Follow TNJ!

Featured Journey Photos

cemetaryRabaul History
A living WW2 museum



fire dancersFire Dancing
A true spectacle in the jungle



bainings_manThe Bainings People
Centuries old tradition

Polls

What would interest you most about a TNJ journey?
 

The Fire Dancers

One of the more spectacular experiences you will witness in our Escape from Rabaul and Return to Rabaul journey's is the Baining Fire Dance.

This ancient practice is unique to the Baining Mountains region of East New Britain and involves an elaborate combination of costumes, masks, body paint, music, dance and of course fire. Typically held in the village common area, the Fire Dance involves men and women from all ages. The actual Fire Dance only involves the men of the village. A large bonfire is built and fueled until a large bed of fire and coals is established. In rhythm to the chants and sining of the accompanying dancers the men and their incredible masks and costumes dance in and through the fire long into the night.

Our Clients Talk about the TNJ Experience

While every TNJ experience is difference, one thing is not - that those who journey come back changed. This page introduces you to some experiences others have had. If you would like to receive more information or have a free dvd posted to you about our journeys, please Contact Us Here.

 

Martina Skoog

"There are two favorite parts that stood out amongst so many experiences; One is the beautiful secluded green village of Vunga, which is the home of TNJ guide “Weekly’ When I arrived, I felt like I  was a long lost friend, greeted with hugs and kisses. My second favourite part, was the islands of the Duke of Yorks. It was amazing meeting the local people, who are so happy and content with their way of life.  I ended up playing touch footy with the local children, who also taught me how to crack a coconut. The islands also had untouched snorkeling sites with amazing fish life.“

 

Peter and Ema Kondyskova

"We are a couple from Prague – Czech Republic, Ema 50 and Petr 60 years. The trip to Papua-New Guinea was our greatest travel-experience in our life. We came from Europe and decided here, in Brisbane, to travel to PNG….unprepared, without knowledge and experience with traveling in PNG. We got recommendations to a few travel agencies from the PNG consulate, but only ONE of them was really helpful and kind. We would like to thank Peter Gosling for his great help and prefect preparing for our trip, also thanks to Weekly, our best guide in all situations! If  we were thinking about another trip to PNG, we would go ONLY with Peters great help! Once more – Peter, thank you!!!"

 

 

David Williams

"Experiencing first hand such a primitive culture so close to Australia was truly one of the most amazing things I've ever done in my lifetime. Under the leadership of Peter, I felt 100% safe at all times. Being a gadget man myself I was impressed by the sophisticated equipment such as the super lightweight tents, quality headlamps, walking poles and backpacks."

 

 

Gillian Alexis

"TNJ Escape from Rabaul is a trip that exceeded all expectations leaving me with images and experiences that will last me forever. A truly real soul touching experience. We laughed, played simple games with the children, and shared their open fires and cover. The villages were so warm, genuine and generous. They had little to give but gave us so much. The trip also included historical visits to missions and islands where we snorkelled over coral and WW2 wrecks."

 

 

Brad Ward

"TNJ's Escape from Rabaul experience for me was very pleasing, i had been told much about what i was yet to see, but nothing could have prepared me for what i experienced. I was worried before leaving about stories you would hear about PNG, but at no time on my trip did i ever feel unsafe.

The people of PNG are genuinely loving, happy, giving care free people. Unlike other places were most people are competing against each other for wealth & assets these people do not bother, they are more interested in being true to themselves and their religious beliefs. I felt quite at home amongst these people and can't wait to get back to re-unite with some friends that we made."

 

 

Marcus Catton

"My first experience with TNJ was a truely memorable one. With a background interest in history, the places and sights that we were able to see throughout the trip were certainly exciting. Probably some of the best experiences were in interacting with the locals in their villiages. These people had no concept of a Westernised modern world and it was refreshing to experience their love of life, nature, family and the simple things which us in our society often take for granted. At one point we shared a meal in one of their grass huts (which was exceptionally made I must say) along with some of the village pet pigs. These baby pigs enjoyed the warmth of the fire as much as we did as they slowing walked side-on around the fire. Although there was a slight language barrier, this was quickly crossed through jokes, laughter and singing.

As far as the Escape from Rabaul trip goes, it ticked all the boxes for me. A physical challenge, a cultural National Geographic style experience, a historical WW2 journey and a chance to view and admire some of the world's most untouched rainforest wilderness and natural wildlife wonders."

 

 

Jane Blain

"Peter Gosling the proprietor of True North Journeys is an obliging and fun host who has put together this amazing adventure ‘Escape from Rabaul’. It is an adventure with all the right ingredients – challenging jungle treks, beautiful deserted beaches offering the opportunity to relax, snorkel or go swimming.

There is also incredible war history and war relics to visit, an active volcano that is an intriguing part of Rabaul’s history and a fantastic cultural experience staying in the villages with some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I have ever met. I embarked on this journey with an expectation that has been exceeded in every aspect; I just can’t wait to go back!
Thanks Peter & True North Journeys"

Jane

 

Chris Brown

" I have recently completed a Journey with Peter Gosling of True North Journeys finding it to be a unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Peter’s organizational skills, ability to communicate, sense of humor and knowledge of the area were outstanding. His briefings and training assessments prior to the activity were of considerable benefit. Peter employs a team of local Baining men, each participant is assigned a Baining who looks after them throughout the journey, carrying much of the heavy gear, a bond is quickly established thus making the experience far more enjoyable.

To be able to experience for oneself the area through which poorly equipped Australian Troops were forced to retreat is a historical event as is the visits to the Tunnels dug by Prisoners of War for their Japanese captors. As a previous resident of PNG and possibly a little older than most participants (69) I was able to refresh my memories of the superb New Britain Forests and terrain, experiencing the “ Baining Fire Dance” and the "Duk Duk" ceremony was a unique experience.

Peter’s knowledge of the Duke of York Islands is also unique, as Peter’s family were previously resident on the islands.The swimming and snorkeling are superb in this un-spoilt area of P.N.G. A visit to the active volcano at Rabaul proved to be most interesting. I can thoroughly recommend True North Journeys as an outstanding and fulfilling experience. "

Chris Brown.

 

Colette Doherty

The thing that my husband Tom and I loved about this trip was the variety of experiences. One day you are at the foot of an active volcano, then you can be snorkelling at a 200 meter drop off that afternoon. This trip is more than 'a hike in the jungle'. We have seen and experienced primitive fire dancers, have been up close to whales and dolphins but have also been privledged to spend time with beautiful children that are fascinated just to see and touch 'white skins'. The interesting thing is that even though we were in a remote jungle far removed from civilization as we know it, we never felt that we were not safe.Thank you Peter for giving us the chance to have this experience.

 

 

John Borthwick - leading Australian travel writer and photographer

I recently had the great pleasure of trekking with Peter Gosling of True North Journeys on an extraordinary jungle trail in New Ireland province, PNG. For four days we followed his route, known as the ³Escape From Rabaul², crossing the Baining Mountains on a trail used by Australian Diggers evading the country¹s Japanese invaders in early 1942.

The trip had everything: magnificent jungle, dramatic Baining tribal fire-dancers, river crossings, WWII history and wrecks, tiny villages, good camping gear and an excellent Baining support crew, plus Peter¹s knowledge and deep affection for the area. The trekking is challenging but well-paced, and certainly not intimidating for anyone who is of reasonably good fitness and stamina, and who can celebrate this unique opportunity of being in wild, remote, rugged, unscathed jungle.

In addition we saw plenty of the Rabaul area¹s frisky volcanic activity and hot springs, and numerous remnants of Japan¹s WWII occupation. When I returned I published accounts of this memorable journey in The Weekend Australian and the South China Morning Post. An outstanding adventure with terrific company.