Papua New Guinea is a land of extraordinary cultural diversity and pristine natural beauty in the Pacific. From the vibrant traditions of over 800 indigenous cultures to world-class diving sites and the legendary Kokoda Track, PNG offers adventurers an unparalleled experience in one of the world's last frontiers.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Varirata National Park
Highlights: PNG first national park with highland rainforest, birds of paradise sightings, walking trails, panoramic views over Port Moresby, wildlife including tree kangaroos
Bomana War Cemetery
Highlights: WWII Australian and PNG war graves in a beautifully maintained setting, Kokoda Track historical context, over 3800 graves including soldiers who died on the Track
Loloata Island Marine Reserve
Highlights: World-class snorkeling and diving on healthy coral reefs, white sand beaches, resident sea turtles, relaxed island atmosphere away from the city
Sogeri Plateau and Rouna Falls
Highlights: Rouna Falls hydroelectric waterfalls, coffee plantation visits, start of the Kokoda Track at Owers Corner, cooler highland air and scenic Laloki River valley
Laloki River Gorge
Highlights: Natural freshwater swimming holes in tropical rainforest, dramatic gorge scenery, local picnic spots popular with Port Moresby residents, birdlife
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Port Moresby to Varirata, Bomana, and Sogeri from $80-150 per person. Trans Niugini Tours and local hotel tour desks arrange these.
- Private
- Private hotel-arranged driver for the day $150-250 for a 4WD with security-vetted driver. Best option for flexibility and safety. Hotels arrange this on request.
- Public
- PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles) connect Port Moresby to Sogeri Road area but are NOT recommended for tourists due to safety concerns. Always use private transport.
- Rental
- Car rental from Avis at Jacksons Airport from $60-100/day but self-driving is not recommended due to security risks and poor road conditions outside the city.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
All day trips from Port Moresby should be arranged through your hotel - never attempt day trips independently without security-vetted transport
Start early to avoid the tropical midday heat and to catch wildlife and birds most active in morning hours
Loloata Island requires advance booking - contact the resort to arrange boat transfer from Bootless Bay
Combine Bomana War Cemetery with a stop at the National Museum for a full WWII history day
The Sogeri Road circuit (Rouna Falls + Owers Corner + Varirata) makes an excellent full-day private driver trip
For security reasons, all day trips should return to your hotel well before dark - never be on the road after sunset