Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay Province in PNG. It is a very scenic town on the north shore of the actual bay named Milne Bay. The town of Alotau is located within the area in which the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat in the Pacific war in 1942, before the Kokoda Trail battle. A memorial park at the old battle site commemorates this historic fact. The Milne Bay people have a deserved reputation for being friendly, easy going and happy. The dangers warned against in other centres are still largely unknown. The lack of a road link out of the Province probably helps maintain this situation. Getting to Alotau is easy. There are daily flights on Qantas and Air Nuigini from many destinations to Port Moresby International Airport. From Port Moresby daily flights on Air Nuigini and MBA Airlines operate to Gurney airport near Alotau. The airport is located 12 km from town.