Duke of York Group

Introducing Duke of York Group

This is the tambu (forbidden or sacred) cockpit between New Ireland and the Gazelle Peninsula Tolais, a place of secret men’s business, dukduks and tumbuans.

These islands are beautiful and accessible, but they are little developed. There are no vehicles on any of the islands except Duke of York Island. Mioko Island is the best one to visit, with a smattering of sights, including good beaches, two open-pit caves on the Island’s eastern flank and a coastwatcher’s lookout cut into the clifftop nearby on the easternmost point.

For many years during the war, hundreds of people hid in these caves to avoid being press-ganged by the Japanese. Nearby, a tiny tunnel runs between the two cliff faces of the Island’s eastern tip. You can crawl between (it’s rough going) for two views of the open sea and sky, and the cruel cliff below you. If you want to snorkel, try the southern coast, but it’s only good in calm conditions.

There is a rudimentary homestay on Mioko and a guesthouse on Ulu. Bring along some food.

Last updated: Apr 17, 2009