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Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Rabaul is a township in East New Britain province, Papua New Guinea. The town was the provincial capital and most important settlement in the province until it was destroyed in 1994 by falling ash of a volcanic eruption. After the eruption the capital was moved to Kokopo, about 20 kilometres away. Rabaul is continually threatened by volcanic activity due to being built on the edge of Rabaul caldera, a flooded caldera of a large volcano.

Rabaul lies on the Gazelle Peninsula and vies with Madang for the title of the most beautiful town in Papua New Guinea. Spread out around the rim of Simpson Harbour, Rabaul is a well laid out town with all facilities within walking distance. It has a busy market, selling fresh produce, local cigars and betel nut, is located on the main road from Tokua Airport near Supabake Bakery. At the waterfront are boats for travel to the outer islands or for a spot of fishing.

As a tourist destination Rabaul is popular for SCUBA diving, snorkelling sites and its spectacular harbour. Visitors will find a treasure trove of World War 2 relics, tunnels and caverns to explore within driving distance of Rabaul.

Things to See and Do

Scuba diving
Rabaul Market
WW2 relics
Japanese cave systems
Fishing

General Information

Cruise Season: Jan - Dec
Currency: Papua New Guinean kina (PGK)
Language: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu
Population: 4,000 approx
Electricity: 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time: GMT plus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code: +675

Port Location - The port is located in Simpson Harbor on Rabaul.

Transport Links - The airport is located at Tokua, farther away outside the caldera to the southeast, but has occasionally been closed by ashfall from the continuing volcanic activity in the Rabaul caldera.