St Matthias Islands

The St Matthias Islands are a small, remote island group in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea, that include islands such as Mussau and Emirau and lie in the Bismarck Sea.

These islands draw interest for their reefs, intact marine habitats and terrestrial biodiversity, with opportunities for snorkeling, birdwatching and observing endemic species. Emirau is also visited for remnants related to the Allied presence in the Second World War.

The islands have long been inhabited by local Melanesian communities and were affected by regional colonial and wartime activity; Emirau in particular hosted Allied facilities during the Second World War. Since independence the islands have remained sparsely populated with subsistence economies.

Situated north of New Ireland within Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland Province, the St Matthias group lies offshore in the Bismarck Sea and is administratively part of New Ireland Province.

• Access: The islands are remote and reachable mainly by infrequent local boats or charter flights, so visits require planning and flexible schedules.
• Biodiversity: Noted for high biodiversity and coral reef systems, with several species endemic to the islands and surrounding waters.

What to See #

• Mussau Island: Mussau Island, the largest in the group, characterised by volcanic highlands and extensive reef systems.
• Emirau Island: Emirau Island, notable for an wartime airfield established during the Second World War and for surrounding coral reefs.