Popondetta

Introducing Popondetta

Popondetta, which is the provincial capital, is spread along the Oro Bay Hwy a few kilometres from the old administrative capital of Higaturu. Popondetta exists because the previous two provincial headquarters were ill-fated: the one on the coast was invaded by the Japanese and destroyed, and the other – moved safely inland after the war – was ­destroyed by the eruption of Mt Lamington.

It’s not a pretty place, with dust, litter and idle people seeming to predominate. Most of those who come here do so to see the area’s WWII history – Buna and Gona are an easy day trip – or as part of a slow boat trip along the coast. It’s also a good base for visiting Mt Lamington.

Popondetta itself has an Australian war memorial with an interesting map of nearby battle sites and an adjoining memorial to the victims of the Mt Lamington eruption.

Popondetta is not a place to be wandering around alone at night.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008