Places / Oceania / Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby
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At a glance
- Country
- Papua New Guinea
- Region
- National Capital District
- Population
- 400,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Port Moresby Jacksons International (POM)
- Coordinates
- 9.44°S, 147.18°E
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Overview
Papua New Guinea's capital spreads around a natural harbour on the Coral Sea, backed by dry, grassy hills. It is a young, fast-growing city where people from hundreds of language groups across the country meet.
Port Moresby has a reputation for crime, so plan carefully: use hotel or trusted transport and avoid walking at night. In return you get a fascinating introduction to the country's cultures and its Second World War history.
Things to see
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Photo: Brian ireland, CC BY-SA 2.0 Parliament House
A striking building modelled on a Sepik spirit house, with a soaring, decorated façade.
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Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Boan, Public domain National Museum and Art Gallery
Masks, canoes, carvings and ceremonial objects from every corner of the country.
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Photo: Toby Hudson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Port Moresby Nature Park
Tropical gardens with birds of paradise, tree kangaroos and other native wildlife.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: arthur_chapman, CC BY 2.0 Bomana War Cemetery
A peaceful, immaculately kept cemetery for Allied soldiers who died in the Papua campaigns.
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Photo: Stephen Codrington, CC BY 2.5 Hanuabada
A traditional village of houses built on stilts over the water, home to the Motu people.
Things to do
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Photo: Hugh W. Groser, Public domain Walk the Kokoda Track
A tough, multi-day trek over the Owen Stanley Range following the route of the 1942 campaign.
Find tours -
Photo: Francesco Veronesi, CC BY-SA 2.0 Varirata National Park
Forest trails and lookouts on a plateau east of the city, with good birdwatching.
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Photo: Steve Jurvetson from Menlo Park, USA, CC BY 2.0 Hiri Moale Festival
A celebration of the traditional trading voyages of the Motu people, with canoe races and dancing.
Where to stay
Town
The original centre near Ela Beach, with hotels overlooking the harbour.
Hotels in TownWaigani
The government district, close to Parliament House and the National Museum.
Hotels in WaiganiNear the airport
Several secure, comfortable hotels close to Jacksons airport.
Hotels in Near the airport
Getting around
Use hotel transport or a trusted driver rather than public buses, and do not walk around after dark.
The airport is around 10 km from the centre, about 20 minutes by car; most hotels offer transfers.
When to go
The dry season from May to October is the most comfortable time, especially for trekking. The wet season from November to April is hot and humid.
Plan your trip to Port Moresby
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.