Discover Rabaul

The constantly active volcano destroyed large parts of the former provincial capital Rabaul in 1994 with a massive ash fall, and can be observed from a safe distance on boat tours, its smoking silhouette still shaping the region's landscape today.

During World War II, the Japanese army dug kilometers of tunnel systems into the volcanic rock to hide ammunition depots, hospitals and even barges from air raids, several of which remain accessible today and offer an impressive insight into the region's war history.

During World War II, Rabaul Harbour served as a major Japanese naval base, and numerous sunken warships and aircraft still lie well preserved on the seabed today, making the region one of the most impressive wreck diving areas in the world.

Parts of old Rabaul town still lie buried today under a thick layer of ash from the 1994 eruption, and a walk through the surreal, grey-covered ghost landscape gives a striking impression of the volcano's natural power.

The nearest airport is in nearby Tokua, about 20 kilometers away, and is served several times a week from Port Moresby. From there, Rabaul and neighboring Kokopo can be reached by taxi in about 30 minutes.

The constantly active volcano destroyed large parts of the former provincial capital Rabaul in 1994 with a massive ash fall, and can be observed from a safe distance on boat tours, its smoking silhouette still shaping the region's landscape today.

During World War II, the Japanese army dug kilometers of tunnel systems into the volcanic rock to hide ammunition depots, hospitals and even barges from air raids, several of which remain accessible today and offer an impressive insight into the region's war history.

During World War II, Rabaul Harbour served as a major Japanese naval base, and numerous sunken warships and aircraft still lie well preserved on the seabed today, making the region one of the most impressive wreck diving areas in the world.