Oro (Northern ) Province Accommodation and Travel Information
Sandwiched between the Solomon Sea and the Owen Stanley Range, the mountainous Oro Province contains coastal flatlands and several active volcanoes. The climb to the summit of Mount Lamington (1585m) offers fine views over the area and is a highlight for many visitors. Another highlight for walkers is the Kokoda Trail – an historic track once used by the early goldminers. Oro was the scene of bitter fighting between the Japanese and Allied troops during the World War II, and there are war relics scattered throughout the province. The capital of Popondetta services the large palm oil industry. Towards the east, Tufi station has excellent diving in magnificent natural fjords. Clay pots and tapa cloths are the area’s crafts.
Attractions:
- Popondetta
The town services the large palm oil industry and there are banks and airline offices, supermarkets and a bakery. There is a memorial to the victims of the Mount Lamington eruption in 1951, as well as a war memorial with a map of key battle sites.
- Butterflies
The province’s symbol is the Queen Alexandra birdwing butterfly – the largest in the world with a wingspan of 30cm. You can see the birdwing, and three similar species, at Ondahari Village, about 40 minutes north of Popondetta.
- Arts & crafts
Tapa cloth, beaten from the bark of the paper mulberry, is made at Yiaku on Collingwood Bay. You can buy it at Popondetta, St Christopher’s Diocesan Office, just before the Catholic cathedral, the Oro Guesthouse, and the Vocational Centre.
- War relics and sites
Most sites are scattered around Popondetta, and Buna and Gona on the coast, so take a guide.
- Diving & snorkelling
Tufi at Cape Nelson has exceptionally clear waters, abundant fish and beautiful corals in its fiord-like rias. There are easily accessible wrecks and reefs with drop-offs, hammerhead sharks and moray eels. Wanigela, on Collingwood Bay, has great places for snorkelling and can be reached by boat from Tufi. Airlines PNG flies direct into Tufi and Wanigela from Port Moresby on a weekly basis.
- Canoeing
Outrigger canoes are available from many of the guesthouses around Tufi and make an ideal way to explore. For a close-up of river life you can canoe down the Embogo River. Check at Oro Guesthouse for options.
- Trekking & walking
Kokoda and its guesthouses are about a two-hour drive from Popondetta. Guides and information on the Kokoda Trail are available there. Mount Lamington volcano (1585m) can be climbed from Sasembatta Mission, and the views are superb. Get permission and guides from one of the local villages. The Tufi area also has many walks around the rias.
- Fishing
Bendoroda Fishing Lodge offers fishing adventures from a scenic location.
For accommodation in Oro Province, just visit our Oro Province accommodation page to search Oro 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.