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This takes place on the weekend of PNG's Independence Day in mid-September. The centrepiece is a race of up to 100 traditional Lakatoi canoes, recalling the sea voyages undertaken by the Motuan people from the Port Moresby area who exchanged sago and clay pots with the people of neighbouring Gulf Province. The departure of the canoes from Port Moresby's Ela Beach is really spectacular. The festival is the city's main cultural show with traditional performances, as well as the canoes.
formerly National Capital Botanical Gardens
A must for the visitor. Has some amazing examples of PNG wildlife such as birds of paradise, a couple of casowaris, and several other native birds. If you are lucky you might catch a wedding while you are there as some locals like to conduct the ceremony in the gardens. On the same road is the National Orchid Garden which is also well worth a look – it is planned to encompass a zoological garden in the future.
PNG's national museum has a relatively small but fascinating collection which includes wonderful sculptures, beads, traditional boats and cultural objects. The exhibits are well displayed and housed in an architecturally interesting building. Photography is not permitted inside the museum but there are newer objects outside, along with some remains from World War II in varying states of decay, including planes and tanks.
A beautifully maintained cemetery, home to 3,824 Commonwealth burials from World War II. It is the resting place of many Australian soldiers from the Kokoda Trail, plus some of the Papuan Battalion in the last two rows. A nurse in the third to last row is the only woman in the cemetery.
Parliament Haus is one of the most impressive buildings in Port Moresby, built in the style of a Maprik Haus Tambaran (house of spirits from East Sepik Province). Dating from 1984, it is usually open to visitors.
Perhaps not so much to see, but this is where the ambassadorial residences are located and is also where many of the well-to-do expats and locals live. There is a nice view from the top of the hill overlooking the centre of the city and the ocean.
Numerous crocodiles, some very large, as well as birds and other animals.