Woodlark IslandWoodlark Island at a Glance
About Woodlark Island
Woodlark Island is an island in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, in the Solomon Sea. It is inhabited by local communities and forms part of the province’s island groupings.
The island is a remote tropical destination with shoreline villages, village-run facilities and subsistence agriculture as the principal human activities. Natural environments include coastal forests and coral-fringed beaches typical of Milne Bay islands.
The island has long-standing local settlement and was visited by external traders and missionaries in different historical periods; detailed histories are preserved in local and regional records. Modern administrative ties place it within Milne Bay Province.
Woodlark Island sits off the eastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea in Milne Bay Province, accessible by sea and by occasional local air connections. Travel times and services are limited compared with larger provincial centres.
- Access: The island is inhabited and reached by sea or limited air services; visitors should plan transport in advance as facilities are basic.
Best Time to Visit Woodlark Island
Dry season is best for access and safer sea conditions; plan transport logistics carefully regardless of season.
Weather & Climate near Woodlark Island
Woodlark Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (4103 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 430 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 358 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 397 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 406 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 30° | 26° | 327 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 359 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 28° | 25° | 339 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 29° | 25° | 326 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 29° | 26° | 311 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 23° - 30° | 27° | 325 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 248 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 277 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Woodlark Island
Access typically requires charter flights from mainland Milne Bay Province or boat transfers arranged from regional ports. Check with local authorities and tour operators for up-to-date travel arrangements.
Tips for Visiting Woodlark Island
- Arrange flights into Milne Bay or mainland bases in advance; small-airstrip flights to island airstrips can be irregular.
- Respect local customary laws and seek permission before photographing village life.
- Bring insect precautions and a basic first-aid kit; medical facilities are limited.