The Beachheads: Buna, Gona & Sanananda

Step back in time and experience the echoes of history on a journey through Buna, Sanananda, and Gona. Connect with locals who have lived through the war’s aftermath, gaining valuable insights into their resilience and rich traditions. Discover the profound impact of this pivotal period on the communities and explore how it continues to shape their lives today.

Immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant history and culture. Our knowledgeable guides, many of whom are descendants of WWII carriers, bring the past to life with captivating stories and insights.

 

Your safety is our top priority. We ensure a secure journey with experienced guides, reliable emergency communication, and a dedicated track master by your side. Embrace the opportunity to explore history, culture, and adventure.  Follow the itinerary or share your preference with us and we’ll tailor your adventure to reflect your interests. 

 

Book your tour today by filling the form below. 

What to expect:

  • Our guides will accompany you throughout your tour of the Northern beaches, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
  • Girewo Guest House, a family-owned gem, is located in Mangufore village, right on the beachfront and away from the larger Sanananda village.
  • The villages of Buna and Sanananda are rich with historical remnants from the war, offering fascinating sites to explore.
  • Don’t forget to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect against sandflies and mosquitoes.
Day 1 : ARRIVE JACKSONS AIRPORT - PORT MORESBY

Your Northen Beaches adventure begins with a warm welcome at Jackson’s Airport in Port Moresby. After a brief introduction to your guide, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Later in the day, embark on a fascinating city tour of Port Moresby, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the capital city.

Day begins by flying into Girua Airport with a visit to the war memorial in Popondetta, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during WWII. Afterward, immerse yourself in the local culture at the craft house, where you’ll find a stunning array of traditional Oro arts and crafts.

Embark on a scenic drive towards Sanananda. Along the way, take a moment to inspect the wreckage of a B24 Liberator bomber, a poignant reminder of the war’s devastation. Upon arriving in Sanananda Village, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the Girewo Guest House. After checking in and enjoying a refreshing snack, relax on the beachfront, take a refreshing swim, or explore the local waters in traditional canoes.

End your day with a delicious dinner and a restful night’s sleep, rejuvenating for the adventures that lie ahead.

After a nourishing breakfast at Girewo Guest House, embark on a scenic 20-minute dinghy ride to the historic Buna Village. Upon arrival, explore the rich history of the region by visiting the war museum and inspecting the remnants of an airfield defense gun site, including the original Japanese 72mm anti-aircraft gun.

As you explore the village, seize the opportunity to recreate one of the most iconic images of the Pacific War. Stand at the exact spot where George Silk captured the poignant image of a blinded Australian soldier being led by a barefoot Papuan on Christmas Day 1942.

Take a leisurely walk along Maggot Beach to the pre-war administrative headquarters of the district, immersing yourself in the history and beauty of this remarkable location. Before returning to Mangufore Village in Sanananda, hop back on the dinghy for a scenic ride across the water.

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to the Bloody Buna Site, a stark reminder of the war’s devastation. Delve deeper into the region’s history by visiting the war museum and the traditional museum, gaining valuable insights into the past.

Experience the thrill of canoeing on the open sea, guided by experienced locals. Embrace the local culture by learning how to grate coconuts, a traditional skill used in preparing delicious Papuan cuisine.

Venture into the mangroves, paddling through serene waterways and observing the unique flora and fauna. Take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.

As the sun sets, enjoy a lively evening of entertainment featuring a traditional string band. Join the locals in dancing and sharing stories, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Buna. After a day filled with adventure and cultural experiences, retire to your accommodation for a restful night’s sleep.

After a final breakfast with your hosts, bid farewell to the friendly people of Sanananda. Your guide will escort you across the Sanananda River and accompany you to the airport for your return flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival in Port Moresby, check back into your hotel to relax and reflect on your unforgettable adventure.

AU $460 – $490 Per Person
The price range reflects the flexibility we offer to cater to the individual preferences and unique needs of each traveler. Several factors can influence the final cost, including the duration of the tour, the type of accommodation selected, group size, and any additional customizations or special requests. By providing a range, we aim to offer both an exceptional experience and the ability to tailor the tour to your desired level of comfort and adventure. Whether you opt for more immersive cultural experiences, upgraded lodging, or private guides, we ensure that every aspect of your journey is thoughtfully considered and provides value for your investment.

Cost Inclusion
  • All Land Transfers
  • Sea Transfers Sanananda to Buna return
  • Experience Guides
  • All Entrance Fees
  • Accommodation beach bungalow
  • Meals (B,L,D)
  • Village activities that guests can participate in
  • Domestic Airfares
  • Personal First Aid Kit & necessary supplies.
  • Personal expenses (gifts/tips)
  • Personal Trekking Gear Items. (we have limited trekking items on hire – Sleeping Bag & Tent)
  • International and domestic flights. MUST book domestic flights as per itinerary.
  • Passport & Visa costs. Visa online please apply as soon as booked. We provide a Visa support letter to assist with your application. 
  • Travel Insurance. Please take insurance as soon as nonrefundable deposit has been paid

Discover your perfect adventure with our tailored itinerary!


Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences with your family, mates, or friends, we can customize the tour to match your unique interests. Simply enter your details in the form at the bottom of the page, and let us know about your preferences, group size, and any special requests.

 

This helps us create a personalized itinerary that ensures an unforgettable experience tailored just for you. Start your journey today by filling out the form, and we’ll handle the rest!

Buna Treks and Tours is proud to partner with Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies can happen, and when they do, we trust Global Rescue to deliver medical, security, travel risk, and crisis response support to our travelers. Without membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. 

Over one million members rely on Global Rescue to bring them home safely when the unexpected occurs. We strongly encourage our travelers to enroll with Global Rescue for peace of mind during their travels.

 

Click Here to register.

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