A volcano eruption had completely destroyed Rabaul in May 1937 adding few hundred miles to the trip.
The Australians actually had to move their administration to Lae where Earhart refueled.
They rolled the dice and lost.
Even during WWII when the area was better developed it was still a dangerous area to fly, storms could brew up at any time forcing detours that could dangerously stretch your fuel supply.
interesting info, thx