It is endemic to Papua New Guinea where it is found in the upland areas of Milne Bay, Morobe, Northern, and Central Provinces, as well from the D'Entrecasteaux Islands and, tentatively, Louisiade Archipelago.

There is almost always a clear yellow stripe on the rear of the thigh, contrasting with the chocolate brown ground color.

The first part is a series weak clucking sounds, followed by a loud, guttural croaking note.

[3] Papurana milneana occurs in low-elevation and mid-elevation forest streams at elevations up to 800 m (2,600 ft) above sea level.

It is nocturnal and most commonly found along the banks and in the stream beds of streams consisting of hard substrates (cobbles, rocks, or boulders), but can occasionally traversing the forest at night, well away from water.