboard Orion. In the morning you have a full day to explore the town that was the focus of fierce battles during World War II. The steep surrounding coastal cliffs are riddled with tunnels filled with relics. Explore Admiral Yamamoto's bunker and touch the wreck of a Japanese Betty Bomber for intimate reminders of the Japanese presence. The Volcano Observatory affords panoramic views of the harbour but a helicopter flight is the ideal way to take in the scale of the 1994 eruptions that destroyed two-thirds of Rabaul. You'll fly over empty streets and what was the town's municipal swimming pool - now just an outline of blue ceramic tiles, the pool filled with ash. Our departure from Rabaul will see us sail past the Beehives, volcanic plugs from the crater that formed Simpson Harbour.

Included Expeditions: A complimentary shuttle will transfer you from Rabaul airport to the ship for embarkation.

Access to the rebuilt town area of Rabaul is just a short walk from the wharf. A courtesy shuttle running to the edge of the ash area where the Rabaul Hotel, Yamamoto’s Bunker and the Historical Society is situated will be available.

Day 2 Rabaul, PNG

Enjoy another day in Rabaul with optional shore excursions. Embark on a Rabaul Highlights tour (Cost $70 per person), enjoy the Rabaul Volcano Adventure (Cost $75 per person) or simply enjoy wandering around this unique location. Contact us for more details on these shore options.

Day 3 At Sea

Day 4 Sepik River (Watam Village), PNG

The meandering Sepik River is the longest river in PNG and for years has been a major trading artery linking the coast and the interior. Orion takes position today at the mile-wide river mouth nearby the small village of Watam. The dense vegetation and swampland to be seen along the river's edge is home to many species of birds. Your visit to the village will give you an insight into a way of life that very few outsiders have witnessed. With no roads, phones, electricity or luxuries to be had, the open and happy outlook of the villagers will touch you. A "dragon" dance welcomes us ashore, punctuated by singing and lots of laughter, as you are all marked with a red ceremonial mark on our cheek.

Included Expeditions: Orion guests will be able to explore the river mouth of the mighty Sepik near the village of Kopar. Your exclusive access to Watam village will give all of us an insight into life in a remote Sepik village that very few outsiders have witnessed, even today. There are no roads, no phones, there is no electricity and there are not too many other luxuries to be found.

The villagers will welcome you with a special “dragon” dance and continue with a performance of the dances of their ancestors. You will be shown how to make Sago, the staple food of the Sepik coastline, and the local teacher will open the school to us. Unique carvings and woven baskets will be available to buy.

Day 5 Madang, PNG

It's well worth getting up early this morning for Orion's approach to Madang through the spectacular Dallman Passage. Madang itself is a lovely town set on a peninsula characterised by lush gardens and magnificent vistas of tropical seascapes, islands and inlets. The market has masses of colorful produce, shell jewelery, woven bags (bilums) from the highlands, carvings and bilbil clay pots which are a local specialty. Weathered headstones in the cemetery are reminders of colonial times and you have the chance to visit nearby villages and attend a "sing sing". Scuba divers enjoy easy access to dive sites just off-shore which encompass wartime wrecks, pelagic marine life, reef-filled shallow lagoons and drift-diving off deep drops.

Included Expeditions: Orion guests will be free to explore Madang and the markets today by complimentary shuttle bus. Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, contact us for more information.

Day 6 Tami Island, PNG

The beautiful Tami Islands are a quiet, simple, island idyll. Tami Islands comprises four atolls, including one that's barely more than a white sandy beach. There are two main villages on the two large islands that face each other across the cove which is filled with reef and deepens to a volcanic pit at its center. Drumming and dancing herald a day ashore where you may explore the village for intricate carvings and souvenirs or walk with Orion's botanist to inspect native produce gardens. You won't want to leave after swimming and snorkeling above the myriad corals that form the extensive reef.

Included Expeditions: Your visit to Tami Islands includes access to the island for swimming, snorkelling and sea kayaking.

A guided walk through the food gardens will be offered for Orion guests today and you will also have a beach BBQ.

Day 7 Tufi Harbour, PNG

The magnificent coast around the north of the mainland is a well-kept secret. Over 30 fjords are carved into the shoreline, one of which is Orion's anchorage point today. You'll be surrounded by dense rainforest above sheer basalt walls and sandy white beaches. Cruise along the coast and climb aboard an outrigger dugout canoe which will glide along a river and through mangrove forests for a village visit. Local guides lead you on a botanists walk to the spectacularly scenic Suicide Point and along the way is a chance to see the huge Blyth's hornbill and the world's largest butterfly - the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing with a wingspan of up to 30cm.

Included Expeditions: Orion will cruise amidst the spectacular fjords to her anchorage location. There is access to a white sandy beach via our Zodiacs for swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking today. Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, contact us for more information.

Day 8 Fergusson Island, PNG

On Fergusson Island, the islanders still follow ancestral traditions and cook meals in a beachside lake of boiling water. Your landing will be made at isolated Dei Dei Village and after a short walk through the bush a network of hot springs is revealed.

Included Expeditions: You will be transferred by Zodiac to take a guided walk to explore the hot springs of Dei-Dei on Fergusson Island. This prehistoric landscape will amaze you with several geysers, numerous hot pools, steam vents and salt deposits. You may even experience some of the locals cooking their food in the pools.

Day 9 Samarai & Kwato Islands, PNG

In the early 1900's tiny Samarai Island was the thriving colonial capital of the territory of Papua and the town's streetscape carries reminders of those bygone, halcyon days. Back then it was described as one of the most beautiful places in the South Pacific. Included Expeditions: Orion guests will be transferred ashore by ship’s Zodiacs where you will be met and escorted by local guides to explore these historical and colonially significant areas.

Kwato Islands
Just 3 kilometres west of Samarai is Kwato Island where European traders broke their journey en route to the South Pacific in search of gold and to trade in mother of pearl, sandalwood and sea cucumbers (beche de mer). In 1891 the Reverend Charles Abel founded a church and mission here and he is best remembered for his theory that the game of cricket would have a civilising influence over the tribes. The sweeping view from the impressive stone church at the top of the hill is well worth the climb. Included Expeditions: Orion guests will be transferred ashore by ship’s Zodiacs where you will have the opportunity to climb to the top of the hill to visit the historic Kwato Church. Whilst not in possession of a world-class beach, Kwato does have some interesting snorkeling sites and in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore these sites.

Day 10 Milne Bay, PNG

Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province, is located at the eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. Many of the population still rely on the sea for their livelihood and the busy harbor and nearby market are focal points for the town. Cargo movements drive harbor activity, and there's an array of colorful vessels to be seen, ranging from tiny canoes to well-equipped dive and charter boats. This morning sees your final warm PNG welcome, with dancers in local costume.

Explore Alotau and meet the townsfolk at the markets where you'll find an eye-opening array of tropical produce, seafood and crafts. On the foreshore is the new gleaming black Australian War Memorial commemorating the Battle of Milne Bay in 1942. This battle saw the tide of the Pacific war turn with Australian forces inflicting upon the Japanese army their first defeat on land. Relics are everywhere, from abandoned airfields to landing barges overgrown by jungle.

Included Expeditions: Access to Alotau Township and the colorful markets is only a short walk from the wharf, past a significant war memorial and the busy harbor. For Orion guests who do not wish to walk, a complimentary shuttle bus is available, or, as another option, Alotau is one of the few places in Papua New Guinea to have taxi services. Numerous optional shore excursions are available this day, please contact us for more information.

Day 11 At Sea

Day 12 Cairns, Australia / Disembark

Disembark the ship this morning and continue on your journey home. Orion offers an Austrailan operated optional charter flight one way from Rabaul to Cairns. This charter flight arrives at Cairns at approximately 4.00pm. Guests should take into account that they will need to go through immigration and customs. Orion recommends guests overnight in Cairns post-cruise. Contact our Customer Service Team for rates on accommodation in Cairns.