Volcanic Eruptions in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
March 12, 2009 – 6:39 pm
East New Britain, Papua New Guinea
Mt Tavurvur taken from Kopopo, Rabaul PNG
Yesterday I returned from a fact finding mission to Papua New Guinea – as always a fascinating experience. I also had a couple of days in the Solomon Islands… my first time there! Stunning! More on that later.
The trip started in the former Colonial era capital of Rabaul on the island of New Britain.
Rabaul before the eruption in 94
Rabaul was partially destroyed in 1994 when two volcanoes flanking the town, Tavurvur and Vulcan, erupted simultaneously covering the city in ash. Vulcan is now extinct but Tavurvur periodically comes to life spewing more ash into the sky and over the surrounding area.
On my last visit in 2006, Tavurvur was emitting little spurts of steam only. This time was much more entertaining with periodic bursts of activity, loud explosions and plumes of thick black emissions rushing skyward.
Rabaul just after the eruption
With half of Rabaul already buried, and with the remaining half subject to frequent new coatings, most of the population have long since moved around the coast to Kokopo, near to the replacement airport, a 40 minute drive away. From here you can clearly see the volcanic eruptions without having to suffer the effects. Having said that, the airport is often closed when the wind blows in a certain direction – jet engines do not like ash!
- View from my room at Kokopo Beach Bungalows
I stayed at Kokopo Beach Bungalows, located close to the commercial part of Kokopo and right above the beach. The place is undergoing expansion with new rooms and a very fine new restaurant area that was scheduled for a grand opening the following week. Nice rooms and a good location, and excellent hosting by its charming owner, Simon Foo.
Dancers at Kokopo Beach Bungalows
Rabaul was once known for its excellent wreck diving within the Simpson Harbour (the flooded caldera of an ancient massive volcano), but the most popular of these was buried by the volcanic eruption in 1994. Others within the harbour are still diveable but visibility can be very poor with so much ash still falling into the sea. here.
Outside the harbour there are more wrecks to dive, including George’s Wreck and a Mitsubishi biplane, plus more. Meanwhile new discoveries are being made and the reputation of Rabaul as a top dive destination is rapidly being restored.
Japanese WWII tunnels, complete with supply barges, Rabaul PNG
For non divers there is plenty to see and do, including visiting the Volcanology centre just above Rabaul from where you can get splendid views of Simpsons Harbour and the smoking Tuvurvur as well as a fascination introduction to the science of life management in a highly geologically unstable region, or visiting the maze of tunnels burrowed by the Japanese during WWII.
Tavurvur from the Volcanology Centre above Rabaul
Islands out in the Bay have superb beaches, rarely visited and the fishing is exceptional. I only had the line in the water for about 5 minutes before I hooked this fine Spanish Mackerel!
Me with Spanish Mackerel at Pidgin Island, Rabaul PNG
Enjoy the photos. More from my trip coming up.
Brian & Erin with my fish
9 Responses to “Volcanic Eruptions in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea”
Great site, I will be back. Well done
By Power Home Solar Review on Jan 27, 2010
Enjoyed the pics, thanks. I worked on Lihir ~20 years ago and spent a small amount of time looking around Rabaul. Interesting to see your pics. It is difficult to determine what remains of Rabaul. How much has life returned to “normal”, etc.
By RAalf Henkel on Feb 16, 2010
Spent from 1950 to 1966 in and out of Rabaul. Cant believe that my old places of residence are all gone. Thanks for the pics
By Frank Schellenberger on Mar 6, 2010
Just wanted to let you know that Brian (in photo with Erin) died in Dec 2009. Your photo is a great reminder of his energy and love for life.
By Donna Lucker on Apr 10, 2010
Dear Donna. I meant to respond to your comment ages ago. Am so sorry. And even more sorry to hear of the passing of Brian who, during my very short acquaintance, showed himself to be a lovely, fun loving person who brought out the best in the people around him. I am sure that you all miss him terribly, and i am very sad that I will not have the opportunity to meet him again.
CHRIS
By chris on Jul 9, 2010
Wow! I wish I should come and do fishing with you guys on that island…Good on you mate keep it up…Wishing to see more post relating to that island.
By Peter Chanel Boboko (jnr) on Aug 2, 2010
heya..my name is Joseph Elegado,..i am a filipino who lived lived almost all my life there in rabaul..,now ma parents sent me here to the Philippines to do studies and now i think i am never going bk..i’d like to say thank you to whoever is posting these pic on the net..it really makes me happy to see updated pics on where i grew up…pidgin island i love that island i once spent 2 days with friends on that island…
By Joseph Elegado on Aug 8, 2010
Hey Guys, I spent from 1966 to 1975 in Rabaul, really sad to see the volcanic damage to the townsite…all my old houses are gone. But that was life up there…good to see everyone just gets on with it in Kokopo.
If you can ever get to the Duke of York island group they are awesome!!
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