Port Moresby is the sprawling capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and lies on the country's southern coast. It was named after Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby in 1873 and nowadays Port Moresby is the country's major entry/exit point. Locals usually refer to it as Pom City, or Moresby. It has an excellent natural harbor. The area around Port Moresby is much drier than the rest of Papua New Guinea and water supplies are often restricted./coa.Port Moresby is the sprawling capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and lies on the country's southern coast. It was named after Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby in 1873 and nowadays Port Moresby is the country's major entry/exit point. Locals usually refer to it as Pom City, or Moresby. It has an excellent natural harbor. The area around Port Moresby is much drier than the rest of Papua New Guinea and water supplies are often restricted.
There are several interesting sights in Port Moresby. Close to the city center is the original Motuan settlement village of Hanuabada around which Port Moresby developed. Nearby is Paga Hill, which offers great views over the city. Boroko is an important shopping center, where numerous restaurants, bars, banks and department stores are situated. One of the country's largest and liveliest markets is Gordons Market in the Gordons district. The Parliament House was built in Maprik haus tambaran (spirit-house) style.
If you want to learn more about Papua New Guinea's geography, history, culture, flora or fauna, you should visit the excellent National Museum & Art Gallery. The best places to buy local arts and crafts are Hanuacraft and PNG Arts, while the area's best white sand beaches can be found at Idler's Beach, Sinasi Reefand Daugo Island. Excursions are available from Port Moresby.
There are several hotels and restaurants in the capital, but accommodation is generally very expensive. Port Moresby is a good place to stay if you want to visit the Rouna Falls, Varirata National Park or the Brown River, all located in the country's Central Province. The popular Kokoda walking trail is also nearby.
Be very careful when walking around Port Moresby, as crime has become rampant in the last few years. The city has been discribed as 'one of the most dangerous cities in the world'.
Hours from UTC: 10
Daylight savings time: n/a
City phone code: Not required
Country phone code: 675
Temperature | Precipitation | |
January | 28.1°C (82.6°F) | 17.8 cm (7.01 in) |
April | 27.2°C (81°F) | 10.7 cm (4.21 in) |
July | 25.6°C (78.1°F) | 2.8 cm (1.1 in) |
October | 26.9°C (80.4°F) | 3.6 cm (1.42 in) |
Travel Guides for Port Moresby
Find a flight to Port Moresby