Port Moresby Nature Park

The Nature Park in Waigani began as the university botanic garden and has been rebuilt since 2010 into one of the best-run visitor attractions in Port Moresby: around twelve hectares of gardens with orchid and plant collections, and enclosures holding native species that are otherwise very hard to see, including several birds-of-paradise, tree kangaroos, cassowaries, cuscus, crocodiles and hornbills. It is a working conservation and education institution as well as a park, with breeding programmes and school outreach. Paths run through planted gardens with shade and a cafe. For a visitor with limited time or limited access to the interior, it is the most reliable place in the country to see the wildlife the island is known for.

What to look for

• Birds-of-paradise - several species in walk-through aviaries.
• Tree kangaroos - the arboreal marsupials in enclosures.
• Cassowaries - the large flightless birds of the forest.
• The gardens - the orchid and native plant collections.

When to go

Year round; the park is open daily and the wildlife is visible in any season. Mornings are cooler and animals more active. School holidays bring local families.

Things to know

The animals are in enclosures, not wild. The park is small relative to a zoo in a larger country. Getting around Port Moresby means arranged transport rather than walking between districts. Entry is charged with a higher rate for visitors.

Nearby

Parliament Haus lies close in Waigani; the National Museum is nearby.