"Warramunga" was originally assigned to convoy escort duty between Queensland and New Guinea. During April and May 1943, the destroyer was docked for refit. On completion, she was assigned to Task Force 74, which was operating off the coast of Queensland. In July, the Task Force provided cover for Operation Chronicle, the landings at Kiriwina and Woodlark Islands. After was damaged by a Japanese torpedo on 20 July, "Warramunga" and sister ship escorted the cruiser from Espiritu Santo to Sydney. After this, "Warramunga" escorted two convoys from Townsville to Milne Bay, then a force of US Marines from Melbourne to Goodenough Island. After a refit in Sydney, "Warramunga" escorted the cruiser to Brisbane, where the two ships joined Task Force 74. On 29 October, "Warramunga" shelled Gasmata. On 15 December, the destroyer supported the amphibious landings at Arawe. On 26 December, "Warramunga" was involved in pre-landing bombardments at Cape Gloucester.