PORTS OF CALL - Australia / New Zealand
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is the main gateway to the majestic mountains and waterfalls in this country's lush, wild interior. Palm trees and modern skyscrapers rise against a skyline of rolling hills, the foothills of the inner highlands. Inhabited by the Motu-Koitabu people for centuries, Port Moresby was first sighted by a European in 1873 by Captain John Moresby, who named the port in honor of his father Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. Port Moresby offers good opportunities to learn about the tangled, fascinating history of this country, which achieved full independence in 1975.
Don't Miss
Two things, really - the National Parliament and the National Museum and Art Gallery. The spectacular National Parliament building opened in 1984, blending traditional design with modern building technology, and offers an excellent glimpse into the country's history. The National Museum and Art Gallery, founded just after independence, is known for the dignity of its traditional design and its excellent collections of local cultural artifacts.
Sporting Adventures
Offshore, you'll find beautiful diving conditions off Wuvulu Island, part of the Western Islands of the Bismarck Archipelago. Inland, you can go hunting for Papua New Guinea's famous Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies. With a wingspan of about a foot, and a body length of about 3 inches, they make an impressive, exotic sight.
Shopping for Bargains
Koki market, down at the waterfront, is the place to go to see local commerce in full swing. You'll find plenty of seafood, fresh from the offshore waters, and a colorful variety of fresh vegetables and fruits for sale.
Local Flavours
Port Moresby is enough of a crossroads to be host to a variety of international cuisines, from Chinese to Greek. The local flavors are to be found in the markets, in the fresh seafood and the kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables. Be selective about the stall you choose, to make sure you get the freshest ingredients.
Currency
The official currency in Papua New Guinea is the kina (PKG). In 2007, one US dollar averaged about 3 kina.