Autonomous Region of Bougainville district, Papua New Guinea

Places to visit near Arawa

Arawa is a town in Autonomous Region of Bougainville district, Papua New Guinea, home to about 40,266 people. Within 50 km by road there are 61 places to visit — 31 beaches & coast, 13 rivers, islands & mangroves, 9 hill stations & viewpoints and 2 forts & heritage. The must-see places are Takuan (30 km), Bougainville (36 km) and Billy Mitchell (51 km).

Updated · Distances are road estimates · Open Arawa on the map

Arawa, Papua New Guinea
Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville district, Papua New Guinea. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Arawa at a glance

Location
Autonomous Region of Bougainville district, Papua New Guinea
Population
about 40,266
Coordinates
6.2298° S, 155.5660° E
Places within 50 km
61 (2 must-see)
Best time to visit
October to March for beaches & coast; September to February for rivers, islands & mangroves

Top places to visit near Arawa

Ranked by how worth the drive they are from Arawa: must-see places and the closest well-loved spots first. Open a place for photos, today’s visitor status, timings and directions.

More places near Arawa

  • 1st Living Vine Bridge of Topinang · attraction · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~6 km
  • Anewa Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~6 km
  • Bagana · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~53 km · Must-see
  • Kapo Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~9 km
  • Korarei · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~10 km
  • Happy Valley · fort · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~10 km
  • Rapa Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~11 km
  • Assio Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~11 km
  • Kieta Harbor · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~11 km
  • Mawara Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~11 km
  • Toromaro Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~11 km
  • Takanupe · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km

Things to see near Arawa, by type

Beaches & coast near Arawa

59 beaches & coast within 100 km of Arawa. The closest is Arco Beach, Arawa (3 km). Best time: october to march.

  • Arco Beach, Arawa · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~3 km
  • Arawa Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~3 km
  • Pankama Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~5 km
  • Kobuan Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~6 km
  • Anewa Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~6 km
  • Kapo Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~9 km

All beaches & coast in Papua New Guinea →

Rivers, islands & mangroves near Arawa

38 rivers, islands & mangroves within 100 km of Arawa. The closest is Takanupe (12 km); the best-known is Bougainville (36 km). Best time: september to february.

  • Bougainville · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~36 km · Must-see
  • Takanupe · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km
  • Bakawari Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~14 km
  • Kuruki (Kurikiki) · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~16 km
  • Tautsina Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~16 km
  • Govu Islet · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~19 km

All rivers, islands & mangroves in Papua New Guinea →

Hill stations & viewpoints near Arawa

27 hill stations & viewpoints within 100 km of Arawa. The closest is Korarei (10 km); the best-known is Takuan (30 km). Best time: october to february for cool, clear air.

  • Takuan · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~30 km · Must-see
  • Billy Mitchell · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~51 km · Must-see
  • Bagana · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~53 km · Must-see
  • Korarei · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~10 km
  • Dopinpoi · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km
  • Mt. Toraurua · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km

All hill stations & viewpoints in Papua New Guinea →

Forts & heritage near Arawa

4 forts & heritage within 100 km of Arawa. The closest is Happy Valley (10 km); the best-known is Panguna Mine (16 km). Best time: october to february.

All forts & heritage in Papua New Guinea →

Waterfalls near Arawa

2 waterfalls within 100 km of Arawa. The closest is Kosinau Kuareema Waterfall (7 km). Best time: july to january, best august to november right after rains.

All waterfalls in Papua New Guinea →

Churches near Arawa

2 churches within 100 km of Arawa. The closest is Lighthouse Church (1 km). Best time: year-round.

All churches in Papua New Guinea →

A one-day trip from Arawa

5 of the best places within 60 km, in driving order so you don’t double back: about 158 km on the road.

  1. Start in Arawa
  2. 36 km Bougainville · river spot, Autonomous Region of Bougainville
  3. 15 km Billy Mitchell · viewpoint, Autonomous Region of Bougainville
  4. 49 km Panguna Mine · heritage site, Autonomous Region of Bougainville
  5. 24 km Takuan · viewpoint, Autonomous Region of Bougainville
  6. 27 km Kosinau Kuareema Waterfall · waterfall, Autonomous Region of Bougainville
  7. 7 km Back to Arawa

Plan a longer trip from Arawa — the planner adds a place to stay each night and keeps the route to one loop.

From travellers near Arawa

No traveller has reported from around Arawa yet. Been to one of these places recently? Open it and post what you found — is the waterfall flowing, how crowded was the temple, is the beach safe — so the next visitor knows before they drive.

Post an update from the map →

How to reach Arawa

    All places near Arawa by distance

    Within 15 km of Arawa

    • Dopinpoi · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km
    • Mt. Toraurua · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km
    • Marowa Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~12 km
    • Bakawari Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~14 km
    • Kepotto Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~14 km

    15–50 km — half-day trips

    • Lake Loloru · lake · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~40 km
    • Loloru · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~40 km
    • Kuruki (Kurikiki) · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~16 km
    • Toboroi Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~16 km
    • Tautsina Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~16 km
    • Kaukauwaterei Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~19 km
    • Mota Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~19 km
    • Govu Islet · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~19 km
    • Iara (Möwensand) · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~20 km
    • Gero Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~21 km
    • Taurarku Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~21 km
    • Komboitu Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~22 km
    • Anusagaro · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~23 km
    • Mount Sugarloaf · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~23 km
    • Skoskon · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~24 km
    • Bawareboine Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~24 km
    • Anusakes · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~25 km
    • Tunani Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~25 km
    • Reboine Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~33 km
    • Ambun Rock · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~34 km
    • Metong Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~35 km
    • Taruka · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~35 km
    • Nobinob · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~35 km
    • Baikai (Zeune) Islands (Paukei, Kombai, Baikai) · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~38 km
    • Koromira Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~40 km
    • Mabiri Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~40 km
    • Cape Mabiri · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~40 km
    • Rotana Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~42 km
    • Tautsina Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~45 km
    • Orowere Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~47 km
    • Reini · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~48 km
    • Arni Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~49 km
    • Arigua Reef · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~50 km
    • Tolotapako Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~50 km

    50–100 km — one-day trips

    • Balbi · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~91 km · Must-see
    • Division Hill · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~52 km
    • Togerau Waterfall · waterfall · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~78 km
    • Toimonapu Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~53 km
    • Borora Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~53 km
    • Numa Numa · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~57 km
    • Borora Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~57 km
    • Mount Senfet · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~58 km
    • Empress Augusta Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~58 km
    • Tenekau Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~60 km
    • Chamber's Hill · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~60 km
    • Magini Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~62 km
    • Laluai Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~62 km
    • West Magini Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~62 km
    • Mawara · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~62 km
    • Otua · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~65 km
    • Gazelle Harbor · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~65 km
    • Casuarina Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~67 km
    • Hangars Of World War II · fort · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~68 km
    • Motupena Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~68 km
    • Numa Numa Harbour · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~68 km
    • Aiasina · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~94 km
    • World War II Memorial Torokina · fort · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~69 km
    • Tuarato · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~95 km
    • Oema Atoll · river spot · Western · ~95 km
    • Disabled Tank of World War II · attraction · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~70 km
    • The Bluff · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~70 km
    • Mt. Boeder · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~71 km
    • Torau Bay · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~71 km
    • Oema · river spot · Western · ~97 km
    • Mt. Nampei · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~72 km
    • Cape Torokina · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~73 km
    • Palm Hill · viewpoint · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~73 km
    • Torokina Harbor · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~73 km
    • Torokina Islet · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~73 km
    • Kukuvulu · river spot · Western · ~99 km
    • Puruata Island · river spot · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~74 km
    • Ovau · river spot · Western · ~100 km
    • Maohll · river spot · Western · ~100 km
    • Tiaraka Point · beach · Autonomous Region of Bougainville · ~77 km

    Count by type (within 100 km)

    Places near Arawa by type
    TypeWithin 50 kmWithin 100 kmNearest
    Beaches & coast3159Arco Beach, Arawa (3 km)
    Rivers, islands & mangroves1338Takanupe (12 km)
    Hill stations & viewpoints927Korarei (10 km)
    Forts & heritage24Happy Valley (10 km)
    Other attractions343rd Living Vine Bridge of Topinang (5 km)
    Waterfalls12Kosinau Kuareema Waterfall (7 km)
    Churches12Lighthouse Church (1 km)
    Lakes, dams & reservoirs12Lake Loloru (40 km)

    Arawa: questions travellers ask

    What are the best places to visit near Arawa?

    Kosinau Kuareema Waterfall (waterfall, about 7 km), Takuan (viewpoint, about 30 km), Bougainville (river spot, about 36 km), Panguna Mine (heritage site, about 16 km), Lighthouse Church (church, about 1 km), Arco Beach, Arawa (beach, about 3 km).

    How many tourist places are there within 50 km of Arawa?

    61 places on Spotwander: 31 beaches & coast, 13 rivers, islands & mangroves, 9 hill stations & viewpoints, 2 forts & heritage, 3 other attractions.

    Which is the nearest beach to Arawa?

    Arco Beach, Arawa, about 3 km by road; Arawa Bay (3 km) is next.

    Which is the nearest river spot to Arawa?

    Takanupe, about 12 km by road; Bakawari Island (14 km) is next.

    Which is the nearest viewpoint to Arawa?

    Korarei, about 10 km by road; Dopinpoi (12 km) is next.

    What is a good one-day trip from Arawa?

    Start in Arawa, visit Bougainville, then Billy Mitchell, then Panguna Mine, then Takuan, then Kosinau Kuareema Waterfall, and drive back — about 158 km by road in all.

    What is the best time to visit places near Arawa?

    October to March for beaches & coast; September to February for rivers, islands & mangroves.

    Towns near Arawa

    Sources: places from OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata and GeoNames; Arawa’s location and population from GeoNames; see also Arawa on Wikipedia. Data sources & credits.