Following the Battle of Sydney Harbour (often referred to as the Attack on Sydney Harbour), HMAS "Lolita" continued patrol duties at Sydney and Newcastle. In August 1944, "Lolita" received orders to proceed to New Guinea. Following the installation of new engines and fuel tanks to extend her range, "Lolita" proceeded north under tow by HMAS "Yandra". Lolita finally arrived at Madang on 9 April 1945, with the intention to proceed further north to Wewak. Before doing so, she attended the repair base at Alexishafen for engine repairs and hull cleaning. However, on 13 June 1945, "Lolita" was destroyed at the repair base by a massive explosion within the engine room. The explosion caused the death of two naval personnel, William Bertalli and Alfred Smith and badly injured the commander Lieutenant Trim and another member of the crew.