Sights and Attractions
Port Moresby Scenic Views
The largest and capital city Port Moresby, boasts of beautiful views overlooking the pristine waters of the Gulf of Papua. To catch a beautiful sunset or sights of the surrounding harbour one can go to Paga Hill, behind Crowne Plaza or Touaguba Hill above the harbour.
Bomana War Cemetery
Bomana, the largest war cemetery in the Pacific is about 19 kilometres north of Port Moresby. The cemetery is located on the Sogeri Road not far from the Sir Hubert Murray Highway.
Thousands of young Australian and Papua New Guinean soldiers are buried in this carefully tended WWII cemetery, which is a sad reminder of the horrific campaigns in the region.
It was started in 1942 by the Australian Army and is the only Papua New Guinea cemetery to contain white marble headstones and a Stone of Remembrance. It contains 3779 graves.
Hanuabada
Hanuabada is a coastal village in Papua New Guinea located on the outskirts of the nation’s capital, Port Moresby. Hanuabada translated in Motu means big village and it is located north west of downtown Port Moresby. Where land is scarce, villagers have found other ways to create accommodation, like these ingenious stilt houses that extend into the harbour. Hanuabada seems small, but around 15,000 people live in the stilt houses and surrounding villages.
Port Moresby Nature Park
Port Moresby Nature Park (formerly known as Botanical Gardens) is PNG’s only combined botanical and zoological park and garden dedicated to the promotion of PNG’s flora and fauna. Situated within the vast campus of the University of Papua New Guinea,Port Moresby Nature Park is one of the prime tourist attractions in the country. Today, the park has a huge collection of plants from all over Papua New Guinea as well as many plants from other parts of the world. Thousands of tropical plant species including palms, gingers and heliconias and native timber tree species can be seen here. The Nature Park is open to the public daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Adventure Park, 14 Mile
Located just outside Port Moresby, it is the latest recreation and entertainment opportunity for Port Moresby residents.
The park is about 20 minutes drive out from the city and is opposite the Pacific Adventist University.
Fun for all ages, one can do fishing from the shores or on a paddleboat in the middle of the lake or enjoy an adrenalin packed day of water slides to wild life encounters and farm yard which is home to over 100 farm animals.
National Orchid Garden
The National Orchid Garden is a part of the new Adventure Park development at 14 Mile. Totter through the manicured gardens or relax in the hauswin. The variety of orchids is remarkable in this great city getaway.
National Parliament House
Built in the style of a Maprik Haus Tambaran (house of spirits), this impressive building was opened in 1984. The tile mural on the main façade displays the works of some of Papua New Guinea’s best known artists of the time. A visit to Parliament Haus, PNG’s most impressive building, and the cultural displays at the National Museum are recommended – the mosaic façade of Parliament Haus will excite any photographer in the late afternoon. Open 9am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.
National Museum & Art Gallery
The Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery is the “spiritual house” for the rich natural, cultural and contemporary heritage of this country. The museum is owned by the people of Papua New Guinea and has excellent displays of fauna, culture, geography, ethnography and history of Papua New Guinea which include examples of masks and shields, shells, and local foods.
Opening Hours Mon to Fri | 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Sunday | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm . Closed Saturdays | Organised visits only.Entry is by donation.
Crystal Rapids
Just past Sogeri Market, about 40km out of Port Moresby, is the serene getaway of Crystal Rapids. The roads to get here are intimidating and you will need a 4WD or similar to tackle the last of the red earth track, but it’s well worth the effort. The facilities here have recently been resurrected. Sheltered picnic tables and new BBQs add to the relief of arriving in this mountain haven. The rapids are good fun on a rubber tube, but beware of unseen rocks and branches below the surface.
Variata National Park
Varirata is a 40 minute drive from Port Moresby on Sogeri Rd towards the Owen Stanley Range. In total, it covers 1000 hectares of forest. From the look-out at 800m above sea-level, you’ll see breathtaking views of Port Moresby and the Central coast. Activities include bird-watching for kingfishers and Raggiana birds of paradise as well as bushwalking along a variety of trails; some 45 minutes and others 3 hours long.
Loloata Dive Resort
Loloata Island is a welcome getaway, a chance to unwind, commune with nature and enjoy true Melanesian hospitality. A treat to scuba divers, Loloata Island Resort means great diving, and a chance to observe some of the world’s greatest coral reefs and meet a myriad of marine animals in their natural habitat. Loloata is a privately owned intimate resort nestled in Bootless Bay, 25 minutes from the international airport in Port Moresby. Underwater photo enthusiasts find a dazzling array of great fish, corals and invertebrates only minutes away from the jetty.