port town, southeast tip of mainland Papua New Guinea, southwestern Pacific Ocean. Situated on the northern shore of Milne Bay, the town lies in the forested foothills of an eastward extension of the Owen Stanley Range. Cocoa and vegetables are grown nearby, and coconuts are raised along the coast east of the town. Overseas and coastal wharves, completed in 1975, have made Alotau a prominent regional port. Copra is brought in for transshipment overseas, and fishing vessels operate out of the port. A paved road connects Alotau with Dogura to the northwest, and an airport is located at nearby Gurney. Pop. (2000) 10,025.