Central Province

2nd June 2016

Jutting out at the southern tail of Papua New Guinea is Central Province. It is famous for its historical and testing of the human spirit trek – The Kokoda Trail. Just as awe inspiring are the shelves of reefs to explore, the jungle clad mountains to climb, the many nature reserves to meander through and the vibrant culture which breathes life into every inch of this wondrous land.

Central Province is home to more than 269,000 people according to the 2011 census. It is made up of four districts; Abau district, Goilala district, Kairuku-Hiri district and Rigo district. Hiri Motu is widely spoken but Tok Pisin reigns as the dominant language in the provincial capital of Port Moresby.

Port Moresby is the landing point for many international travellers and offers beaches, beautiful art and craft markets and an array of restaurants plating up international level cuisine as well as cafes that are swirling with the smell of Papua New Guinea’s finest coffee. Once the appropriate amount of morning caffeine has been delightfully ingested, be sure to wander down to the Ela Beach craft market. Here you will really witness the pride and passion the people of Papua New Guinea have for their country. Local and raw materials are used to make intricately carved sculptures, delicately woven baskets, billiums and tropical blooms which are potted for customers and sightseers. These markets showcase artists with an immense amount of talent and if you speak to one of the vendors about their art you will soon discover that every piece holds cultural significance and a story.

Ela Beach Craft Market

To escape the bustle of the city and commune with nature, take a relaxed 10-minute private ferry shuttle or water taxi to Loloata Island. It’s hard not to breathe deeper and slower here when surrounded by so much natural beauty. Travellers will feel as if they have stepped into another universe, one that has an underwater world filled with coral reefs and ocean wildlife. Explore this island paradise by snorkelling, diving, kayaking or swimming in the warm crystal clear waters.

Loloata Island

Moving away from the coast and to the eastern part of Central Province, the Sogeri road emerges and snakes all the way up to the volcanic formed Sogeri plateau. The scenic plateau is lush and green and described at the turn of the 19^th Century by the Irish writer, Beatrice Grimshaw, “as one of the most beautiful places in the world”. From here you can find your way to the Rouna falls and not far way is the start of the Kokoda track at Owens corner. For a small fee you can swim and picnic at the serene Crystal Rapids or go deeper into the rainforest and visit the Variarata National park where there are plenty of walking trails and you are likely to spot the native wallabies and colourful birds of paradise.

For the history-hungry, Central Province will appease your appetite for knowledge. The National Museum and Art gallery in Port Moresby will give you an insightful introduction into the history and rich indigenous culture of Papua New Guinea. Move slowly through the exhibits as you learn about and view skull racks, yam cult masks and kina shell money. Be simultaneously entertained and informed by attending the Hiri Moale festival. This festival is a celebration of the Hiri trade that existed in the pre-colonial times. The Motu people would build impressive multi hull lagatoi canoes and sail west to islands in the Gulf to trade clay pots for Sago. The festival celebrates trading and cultural links and the friendship between people. For those wanting to walk in the footsteps of history then embarking on the 10-11 day Kokoda track is an intimate calling as you will follow the trail where Australian soldiers in the Second World War fought the Japanese in a battle spanning over many months. This trail is challenging but will inspire you and is truly a life changing experience.

A hiker leaves Nauro village, Kokoda Trail

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.