Track 1: McCarthy's Trail 2

Tour Code:	LFWT Track 1: McCarthy's Trail 2
Direction:	Vunga to Mondrabet
Duration:	10 Days/9 Nights
Difficulty:	Medium
Group Size:	Individual Bookings: 1-6 Trekkers (Min. 6 Trekkers for tour group clearance) Group Bookings: 7+ (Maximum 16 trekkers per group)
Tour Dates:

Tour Description:

Track 1: McCarth's Trail 2 starts at the remote Bainings village of Vunga (427m above sea level) and ends at Mondrabet village in Open Bay. The track is 55KM in length and takes 3 days to complete.

This is a remarkable opportunity to trek the infamous 'Rabaul Escape' route in remote East New Britain Province (Papua New Guinea).

Be amongst the first to trek the infamous 'Rabaul Escape' route, taken by members of the 2/22nd Battalion AIF (Lark Force) as they sought escape from the invading Japanese forces in January 1942. Follow trails long hidden in the jungles of East New Britain and experience the unrivalled hospitality of remote Baining and Pomio villages along the way, with some well earned beach relaxation at the end! This ecotourism route is being developed in partnership with the local landowners and is an emotive and challenging trek to rival the Kokoda Track. For those seeking to explore beyond conventional boundaries, untouched and pristine virgin rainforests and discover the history of Australia's 'heroes of Rabaul', this is a remarkable opportunity not to be missed.

Villages that shall be passed along the track include Baram village (228m above sea level), Renagi village (581m above sea level) and Mondrabet village (364m above sea level).

Key landmarks that shall be visited include – Kerevat River, Toriu River tributaries and Iguam river.

For those who are able to extend their visit (post trek), this will include a 4 wheel drive off road ride from Mondrabet to Karlai village (Wide Bay). On a short banana boat trip from Karlai, the tour will include a visit to Tol Plantation to visit the memorial plaque that commemorates the 160 soldiers from Lark Force who were bayoneted to death by Japanese troops, later becoming known as the “Tol Massacre.”

Tour Itinerary:

Day(s)	McCarthy's Trail 2- Vunga to Mondrabet 10 day/9 Night
1	Travel: Arrive in Rabaul; Overnight at Resort
2	Morning: Pre-Trek brief and preparation Afternoon: Travel to Vunga (2 hours) by 4x4 vehicle. Overnight at start of LFWT.
3	Trek 1 - Vunga to Renagi
4	Trek 2 - Baram to Adenam River
5	Trek 3 - Adenam River to Mondrabet
6	Mevelo River Expedition: 4x4 off road drive from Mondrabet to Mevelo River (2 1/2 hours); 3 Hour boat ride to Henry Reid Bay; Transfer to Karlai Village Guest House
7	Tol Dawn Service: Travel by boat from Karlai to Tol (15 minutes); Free Day at Karlai Plantation.
8	Travel to Kokopo from Karlai by speed boat; Check in to Resort and relax
9	Land Tour: Gazelle Peninsula (Rabaul and Kokopo)
10	Travel - Tour Ends

Trek Structure

1:1 Trekker to Porter - All trekkers will be assigned a personal porter. This aims to promote relationship building between porters and trekkers, enhance safety and well being of trekkers and to assist in reaching the ultimate goal of completing the entire track.
Tour Guide - Each group will be assigned a local tour guide who will be responsible for communication with home base, decision making on the track and liaising between his Lead man (2ic), porters and trekkers. The tour guide is the caretaker of money and is responsible for payments to all villages.
Compressed formation - The compressed formation keeps the trekking group tightly bonded. This assists the porters, guide and lead man to closely monitor trekkers conditioning. By keeping the group close together, we believe that the team factor and impetus will drive trekkers harder to reach the end goal - Kokoda!

McCarthy's Trail II Package Includes

3 Nights accommodation in Rabaul/Kokopo
Trek Content - Guides, Porters, Village fees and permit
Land Tour - Rabaul and Kokopo
Transport - Kokopo to Vunga Village
Village Fees - Gaulim, Vunga, Kainagunan, Baram, Renagi and Mondrabet
Trek Permits - Lark Force Wilderness Track Limited (landowner company)
Meals - Trek content + Vunga and Mondrabet (Dinner)
LFWT Trek Guide - A guide for the LFWT History, Lark Force history, Rabaul, Bainings and East Pomio culture.
LFWT Presentation - SSH will include a free presentation on Lark Force for small groups (6+ Trekkers).

Optional Add-in's (Pre and Post) - Refer the booking form

Karlai/Tol Extension
Baia Wilderness Lodge (Extension) - Fishing or non-fishing
Tours around the Gazelle, New Ireland Province, Pomio
Plane Charter from Open bay to Rabaul

	Download the McCarthy's Trail Map
	Download the SSH-Paddy Pallin recommended packing list. All SSH clients receive a 10% discount when shopping at Paddy Pallin.
	South Sea Horizons is a supporter of the International Porters Protection Group (IPPG) organisation which is an NGO that dedicates its time towards creatng fair treatment for porters and guides.
	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. Duration of presentation: Approx 45 minutes plus question time. Mode of presentation: Powerpoint. Screen or screening surface must be available. Suitability: Groups interested in trekking, history or both. Cost: Presentation and brochures free. Negotiated fee for travel, accommodation, meals depending on distance/time. Contact: SSH Phone: (02) 9327-4108 Mobile: 0416-016-370 e-mail: chris.diercke@southseahorizons.com

Retail Price Range:

LFWT - Scanlan's Trail (5 Day/5 Night)

Note: For agent enquiries and/or local PNG residents bookings please contact>> enquiries@southseahorizons.com

Cost	1-6 Trekkers	7-12 Trekkers
Adult (18+)	$4500.00 p.p	$4100.00 p.p
Student (12-17)	$4200.00 p.p	$3,900.00 p.p

Discalaimer: Tour package prices are costed "Per Person" based on the number of travellers in a group. All prices are indicative and subject to change at anytime due to change in rates by operators, hoteliers, fuel surcharges and other related costs. Enquiries for prices will be confirmed once a client has completed the book online form. The above rates are for "Land Content Only." Airfares, travel insurance and extra tour activities are not included. Client is advised to read all and agree to the tours "Terms and Conditions" prior to committing to this tour package. ALL PRICES IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS