STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Welcome Cocktail Party
Explore the military history and fascinating culture of Papua New Guinea on this exclusive 11-day WW2 History cruise. You will be accompanied by some of Australia’s leading WW2 historians, who will bring the history of the Pacific War to life with a program of keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops during our 3-day conference. And on shore you will walk the ground in the footsteps of the Anzacs at Milne Bay and Rabaul, accompanied by our historians. This cruise group is being organised exclusively by Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.
Welcome to the inaugural World War 2 History cruise. Make your own way to the Port of Brisbane to embark the Pacific Encounter. The ship will depart at 4.00pm so aim to be aboard at least two hours prior. This evening you will meet with our historians and the other passengers who are taking part in the history cruise at a cocktail party from 6.00pm – 8.00pm. (L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Welcome Cocktail Party
Our history conference begins today, with two separate sessions (8am-10am and 1pm-3pm). This evening will be at leisure. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Conference sessions
The second day of our history conference, with two separate sessions (8am-10am and 1pm-3pm). This evening will be at leisure. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Conference sessions
Today we are in port from 8.00am – 5.00pm. This is the first of our exclusive shore excursions to discover some of Australia’s key battles in New Guinea. Beginning at the Cross Roads where the John French Victoria Cross action took place and the site of his memorial. We will then continue on to the site of Robinson’s ambush at Cameron Springs. Your historian will bring to life the epic struggle to fight off the Imperial Japanese Naval Forces that were attempting to capture the vital Milne Bay airfields. As we head into the main part of town, we will make a short side trip to Hiwehiwe lookout, a vantage point that allows a magnificent view of the Bay. We continue with a visit to KB Mission and the Turnbull Memorial located on the original No.3 airstrip. Finally, we will hold a commemorative service at the Milne Bay Memorial, remembering all those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during the campaign. This evening is at leisure. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Cameron Springs ★ KB Mission ★ No 3 Strip ★ Milne Bay Memorial
Today we are in port from approximately 9.00am – 5.00pm. Here one of the world’s most intact island cultures resides on one the world’s most untouched islands. This evening will be at leisure. (B, L, D)
Today we are in port from 8.00am – 6.00pm. This is the second of our exclusive shore excursions to discover some of Australia’s key battles in New Guinea. From the port, a short drive takes us to Kabakaul, the first amphibious landing and military operation of WW1 for the Australian forces. We then continue on to Bita Paka War Cemetery, home to over one thousand graves for Allied and Australian soldiers who died defending Rabaul from the Japanese during WWII, as well as some WW1 burials. Next, we will uncover the Japanese barge tunnels, still containing three barges. This was part of over 300 miles of underground pathways designed to conceal munitions stores, hospitals and more. We will then go on to view the Lark Force-2/22nd & Montevideo Maru Memorial before visiting the Japanese Admiral Yamamoto’s Bunker. We will then make our way up to Namanula Hill, housing the remains of the old German Governor Haber’s residence. We will be able to see a magnificent view as we look out over the harbour. This evening will be at leisure. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Rabaul shore excursion ★ Bita Paka War Cemetery ★ Japanese barge tunnels
★ Lark Force-2/22nd & Montevideo Maru Memorial ★ Yamamoto’s Bunker
Today we are at Sea and you can enjoy the ship at your leisure. (B, L, D)
Don’t be fooled by the name, this is paradise in the Coral Sea! The Conflict Islands are made up of 21 untouched islands in Papua New Guinea. With spectacular reefs, palm trees and deep blue seas, the Conflict Islands are home an incredible array of marine wildlife. Today you may have a day at leisure on the ship or you may choose to purchase a shore excursion. This evening we will come together with the historians and our fellow passengers for a group dinner. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Group Dinner
The final day of our conference program, with two separate sessions (8am-10am and 1pm-3pm). This evening will be at leisure. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Conference sessions and panel interview with historians
Today is a chance for you to relax and enjoy all the facilities on board Pacific Encounter. This evening join together with the historians and fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
STAR INCLUSIONS ★ Farewell Dinner
We will arrive at the Port of Brisbane at approximately 6.00am and disembark the ship afterwards. (B)
★ 11-day cruise on board the 4-Star Pacific Encounter
★ Exclusive 3-day WW2 conference with leading historians
★ Exclusive shore tours accompanied by select conference historians at Milne Bay and Rabaul
★ Exotic cultural destinations including Kitava, Kiriwina and Conflict Islands
★ All meals including three private group dinners with historians and other guests
★ Welcome cocktail party
Ask about our airfare, hotel and car hire deals, which offer great discounts when booked in conjunction with our tours.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. In addition, your Historian may alter the sites visited on each day to suit local conditions. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.
Explore the military history and fascinating culture of Papua New Guinea on this exclusive 11-day WW2 History cruise. You will be accompanied by some of Australia’s leading WW2 historians, who will bring the history of the Pacific War to life with a program of keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops during our 3-day conference. And on shore you will walk the ground in the footsteps of the Anzacs at Milne Bay and Rabaul, accompanied by our historians. This cruise group is being organised exclusively by Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.
“We have no hesitation in giving you a 10/10, and highly recommend Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours.
I know that these 2 days will stay with me forever.
The whole experience from the travel, accommodation and tour guide/manager was exceptional.
The four day tour was so very well organised right down to the finest detail and although tiring at some stages it was fantastic and certainly exceeded our expectations. Being selected to lay a wreath on behalf of the tour at the Menin Gate Memorial was only exceeded by being invited to read the Exhortation during the Last Post Memorial - what a highlight and one that I will never forget.
Absolutely incredible!
Erdem as guide, Roachie as our historian and Zafir as our fearless bus driver.
Stayed in the stunning çannakale, seen everything i wanted too and seriously i cannot think of a better experience in my entire life!
I would like to recommend highly the Western Front Battlefields Tour.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The whole experience was one I will remember.
The Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and approachable. The facilities were amazing.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
I have been in complete awe of the service and experience from Mat McLachlan tours.
Not only was my family and I reassured about our safety from the moment we booked but we knew we were in safe hands the moment we started the tour.
As one of my first tours, I am beyond impressed!
Let’s start the journey of a lifetime!
Ask about our airfare, hotel and car hire deals, which offer great discounts when booked in conjunction with our tours.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. In addition, your Historian may alter the sites visited on each day to suit local conditions. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.