Papua New Guinea

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Papua New Guinea - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. National Museum and Art Gallery

    Museum/Gallery

    This museum is in desperate need of serious TLC, but is still worth a visit. It may be dusty, dimly lit, and in poor repair, but it gives you a chance to see objects from across the island that you might not encounter anywhere else. There are totem poles, masks, shields, musical instruments, and even a large outrigger canoe decorated in cowrie shells—all showing the extraordinary and uniquely varied ethnographic makeup of this diverse land. Other displays focus on its geography, flora and fauna, as well as documenting history, including WWII. Important: the museum is in an isolated area beside the parliament house. During the weekdays the area is safe, but if visiting on Sunday, either go with a tour group or with a security escort. Muggings are common and even carjackings are not unknown.

    Independence Drive, Waigani, Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: 12 kina (suggested donation), Weekdays 8:30–3:30, Sun. 1–3:30
  • 2. Parliament Haus

    Government Building

    Port Moresby is hardly overwhelmed with fascinating architecture, but this is one building that bucks the trend. Officially opened in 1984 in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, the angular main block is designed in the form of a Maprik-style haus tambaran, or spirit house, while the adjacent circular café building is Eastern Highlands in design. The most remarkable feature of the exterior is its façade, covered with a fabulous mosaic mural depicting various motifs. Created by several of Papua New Guinea's best known artists of the time, it represents each of the provinces. Inside, the cavernous lobby contains a collection of Sepik masks, as well as glass cases filled with a collection of massive local butterflies, beetles, and stick insects. Locals advise against coming here on weekends, as there have been reports of muggings.

    Magani Crescent, Independence Drive, Waigani, Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea
    -327–7400

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free, Weekdays 8–noon and 1–3, and when parliament is in session
  • 3. Port Moresby (Bomona) War Cemetery

    Memorial/Monument/Tomb

    This cemetery is of particular significance to visitors of one nationality, since the majority of those who lie here were Australian. Port Moresby's strategic natural harbor and its proximity to Australia placed it high on the Japanese wish list in World War II. After an attempt to take the city by sea was thwarted in the Coral Sea in May 1942, a decision was made to approach it overland instead. Japanese forces landed on the north coast of New Guinea in July 1942, and they made it as far as a ridge 56 km (35 miles) from Port Moresby before their advance was finally halted in September. The cemetery contains 3,825 victims of the fighting, of whom around 700 are unidentified. At one end of the cemetery is a large memorial, a white circular rotunda commemorating around 750 officers and men of the Australian Army, Merchant Navy, and Air Force who gave their lives during the operations in Papua and who have no known grave. The cemetery is around 18 km (11 miles) north of the city, on the road to Nine Mile. It is approached via a side road called Pilgrims Way.

    Pilgrims Way, Bomona, Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 4. Port Moresby Nature Park

    City Park

    At the north end of Waigani Drive, close to the University of PNG, this nature park was formerly—and in some literature, still is—known as the National Capital Botanical Gardens. PNG's only botanical and zoological gardens, it is dedicated to promoting and preserving the nation's unique flora and fauna, and after years of neglect, major upgrades are finally bringing the facilities into the 21st century. The park is home to native animals, including tree kangaroos, wallabies, cassowaries, hornbills, and parrots. The aviary, home to several species of birds of paradise, may be your only opportunity to see these magnificent creatures. The peaceful grounds offer welcome respite from the bustle of the city and are also where you will find the only remaining tract of rain forest in the region, accessible via a wooden boardwalk. There are thousands of tropical plant species here, including dozens of orchids found only in PNG.

    Goro-Kaeaga Road at Waigani Road, Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea
    -326–0248

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: 10 kina, Daily 9–4
  • 5. Varirata National Park

    Forest

    You'll need your own transport to get here, and also to bring your own supplies, because although this park is officially staffed by rangers, in practise they can often be hard to find (meaning you may also avoid the park entry fee). About 24 km (15 miles) east of Port Moresby, this is the country's first national park. It only covers an area of around 10 square km (4 square miles), but it reaches a height of around 760 meters (2,500 feet), and the vegetation varies from woodland and grassland to rain forest. It has six well-marked walking trails that take from 45 minutes to around 3 hours to hike, and none are too taxing, although the going can be oppressively humid. Along the way are viewpoints looking back down over Port Moresby and to the coast. Birdwatchers may be rewarded with a glimpse of kingfishers, bower birds, and maybe even a rare bird of paradise. Officially, it's possible to camp here, but safety is an issue and thus this is not recommended except for large groups.

    Sogeri Road, Rouna, Port Moresby, National Capital, Papua New Guinea
    -325–0195

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: 5 kina
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