Cairns, a laid-back Far North Queensland city, is the gateway to two World Heritage treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cruise by luxury catamaran to a pontoon on the Outer Reef, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush jungle and explore the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. In Cairns ("cans"), stroll the Esplanade, swim in the saltwater lagoon, and visit the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, shops, and cafes.

This is a hidden gem known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, WWII history and vibrant local culture. You can explore the haunting remains of the 1994 volcanic eruption, dive or snorkel in Simpson Harbour's crystal-clear waters and visit the fascinating Kokopo War Museum. Don't miss the chance to see the Baining fire dance - a mesmerizing traditional ritual. Rabaul offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, history and raw natural beauty.

Alotau is one of the world's last great frontiers, gateway to Papua New Guinea's tribal cultures, volcanoes, and pristine mountainous rainforests, plus WWII Battle of Milne Bay memorials and relics. In town, stroll the busy harbor of fishing boats, outriggers, and ferries, then visit the market for fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, guava, and kumquat.

Kiriwina, the largest of Papua New Guinea's Trobriand Islands, offers a vivid glimpse of a unique culture. Known as the "Islands of Love," it's famous for yam houses, wood carvings, and colorful dances. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, coral reefs, and authentic village life. Its strong matrilineal society and ancient customs make it a captivating destination for culture, nature, and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Located off the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea, a remote scatter of palm-fringed isles set within the turquoise waters of Milne Bay. Once a thriving colonial trading post in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Samarai was known as the "Jewel of the East," a legacy still visible in its weathered wharves and remnants of European-era architecture. Today, the islands offer a slower rhythm shaped by village life, crystalline lagoons and some of the South Pacific's most pristine coral reefs.

Cairns, a laid-back Far North Queensland city, is the gateway to two World Heritage treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cruise by luxury catamaran to a pontoon on the Outer Reef, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush jungle and explore the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. In Cairns ("cans"), stroll the Esplanade, swim in the saltwater lagoon, and visit the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, shops, and cafes.