D'Entrecasteaux Islands

The D’Entrecasteaux Islands are an island group in Milne Bay Province, eastern Papua New Guinea. The main islands are Goodenough, Fergusson and Normanby, and the group is volcanic with steep terrain and dense vegetation.

These islands contain coastal villages and subsistence agriculture, and they support local biodiversity and marine environments. They were charted and named during European exploration in the late 18th century.

The group lies in the Solomon Sea off the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea and is several hundred kilometres from the national capital, Port Moresby.

Access is limited to local boat and occasional air connections; travel and services on the islands are at a subsistence and community scale.

• Access: The islands are volcanic, rugged and populated by indigenous communities; they form part of Milne Bay Province and are accessed by infrequent local shipping or air services.

What to See#

• Goodenough Island: Goodenough Island is one of the larger islands in the group and supports local villages and subsistence agriculture.
• Fergusson Island: Fergusson Island is the largest of the chain with rugged volcanic terrain and several higher peaks.
• Normanby Island: Normanby Island lies to the north of Fergusson and Goodenough and is similarly volcanic with coastal villages.

Access is by boat from the Papua New Guinea mainland (Milne Bay Province) or by small aircraft to provincial airstrips where available; most visitors arrange transport via Milne Bay regional operators or scientific expeditions.

• Travel to the D'Entrecasteaux Islands requires careful planning-most visits are by expedition cruises or chartered vessels.
• Bring immunizations and medical kit; facilities are minimal and weather can force changes to itineraries.
• Respect local Bougainville and Milne Bay Province regulations-these islands are part of local customary territories.