Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Before you go
Your trip to Rabaul.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Rabaul – East New Britain Destination Rabaul and Kokopo about 20 km from Kokopo
How to get there
-
Aeroporto de Tokua (Rabaul) (RAB) Tokua · 45 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By road from Kokopo, about 20 km away, along Blanche Bay. Tokua Airport, which serves the area, is east of Kokopo.
How many days
A full day for Tavurvur, the hot springs, the observatory, Yamamoto’s bunker and the barge tunnels. Add another day if you include diving in Simpson Harbour.
When to go
Heat is constant and it rains in every season, especially from December to March. On days when Tavurvur emits ash, visibility and excursions may be affected; check the volcano’s status before you go.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Rabaul is visited on guided drives from Kokopo, which usually include the volcanoes and wartime sites.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Rabaul
-
Morning
Barge tunnels and Yamamoto’s bunker
Leave Kokopo via the bay road and stop at the barge tunnels in Karavia Bay. In Rabaul, visit Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker, with wartime maps on the walls.
-
Afternoon
Tavurvur and the hot springs
Cross the ash-covered area to Tavurvur and the caldera-edge hot springs according to the volcano’s status and with a local guide.
-
Late afternoon
Volcanological Observatory
Climb up to the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory to view the caldera, Simpson Harbour and the volcanoes at late afternoon.
-
Evening
Return to Kokopo
Return to Kokopo before dusk and have dinner at your accommodation.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What happened in Rabaul in 1994?
On September 19, the Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes erupted at the same time. The town was evacuated in time, but ash collapsed most of Rabaul’s buildings, and the provincial capital was moved to Kokopo.
What is there to see in Rabaul?
The Tavurvur volcano and the hot springs, the Volcanological Observatory with its caldera view, Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker and the Japanese barge tunnels in Karavia Bay.
Is Rabaul still inhabited?
Yes. Part of the town remains inhabited and is being slowly rebuilt, with a port, a market and some accommodations, but most services moved to Kokopo.
Can you dive in Rabaul?
Yes. Simpson Harbour holds sunken planes and ships from World War II that attract divers. Dives are organized by operators in the region.