The southwestern Pacific country of Papua New Guinea is renowned for its natural beauty. From its beaches and coral reefs to its active volcanoes, hiking routes, and dense rainforest, there’s no shortage of spectacularly scenic areas to captivate your attention.
Nature lovers visit Papua New Guinea from far and wide, eager to use the island as a place to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living. If you’re planning a trip to Papua New Guinea and want to enjoy as many nature-based experiences as possible, here are a few to add to your itinerary:
Bird Watching
You’ll be putting bird watching in Papua New Guinea at the top of your list when you learn about the thriving bird population. Thanks to diverse habitats and climates, as well as a lack of predatory animals, there is a vast array of birds to watch.
See one of the world’s only poisonous bird species, the hooded pitohui, and enjoy watching the vibrant flame bowerbird take flight. There are many great birdwatching locations and tour providers to help you get the most out of your experience, including Bensbach Wildlife Lodge, Bird Quest, Country Tours, and Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions.
Port Moresby Nature Park
Port Moresby Nature Park in the Port Moresby National Capital District is a conservation organization and nature park dedicated to preserving flora and fauna in Papua New Guinea. When you visit the park, you’ll get to experience over 550 native animal species living in tropical gardens and even see traditional Papua New Guinea cultural demonstrations. Port Moresby Nature Park is home to cassowaries, tree kangaroos, bird of paradise, wallabies, and many other wonderful animals across 30 acres.
Mount Tavurvur
If you’re an adventurer who loves hiking, no trip to Papua New Guinea is complete without climbing Mount Tavurvur. Tavurvur is an active stratovolcano that erupted as recently as 2014. A previous eruption in 1994 entirely destroyed the town of Rabaul. Despite being an active volcano, it’s a popular tourist destination. You can climb it in around an hour and visit the nearby natural hot springs.
Sepik River
Water lovers can take great delight in paying a visit to the Sepik River. The Sepik River is the longest river on the island of New Guinea and is also the most extensive unpolluted freshwater system. Alongside simply enjoying its beauty, you can visit the Sepik River to go canoeing, watch crocodiles, and enjoy local cultural experiences.
Varirata National Park
Hikers and nature lovers alike can get their fill at Varirata National Park in the Sogeri Central Province of Papua New Guinea. It’s a wonderful environment for bird watchers, but is equally appreciated for its hiking trails, lookouts, lakes, and streams. There are also plenty of spots for picnicking, with dedicated areas set up with running water, toilets, barbecue areas, and picnic tables.
Papua New Guinea is a treasure trove of amazing nature-based activities and attractions. If you’re planning a trip to the southwest Pacific, consider adding these places to your must-visit list to make memories that last a lifetime.
Photo by Asso Myron on Unsplash
