Car Hire Papua New Guinea - Mini guide to Papua New Guinea

Stunning natural scenery and untamed wilderness explain Papua New Guinea’s appeal as a destination for those seeking a truly unique holiday experience.

The capital of Port Moresby is the most convenient base from which to explore this exciting country, and boasts several notable attractions, including the lively markets of Boroko and Gordons (reputedly the largest in the country), where you can spend hours being amazed at the variety of goods offered for sale; Parliament House and the National Museum & Art Gallery, with its excellent exhibits on the country's geography, history, culture, flora and fauna; while out of town, Idler's Beach, Sinasi Reef and Daugo Island boast white, sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs, affording plentiful opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Along the coast to the southeast, the beautiful province of Madang has plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving, particularly off Kranket and Long Islands. On the north coast is the spectacularly located city of Rabaul, which, although destroyed by its Tuvurvur volcano in 1994, is still an interesting location due to its excellent World War II diving sites and tunnels and caverns.

For those with enough time, cruise up the mighty Sepik River to observe the picturesque traditional stilt houses along its shores, long canoes with their crocodile-head prows, unique fauna, and misty lakes. The Sepik region also boasts perfect beaches, great diving and jagged mountain ranges. Alternatively, head inland to the Highland region, which includes the fascinating towns of Kainantu, Mt Hagen, Mendi, and Wabag, as well as the stunning Mt Gahavisuka Provincial Park, majestic Mt Wilhelm, and tranquil Lake Kutubu. Be sure to sample the many unique and intricate handicrafts of the region, which include ornately decorated bows and arrows, kina shells, basketry and coarse woolen goods.

As Papua New Guinea is still a developing country, quality accommodations and restaurants are often difficult to locate and tend to be quite expensive. Nightlife is usually limited.

Port Moresby International Airport is served mainly via connections from Australia, however there are direct connections with Singapore, Manila, and Guam. Transportation services from the airport into the city are frequent and reliable.