DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

Milne Bay Adventure on Oceania

Article and photos by Dr. Terry and Cathie Cum mins.

Authors enjoying a ‘glass-out’ sunset

Travel Blog 6 Living in Cairns. Far North Queensland we often hear about the incredible diving offered in Papua New Guinea (PNG), it is just up the road and across the pond so to speak. So we had no hesitation of booking a flight to Port Moresby and on to Alotau the capital of Milne Bay - PNG’s south-eastern province. We were excited about spending 10 days diving from MV Oceania who’s normal home port is Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay. Flying from Cairns we had no problem with extra luggage as the Air Niugini aircraft servicing Port Morsby and Alotau are reasonably large. However, we did pre-purchase extra kilos to allow for our personal diving equipment and camera gear. We were also travelled light on clothes as Oceania has a complimentary daily laundry service. Visiting the region you may want to buy some items as you travel about, so we strongly recommend you pre purchase Kina, the local currency, before you leave home or utilise the ATM at Port Morsby Airport.

Even at hotels we found credit card facilities unreliable. Milne Bay covers 14,345 km 2 of land including more than 600 islands. For divers, Milne Bay boasts 252,990 km 2 of ‘sea country’ largely protected by mountain ranges and hosts one of the most biodiverse coral reef systems in the world. Alotau is a thriving coastal and friendly community nestled in a lush tropical landscape on the Northwestern shore of Milne Bay. With a population of 276,000 inhabitants, speaking almost 50 different languages, it has a rich cultural heritage that is a testament to the spirit of its peoples. Traditional dance and music play a key role in their life, with performances reflecting a distinctive heritage passed down through multiple generations. One of the highlights is the Alotau Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of local customs, crafts and storytelling. We planned to arrive at the Driftwood Hotel a few days early to mitigate any potential that missed flights may lead to Oceania leaving without us, but more so because of our interest in the turbulent

Large Barrel Sponge

Making friends with a Milne Bay Walking shark

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DIVE LOG Australasia #412 - June 25

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