Brooker Island
A small island with a major place in the archaeology of Pacific movement and contact. Research here has brought new attention to relationships between Lapita groups and resident Papuan communities.
Local evidence with Pacific significance.
A Lapita pottery find on Brooker in 2017 led to return excavations in 2018 and 2019. The resulting 2022 study identified early contact evidence, including introduced animals, turtle-bone technology and obsidian imports.
Researchers worked with local communities, and the Brooker and Panaeati communities are credited as collective co-authors. Read the research before considering a cultural visit; excavation places are not unregulated attractions.
Planning your visit
Any visit to community or archaeological places needs the appropriate custodians’ agreement. Arrange local hosting and respect any restrictions on access or photography.
A locally hosted experience
Ask the appropriate hosts which places and activities they are comfortable sharing. Confirm fees, photography permission, transport and a return plan before setting out. Buy directly from local makers where possible and carry waste away.
Find local guided toursResearch checked 22 October 2026. Photographs remain credited to their original sources. Regional or archival views are identified in their captions.