Morobe Province Accommodation and Travel Information
The gateway to the Highlands, Morobe boasts majestic mountains and lush rainforest filled with butterflies, orchids and tropical birds. The Huon Gulf provides excellent fishing and diving and there are good reefs around the coastal town of Finschhafen, Salamaua District and the Siassi Islands. Lae is the capital and Papua New Guinea’s second-largest city. It was once a tiny mission station before the 1920s goldrush at Wau, and later developed into a major seaport. The town is well serviced by banks, hotels, department stores, markets and artefact shops and is linked to the Highlands by the Okuk Highway.
Attractions:
- Lae
Built on a flat headland, the city is laid out around the Botanical Gardens. There are two ports, one at Voco Point, and the main wharf south of the old airstrip, at the end of Milford Haven Road. On the flatlands between the airstrip and the town is the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, built for the 1991 South Pacific Games.
- Lae Botanical Gardens
This haven of greenery has huge trees, bright, noisy birds, lizards and an extensive orchid collection.
- Lae War Cemetery
Most of the 2363 graves in this peaceful, well-kept cemetery are of young Australians. Located within the Botanical Gardens, it’s a short walk from town along Coronation Drive to Memorial Avenue. A map of the cemetery is available.
- Unitech
The Matheson Library of technology is the South Pacific’s largest and has a collection of artefacts with rare pieces. Buildings worth seeing are the haus tambaran-style coffeehouse and the 36 Sepik-style carved pillars in Duncanson Hall.
- Rainforest Habitat
Located next to the University of Technology is 3000sq m of rainforest under a canopy, with a lake, raised walkways, semi-tame birds and beautiful flowers. You’ll find the largest variety of birds of paradise species anywhere in the world, together with other native wildlife such as tree kangaroos, parrots and cassowaries.
- Markets
Lae’s main market is located on Air Corps Road west of the old airstrip. Food, produce and local curios are available here.
- Arts & Crafts
Street sellers often position themselves outside department stores. Look for bilums and other crafts at the main market. The biggest selection is at Melanesian Arts Centre.
- Wau and Bulolo
Goldmining, birdwatching and butterflies are the attractions in the hills south of Lae. Wau Ecology Institute has a small museum with photos of Wau in its heyday, hostel accommodation and a Butterfly Ranch. The small McAdam National Park preserves the last virgin stands of Klinkii and hoop pine and has many birds and tree kangaroos. There is one trail and you will need a guide.
- Limestone Caves
Near Mumeng on the scenic drive to Bulolo are the Avilu Caves and the Avadedu burial ledges, above the Gangwe River.
- Menyamya and Aseki
In this coffee-growing region in the heart of Anga country people still wear traditional dress. Anga people used to smoke their dead and mummified bodies can be seen at Angipena, between Wau and Aseki. Market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in Aseki, and Monday, Thursday and Saturday in Menyamya.
- Finschhafen
First colonised by Germans in 1885, this small coastal town is peaceful and idyllic. There is guesthouse accommodation, good snorkelling and walking. Beautifully carved Tami Island bowls can be bought at nearby Malasiga Village. Sialum, a two-hour drive north, also has good walking, swimming and snorkelling.
- Salamaua
Important during the war, this pretty area has war relics, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and walking to Coastwatchers Ridge and Mount Tambu for spectacular views. There is guesthouse accommodation. Boats leave from Voco Point in Lae.
- Labu Tali Conservation Area
Giant leatherback turtles come here between late November and early February to lay eggs. Guesthouses are at Maus Buang and at Busama, and villagers will act as guides. Fishing, bushwalking and swimming are other options. Boats going to Salamaua stop here.
- Kamiali Wildlife Management Area
Local people run eco tours to see turtles nesting or you can swim, fish, snorkel, walk or paddle canoes.
- Diving
Niugini Diving runs dive trips aboard the Babarian II. The coasts around Finschhafen, Salamaua and the Siassi Islands are particularly good. The wrecks of the B-17 bomber Black Jack and the Dutch cargo ship St Jacob are interesting dives.
- Fishing
Various fishing charters and cruises can take you out to show you the best spots.
- Trekking
There are several long hikes but you will need a guide. Finschhafen to Lae around the coast takes three to four days, or fly to Teptep, a village high in the Finisterre Mountains, for the two-day walk to Wantoat. A section of the old Bulldog Track between Tekaku and Kakoro can also be done in two days. The Black Cat Track, from Wau to Salamaua, should take five days. The trek was used during the gold rush era in Wau in the early 1920s and during World War II.
- Birdwatching
The Wau area has some good spots.
- Golf
Papua New Guinea’s best golf course has its clubhouse on Bumbu Road, near the intersection with Markham Road.
- Cruises
Morobe Tours offers day and overnight charters out to Huon Gulf, Salamaua, Busamang and Jawani Island onboard the luxury MV Endeavour.
For accommodation in Morobe Province, just visit our Morobe Province accommodation page to search Morobe Province accommodation listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include motels and motor lodges, hotels, bed and breakfasts, camping grounds and holiday parks, resorts and lodges, backpackers and hostel accommodation.
For things to see and do in Morobe Province, just visit our things to see and do in Morobe Province guide to search for Morobe Province listings, and make enquiries or bookings online. Our listings include tourist attractions, tours, and sightseeing in the area.