Wewak

Wewak sits on a headland on the north coast with beaches running east and west of it and a group of small islands, Kairiru and Muschu among them, visible offshore. It is the capital of East Sepik and the practical gateway to the Sepik river: road transport runs inland to Pagwi and Angoram, from which boats work up and down the river, and most people who visit the Sepik pass through Wewak. The town itself has a market, a waterfront, beaches used for swimming and a substantial number of wartime remains on the surrounding hills and headlands, including gun positions and a Japanese memorial above the town.

What to look for

• The headland beaches - the sand running east and west of the point.
• The offshore islands - Kairiru and Muschu on the horizon.
• The market - the produce and fish market of the town.
• The Sepik connection - the road transport inland to the river.

When to go

May to October in the drier season for the river connections and the beaches; the wet season makes the inland roads difficult. Flights connect through Port Moresby and are limited.

Good to know

The town is functional with limited accommodation and services. Roads inland to the Sepik are rough and journeys long. Movement is by arranged transport. Sepik trips must be organised in advance rather than on arrival.

Nearby

The Sepik river lies inland; the offshore islands are reached by boat.

Key facts