Goodenough IslandGoodenough Island at a Glance
About Goodenough Island
Goodenough Island is a volcanic island in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, forming part of the D’Entrecasteaux island group. The island has a rugged interior of rainforest-covered hills and a fringing coastline of reefs and beaches.
Visitors and researchers find traditional coastal villages, rainforest habitats, and coral reef diving along the shore. The island also contains sites and relics associated with military operations during World War II that attract historical interest.
During the Pacific War the island saw action in 1942 and was occupied or contested by Allied and Japanese forces, leaving military traces on the landscape. Local communities have long used the island for subsistence agriculture and customary activities.
Goodenough Island lies off the eastern tip of New Guinea within Milne Bay Province. It is relatively remote, reached by boat from mainland Milne Bay or other islands in the D’Entrecasteaux group.
- Island group and province: Part of Milne Bay Province and the broader D’Entrecasteaux island group, the island combines volcanic highlands with coastal reef systems.
- World War II history: Was the scene of military action during World War II in 1942, leaving a number of wartime sites and relics on the island.
What to See#
- Mount Vineuo (principal summit): The island’s central volcanic massif with steep slopes and rainforest interior, rising to its principal summit and forming the dominant topographic feature.
- Coastal sites and WWII relics: Coastal beaches, reefs and wartime landing sites that are visited for diving and for traces of World War II activity along the shoreline.
Best Time to Visit Goodenough Island
The dry season (May-October) offers more reliable weather for boat access and outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Goodenough Island
Goodenough Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall (2898 mm/year), wettest in March.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 287 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 17° - 25° | 21° | 278 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 301 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 247 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 23° | 20° | 277 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 16° - 22° | 19° | 257 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 22° | 19° | 198 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 15° - 22° | 19° | 180 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 239 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 16° - 23° | 20° | 239 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 16° - 24° | 20° | 166 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 229 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Goodenough Island
Access is by boat or small aircraft from provincial hubs like Alotau in Milne Bay Province. Regular commercial services are limited; charter boats and flights are the common routes. Plan logistics well in advance.
Tips for Visiting Goodenough Island
- If visiting by boat, arrange seasoned local captains who know the reefs and weather patterns; navigation around the island can be tricky.
- Goodenough Island has WWII relics and cemeteries - bring respectful curiosity and local guides to interpret the sites.
- Accommodation is limited; plan to camp or arrange lodgings in nearby larger islands and expect basic facilities.