Alotau: Harbour, Culture and Festival

Alotau sits on the edge of a picturesque natural harbour and is the capital of Milne Bay Province. It is also the province’s main hub for transport and tourism.

Getting There and Getting Around

Alotau connects travellers with liveaboard dive boats, ferries between the islands and charter tours. As individual services may change, check the connection relevant to you before making plans. The travel information answers different questions: the 12 kilometres describes the distance from Gurney Airport to Alotau; daily flights connect Gurney with Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. Liveaboard dive boats, ferries between the islands and charter tours are other options for travelling from Alotau. Check the relevant connection separately for each leg of your trip.

Gurney Airport is 12 kilometres from Alotau. Daily flights connect the two airports from Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. As flight connections may change, check the latest information before planning your trip.

Culture and Events in Alotau

The Kenu and Kundu Festival is held annually in Alotau. Festival activities include ceremonial races, dancing and storytelling, as well as canoe races, maritime displays, sing-sings, music, art and crafts. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 6 to 8 November. Activities, times and venue information may change; check these details before visiting.

The Massim Museum & Cultural Centre displays traditional wood carvings, ceremonial masks and tools. If you are planning a specific visit, confirm the current exhibitions in advance. The festival and museum offer two ways to experience the culture: through activities and objects on display.

Alotau Travel Link Tours offers a guided city tour of Alotau, with visits to the local market and a war memorial. Confirm availability for your dates directly with the provider.

Milne Bay Province: Regional Overview

Milne Bay Province lies at the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea. It covers 14,345 square kilometres of land and more than 250,000 square kilometres of sea. The province’s major island groups include the Trobriand Islands, the D’Entrecasteaux Islands and the Louisiade Archipelago. Its sea area is many times larger than its land area.

Dive and snorkelling sites in Milne Bay Province include Tawali, Deacon’s Reef, Gonubalabala and Wahoo Point. On Normanby Island, Fergusson Island and the province’s mainland, trails offer opportunities for rainforest walks, waterfall visits, cave exploration and birdwatching. Normanby Island and Fergusson Island also provide access to inland trails and volcanic landscapes. These nature and island experiences are found across the province; the festival, museum and city tour, by contrast, are specific offerings in Alotau.

For the broader travel overview: Milne Bay Province.