Family fun at Adventure Park Port Moresby
Thursday 20 February 2020
Image via www.papuanewguinea.travel
If you’re looking for an activity the whole family can enjoy in Papua New Guinea’s capital, then look no further than the Port Moresby Adventure Park.
First established almost a decade ago, this expansive park has progressively been developed to become one of the city’s best known and loved family-friendly attractions.
So what’s on offer and what adventures await?
About the park
Located about 15 to 20 minutes outside the capital at 14-Mile in the Sogeri Hills, Port Moresby Adventure Park is Papua New Guinea’s only theme park-style attraction.
Since it first began as a joint venture between the Seventh Day Adventist Church and National Capital District Commission nine years ago, the park has steadily expanded its attractions and offerings.
Now it encompasses a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, waterslides, the southern hemisphere’s largest collection of orchids, and its own resident crocodile.
Meanwhile the entire park is set in lush, manicured gardens with picnic facilities available to the public. Together, the rides, wildlife and expansive surrounds make Port Moresby Adventure Park one of the most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike.
The wildlife
A major drawcard of Adventure Park is the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of PNG’s unique wildlife.
Here you’ll find most of Papua’s iconic birds including the Raggiana bird-of-paradise with its dazzling plumage, along with animals like Tree Kangaroos and awe-inspiring reptiles such as saltwater crocodiles.
In fact, each weekend the park attracts a crowd of visitors just to witness the crocodile feeding on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
The orchids
Also housed in the park are the National Orchid Gardens. Renowned as the largest collection of orchids in the southern hemisphere, it offers visitors the chance to explore an exhibit of over 3000 orchid varieties.
The peak season to view these delicate beauties in full bloom is December to March, but the display is still stunning any time of year.
The rides
Rides at Adventure Park are designed with the family in mind, ranging from a Ferris wheel which takes in picturesque views of 14-mile, to a colourful merry-go-round, paddleboats, and waterslides.
Meanwhile, the grounds are an attraction in themselves, offering plenty of paths to explore at a leisurely pace, shade trees to relax beneath, and picnic facilities. These overlook tranquil lakes that are stocked with fresh fish, and fishing rods and reels are also available for hire.
Getting there
Port Moresby Adventure Park is located 15-20 minutes from the city, opposite the Pacific Adventist University entrance, along the road to Sogeri.
Entry to the park is free, with the on-site activities each attracting a small fee. Picnic facilities and a café are available, and the park is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
About Paga Hill Estate
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.