Battle of Milne Bay Tour

2 hours | Alotau (Milne Bay) | A T 2 - 2 2 5
Average Guest Rating
From
AUD$ 139.95
Exceptional Value

Exceptional Value

Exceptional Value

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Points of Interest

  • KB Mission
  • Alotau War Memorial
  • Turnbull War Memorial
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

It may be hard to imagine that this peaceful paradise was once the scene of war but from August 25 to September 7, 1942 Milne Bay's dazzling coastline, as well as the surrounding, jungles and mountains were a battleground filled with Australian Army units and invading Japanese forces. This stirring two-hour guided tour around Milne Bay offers an overview of significant historical sites.

In June 1942 the Allied forces built a base at Milne Bay in efforts to hold back the encroaching Japanese naval forces whose main objective was to commandeer the airfields to mount subsequent operations to the west and capture Port Moresby.

Explore the history of the Battle of Milne Bay as we drive east of Alotau to the Cpl John French Memorial Site in a slow drive by. Cpl John French was awarded the Victoria Cross Medal for his heroic efforts during the mops up exercise after the Japanese defeat. This was the site of the last head-on military engagement between the Allies Forces and the Japanese Imperial army as they were retreating.

Then driving west along the main highway into Alotau pass the actual site of the first formal AIF military engagement in the Battle, Robinson's Ambush at Cameron Springs, before heading up the hill to Hiwehiwe Lookout to get a bird's eye view of the Battle route and listen to the fascinating commentary and general over view of the Battle.

Later, pass by the KB Mission, the site of some of the war's most fierce fighting. It was here on September 4 that Allied troops fought back against the Japanese and handed them their first defeat on land. This momentous battle was the first in which Japanese land forces were forced to withdraw completely, which boosted the morale of the Allied Forces and become a turning point in WWII.

The Battle of Milne Bay lasted just two weeks but if the Japanese had won, they would have seized control of the airfields and established a foothold on the island's south-eastern shore.

The U.S. and Australians would later develop Milne Bay into a major Allied base, which was used to successfully mount attacks throughout the area.

From KB Mission you'll make your way to the Turnbull War Memorial site at Kainko, the original No.3 airstrip during WWII and its memorial to Australia's Squadron Leader, Peter St George Turnbull, who was killed during the Battle of Milne Bay. Return to town and visit the shore-side World War II monument that symbolizes the bravery of those who gave their lives during the battle of Milne Bay.

Once you've completed this momentous historical journey, you'll travel back to your ship.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart pier and visit Hiwe Hiwe Lookout

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
10
Travel time:
00:10
Time at site:
00:20

Drive to Turnball Memorial including stop and continue drive past KB Mission

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
10
Travel time:
01:00

Drive to and Visit War Memorial

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
10
Travel time:
00:10
Time at site:
00:10

Reboard vehicle and drive back to ship

Transport type:
Non Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
10
Travel time:
00:10