Wau, town on the island of New Guinea, eastern Papua New Guinea, southwestern Pacific Ocean. The town is situated at the junction of Edie Creek and the Bulolo River, in a mountainous region accessible by road from Lae and by air from Port Moresby. Gold was first discovered (1921) at Koranga Creek, followed by further strikes on Edie Creek flats. Wau was the scene of World War II battles (1943), especially around its hillside airstrip. The town was rebuilt after the war, but not on its former scale. Gold, although still significant, has been replaced in economic importance by coffee and timber, which are exported through Lae. Because of its elevation (3,543 feet [1,080 metres]) it is promoted as a “hill station” for Europeans. Nearby are a wildlife research centre and McAdam National Park.