LARK FORCE
WILDERNESS TRACK
This track near Rabaul, PNG is a reminder of the little-known
yet significant experiences of an Australian military unit in
WW2 known as the Lark Force. The Lark Force totalling 1200 men,
the majority of who was the 2/22nd Battalion, were sent to
defend Rabaul against a Japanese invasion.
Lark Force not only was routed from Rabaul by a superior
Japanese force on 23rd January, 1942, but it was informed by
Australian authorities that there was to be no reinforcement, no
further support and no evacuation. Literally and realistically
it became “Every man for himself” for Lark Force personnel
retreating from Rabaul.
Totally unfamiliar with the local environment and in the context
of thorough mayhem, these Australians fled from the invaders
along the contemporary Lark Force Track. Faced with diseases,
starvation, disorientation and climatic rigours approximately
250 returned to Australia. More than 160 personnel were
massacred by Japanese at Tol, after responding to Japanese
re-assurances of support.
Another 850 personnel who were captured by Japanese were
embarked on the “Montevideo Maru” which was sunk with total loss
of life.
Today’s Lark Force Track is over 60km, traversing an extremely
pristine jungle environment incorporating a few small villages.
The current beauty and ruggedness of this track belies the
horrors, struggles and bravery of those who fled on this track
in WW2. Nevertheless there are significant challenges and
experiences for today’s trekker on this Track.
The Lark Force Track presents an adventure into unsurpassed
environmental beauty, diverse cultural experiences, history and
personal challenges.
Read more about The Lark Force Wilderness Trek.
TOUR
ITINERARY
Day 1: Travel to Rabaul and
overnight in hotel in Kokopo; Meeting with SSH-LFWT team and
historian for tour briefing
Day 2: Morning – Prepare for
trekking expedition; Lunchtime – Travel by 4x4 to Vunga village;
enjoy a relaxing afternoon with local villagers from Vunga and
meet porter team in POM.
Day 3: Vunga to Baram
village
Day 4: Baram village to
Adenam campsite; Passing through the village of Renagi enroite
to Adenam campsite
Day 5: Adenam campsite to
Mondrabet village (Bainings fire dance to be performed at Vunga,
Renagi or Mondrabet village)
Day 6: Travel by 4x4 from
Mondrabet to Mevelo River launching pad; Board banana boat
vessel and travel downstream with local Mengen and Sulka
villagers; Fish for black bass, spot crocodiles an sharks and
bird watching; Arrive at Karlai Guest Haus and overnight
Day 7: Visit Tol plantation
and memorial plaque for Lark Force; Return to Karlai for a tour
of of the coconut palm plantation; Enjoy the day relaxing by the
coastal village
Day 8: Travel by boat to
Rabaul and having a chance to catch some big game fish along the
way. Overnight in hotel in Kokopo
Day 9: Land Tour of Rabaul –
Military history (WWI, WWII and Japanese occupation), Local
culture in Rabaul, Ruins of the old town and a live volcano
tour.
Day 10: Tour Ends
Download a copy of the Lark Force Wilderness Trek
itinerary.
PRICE
1 - 6 Trekkers: RRP $4,002.00
7 - 10 Trekkers: RRP $3,876.00
11+ Trekkers: RRP $3,852.00
TREK DATES
Anzac Day Trek 19th - 28th April 2010
3rd July - 12th July 2010
Rabaul surrender 29th Aug - 7th Sep 2010
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