Milne Bay Accommodation and Travel Information
On the eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea, this beautiful province encompasses more than 160 named islands and 500 cays and atolls, including the Trobriand and D’Entrecasteaux groups. The provincial capital Alotau and its busy harbour are spectacularly sited on the edge of Milne Bay. The mainland is extremely rugged and most people live around the coast. The province’s many islands are fringed with beaches, crystal clear lagoons, bays and coral reefs, and there are many good diving sites. Birdwatching and caving are other adventure options.
Attractions:
- Around Alotau
The town and its busy harbour are spectacularly sited on the edge of Milne Bay. For good views climb the hill behind the town. Handcrafts, mostly from the Trobriand Islands, are available at the Masurina Centre and Masurina Lodge.
- Samarai & the China Strait
The 24ha Samarai Island was the provincial government headquarters until 1968. There are guesthouses here or you can stay on other nearby islands. All have good beaches and reefs and some have walking trails.
- D'Entrecasteaux Islands
The largest in the group is Fergusson Island which reaches 2073m and has thermal areas with hot springs and bubbling mud pools. There are plenty of good walking options. The district headquarters is at Esa’ala on Normanby Island, at the entrance to the spectacular Dobu Passage. Reefs close to town are good for snorkelling. At 26km across and 2566m high, Goodenough Island is spectacularly rugged above a flat coastal plain. The peaks can be climbed from Lokulokuya Village in two days but get permission and take a guide. Snorkelling anywhere around the coast is rewarding.
- Trobriands
In contrast to other island groups, the ‘Trobes’ are low lying. The islanders are famous for their culture and huge yam gardens, which have cultural significance in tribal rituals. Yams are kept in tall storehouses set above the ground and the harvest season is celebrated with the Milamala festival in late July/August. Beautifully carved bowls, walking sticks and fish are another hallmark of these islands. Village stays and visits to numerous freshwater holes or burial caves can be arranged. The best beach for swimming is at Wawela, which also has a lagoon and reef for snorkelling.
- East Cape
This easternmost point of the mainland can be visited in a day. Snorkelling and diving are fantastic here and beaches and scenery en route to the cape are beautiful.
- Diving
Places to dive are innumerable in Milne Bay and around the islands and are best enjoyed from a live-aboard dive boat. The local experts Milne Bay Marine Charters also do day trips.
- Cruising
The comfortable way to see the islands is aboard the luxury Melanesian Discoverer which cruises between Alotau and Madang via the Trobriands. Otherwise small boats can be chartered.
- Island Hopping
Airlines PNG does a regular ‘milk run’ around the islands and is a good way to see some remote places in a short time.
- Walking/trekking
The Weddau area on the north coast offers walks and for great views you can hike to the top of Mount Pasipasi (600m), behind Dogura, in a long hot day. Walking from Weddau to Alotau takes three to four days, following the north coast then crossing the hills. The Cape Vogel area also has bush trails and waterfalls to explore from the Bogaboga Guesthouse.
- Take a Tour
Locally organised tours can show the highlights around Alotau.
- Birdwatching
The Alotau area is good for birds. Contact the Milne Bay Tourist Bureau, at the Masurina Centre in town, or organise a guide through your hotel.
Access and entry fees
Most land, beaches, lagoons, bays and islands in Papua New Guinea, are owned by a village, family or individual. You must ask permission for access and a small entry fee may be payable.
For accommodation in Milne Bay, just visit our Milne Bay accommodation page to search Milne Bay 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 Milne Bay, just visit our things to see and do in Milne Bay guide to search for Milne Bay listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include tourist attractions, tours, and sightseeing in the area.