East New Britain Accommodation and Travel Information
The largest of PNG’s offshore islands, and part of the Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain is renowned for its fishing, diving and caving, and for its spectacular fire dance. East New Britain has many historical sites dating back to the German administration era and World War II, including Japanese barge tunnels at Karavia Bay and sunken boat and plane wrecks in Simpson Harbour. The region is dominated by volcanoes, some still bellowing great clouds of black ash-laden smoke. Due to the twin volcanic eruptions in September 1994, the provincial capital of Rabaul has now moved to nearby Kokopo.
Attractions:
- Kokopo
After the eruption of Tavurvur and Vulcan in September 1994, most Rabaul services were relocated in Kokopo, along the edge of Blanche Bay. The town has grown rapidly and the busy market is located on the main road from Tokua Airport. The waterfront is the place to find boats for travel to the outer islands or for a spot of fishing.
- East New Britain Historical & Cultural Centre
Located across the road from the golf course, this has good displays and collections of historical relics and photographs. Open 8am-1pm and 2pm-4pm week days; 1pm-5pm weekends. Small admission fee.
- Vunapope Catholic Mission
Pleasant views and old colonial buildings in the hospital grounds are interesting. The mission is located at the eastern end of Kokopo.
- Bitapaka War Cemetery
The graves of over 1000 allied war dead are in these grounds and gardens. Turn off the coast road past Vunapope.
- Malmaluan Lookout
Fantastic views over the volcanoes surrounding Simpson Harbour can be enjoyed from this inland highpoint. Take Burma Road, off the Kokopo-Rabaul Road.
- Japanese Barge Tunnels
At Karavia Bay between Kaluana Point and Vulcan are a network of tunnels and tracks connecting barges and buildings dating back to the war. In the main tunnel are five barges lined up end to end. Take a torch.
- Rabaul
Some parts of Rabaul still function but most of it remains an eerie desolate wasteland covered by ash. Simpson Harbour is still the main port, guarded by the grumbling volcanoes. A market and a few shops still operate at the eastern end of town.
- Volcano Climbing
All the volcanoes, except Tavurvur, can be climbed, but heavy rain can make the ground slippery. Vulcan is best tackled on the northern side. Take plenty of water.
Tunnels and war relics
Some of the 580km of tunnels built by the Japanese are still open. Aircraft wreckage is found beyond the old airport.
- Duke of York Islands
These beautiful islands are easily visited. Some have accommodation, and swimming, snorkelling and canoeing are good.
- Diving and snorkelling
In Simpson Harbour there are World War II boat and plane wrecks, good walls, and the Beehives (a small group of craggy islands) to explore. At Tavui Point is Submarine Base where Japanese subs pulled right up to the edge of the reef. It’s superb for snorkelling on the flat coral beds. Most resorts can arrange dive trips.
- Canoeing
Taklam Tours in Kokopo can arrange paddling experiences around the Duke of York Islands.
- Fishing
Sport fishing for blue and black marlin, sail fish and dog-tooth tuna is good in the waters around New Britain and the Duke of York Islands. Baia Sports Fishing has a lodge at Open Bay. The Blanche Bay area is good for casual line casting. Boats operate from Rabaul and hotels and guesthouses can organise trips.
- Swimming
Beaches near Kokopo are good and there are good beaches at Pila Pila and Ratung villages in Talili Bay north of Rabaul.
- Trekking
Suggested areas are the Bainings Mountains, the Pomio area, where you can walk from Pomio to Navu, and the Wide Bay area, walking between Milim and Sampun or Tokua and Merai. Contact Ecotourism Melanesia for more information.
For accommodation in East New Britain, just visit our East New Britain accommodation page to search East New Britain accommodation listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include motels and motor lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds and holiday parks, resorts and lodges, backpackers and hostel accommodation.
For things to see and do in East New Britain, just visit our things to see and do in East New Britain guide to search for East New Britain listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include tourist attractions, tours, and sightseeing in the area.