Discover all the fun and exciting things you can do at Port Moresby Nature Park.
By Elizabeth Makis
Port Moresby Nature Park is one of Papua New Guinea’s most visited attractions, receiving over 145,000 visitors annually. With over 550 animals and hundreds of plant species not found outside of Papua New Guinea, the POM Nature Park has become PNG’s only internationally recognized wildlife park that sets the bench-mark for tourism, animal-welfare, and community nature-based education. The park boasts a number of activities one can indulge in when visiting. Come take a look and see just what you could expect to find when vising the Port Moresby Nature Park.
1. Animals
Port Moresby Nature Park is home to over 350 native animals, many of which are rarely seen outside of PNG. The park allows you to get up-close with these unique wild-life via the well-designed sanctuaries. See different bird species in the WWII Walk-through Aviary, the Parrot Walk-through Aviary, the Crowned Pigeon Aviary, the Bird of Paradise Precinct, and the Cassowary Corridor; or get up-close with the tree kangaroos in the Tree Kangaroo Trail or see different species of wallabies in the Wallaby Walk. Or bravely step through the Reptile Haus and see the various types of reptiles housed, from small frogs, to shiny snakes, and crocodiles.
2. Gardens
Papua New Guinea has the third largest rainforest in the world, with two-thirds of the island still covered with forest. From the tiniest flower to the tallest tree, Papua New Guinea is a utopia for botanists and lovers of diverse flora. Port Moresby Nature Park, prides itself in being the only rainforest within the city of Port Moresby. From the Palm Corridor to the Rainforest Retreat, there are thirty acres of beautifully tended gardens that are enjoyed by visitors from all over the country and the world. A walk through the Port Moresby Nature Park is a walk through a tranquil forest, that allow visitors to see the beauty of Papua New Guinea’s diverse vegetation.
3. Cultural Displays
Papua New Guinea is a land with over a thousand tribes, each with their own traditions and culture. Port Moresby Nature Park believes that Papua New Guinea’s tradition and culture are tied to the natural environment. Animals and plants have always held significance in each distinct culture in Papua New Guinea, therefore, the park not only houses wild-life, but connects the environment to PNG culture. There are various cultural exhibits at different locations around the park including a traditional yam house, a traditional war canoe and traditionally carved totem poles.
4. Events
With A very large space and a peaceful setting, Port Moresby Nature Park has a number of venues available for hire. Whether you want to hold a corporate function on the deck, a birthday party at the round house garden, a family picnic on the frangipani lawn, a wedding at the chapel or a casual barbecue with friends in the aviary garden, Port Moresby Nature Park is your best choice! With several venues and hire options available to suit all budgets and delicious catering packages also available to take care of food and drinks for your special day, Port Moresby Nature Park is a great location to host any type of gathering.
5. Natures Gift Shop
Port Moresby Nature Park not only leaves you with memories, but also special souvenirs from your visit there. At Nature’s Gift you can take home your own keepsake from Port Moresby Nature Park! Hand-crafted arts and crafts items, carvings, souvenirs, books, postcards, stationery, bags, baskets, educational and plush toys and other mementos are available for purchase. All purchases help the park to look after the animals and assist with the running and upkeep of the park.
6. Natures Café
After a long walk through the park, one may find themselves thoroughly exhausted. Relax at Nature’s Café, nestled on a spacious deck under the canopy of rainforest trees.
Enjoy a delicious meal, or a nice warm cup of PNG coffee to the sounds of birds singing in the trees. On weekends, drop by Port Moresby Nature Park and try the Hombina Grill. Enjoy the park’s new barbeque menu in the Main Picnic Area, a short stroll from the park’s entrance.
For further information, visit the Port Moresby Nature Park website.
