Lark Force Wilderness Track
The “Lark Force Wilderness Track” (LFWT) has been developed near Rabaul in East New Britain Province (Papua New Guinea).
WHY?
- To create a viable and sustainable enterprise for the local indigenous tribes and clans of the area.
- To develop an international awareness about the history and experiences of Lark Force.
- To afford trekkers the opportunities to experience exceptionally beautiful, natural environments in conjunction with the historical cultures of the local people.
WHO?
The LFWT coordinators include the Lark Force Wildernss Track Ltd (Landowner company) and South Sea Horizons have combined to develop and manage a sustainable trekking operation that will provide employment, economic and social benefits to the local indigenous tribes and clans from the region. The tribes include the following:
| Bainings | East Pomio and Open Bay |
|
|
Management & Regulation:
South Sea Horizons have been endorsed by the landowner company (LFWT Ltd) to provide the following roles:
- Track management
- Track development and Training
- Exclusive booking agent
What dos this mean?
- This means that that the landowners of the LFWT have entered into a Joint Venture agreement with South Sea Horizons to assist them in developing the Lark Force Wilderness Track project.
- This means that South Sea Horizons has, from the outset assisted the local stakeholders in creating tourism awareness, training and development for local porters and guides, villagers etc. This role is to be continued into the future.
- As the exclusive booking agent, all trekkers, operators, travel agents etc who are interested in selling packages on the track MUST book through South Sea Horizons.
This project is the first of its kind to be developed by the local community of PNG. The proposed model for development has been designed to incorporate the Australian and international public - individuals, groups and associations to come and walk the track and at the same time be able to assist the local community to physically develop aspects along the track such as guest houses, amenities and other facilities.
WHEN?
LFWT Track 1 & 2: McCarthy's Trail (Vunga to Mondrabet) was officially opened on October 13, 2008 by Governor of East New Britain - Leo Dion, MP Gazelle - Malakai Tabar, LFWT Ltd and South Sea Horizons at Vunga village.
Tour Packages and Schedules
LFWT and South Sea Horizons have established a tour package and schedule for Track 1: McCarthy's Trail that aims to promote sustainability and low impact trekking. Iin order to control numbers on the track, LFWT-SSH have established a tour schedule. All bookings to walk the track must fall in line with the recommended dates.
The tour package is a "Base Package" that includes all land content on the track - Local guides & porters (All trekkers automatically receive a personal porter); meals and accomodation, transport to Vunga and land tour in Rabaul.
Pre and post travel arrangements are not included but can be arranged by South Sea Horizons upon request. This includes accomodation in Rabaul, post trekking activities etc.
Special Options (Pre-Post Trek)
See available dates, Click available dates
 | FREE LARK FORCE TRACK & HISTORY PRESENTATION SouthSea Horizons is prepared to deliver a presentation about the Lark Force History in East New Britain, PNG, the Lark Force Track and a summary presentation of highlights of East New Britain. The actual presentations are free of charge. DETAILS Presenter: Chris Diercke, voluntary historian/trainer for South Sea Horizons-LFWT. |
Enquire here
QUICK LINKS
- Travel to Rabaul/Pomio/Open Bay Travel Enquiry Form & Specials
- Images from the Track Image Gallery
Lost Lives Joanne Evans www.jje.info/lostlives/index.html
Montivideo Maru Rod Miller www.montevideomaru.info
- Australias War 1939-1945 http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/japadvance/rabaul.html
- www.maplandia.com/papua-new-guinea/east-new-britain/bainings
- http://peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=34
