05/09/2026
The past 2 weeks have seen an epic journey through Melanesia, a region that has dense rainforests, vibrant coral ecosystems and cultures that have maintained their traditions for generations.
Sit back and enjoy part one of this adventure leaving behind cool winter mornings. Spending 24 hours in Darwin was a perfect way to acclimatise to the humidity before boarding the ship. The first day was spent with a leisurely day at sea before arriving at Thursday Island. What sights there were a hike up to Green Fort Hill and a stop to see some freshly caught lobsters.
Leaving Australia behind we sailed across the Coral Sea to some remote PNG islands. We were met by local islanders paddling out in their handmade outrigger canoes and on land the reception was unforgettable. We were welcomed with beautiful tropical flowers and traditional dancing.
Amongst all this beauty I still found time to knit and crochet both on ship and to the amazement of one little girl also in a little clearing on one of the islands.
