Goroka, a small outpost station in the 1950s, has developed into an attractive, well organised town with modern facilities and relaxed atmosphere. It is a major Highlands commercial centre of 25,000 people and at an altitude of 1600 metres it has a climate of perpetual spring.

Culture
Today Goroka has become known for its annual show, held every September. It is a marvellous opportunity to gain an overview of PNGs cultural diversity. The shows were first held in the 50s as a means of gathering together the different tribes and clans. At times there could be more than 40,000 painted warriors dancing to the beat of the Kundu drums. The scenario was an amazing success and grew from its original concept of a local get-together into a major tourist attraction.

Flora and Fauna
Eleven kilometres from Goroka, this 80 hectares provincial park is set in beautiful mountain scenery, great views, picnic shelters and clearly marked walking tracks. It has a botanical sanctuary with rhododendrons and native plants from all over Papua New Guinea, two orchid houses and an information centre. The Park includes a botanical sanctuary, where exotic plants from all over the country have been added to the local, natural orchids and rhododendrons. There are clearly marked walking tracks and a lookout at 2450 metres with panoramic views.

Attractions
Lying at 1600m, this attractive town built around the airport has pleasant temperatures for walking and is cool at night. On Saturdays, the market, across the park on the side of the Highlands Highway, is very colourful and busy as people trade, fruit, vegetables, pigs, feathers, small animals, ferns and fungi. The Raun Raun Theatre is home to a Goroka-based theatre company. This circular building located in the park opposite the market is the place to see live performances.

The JK McCarthy Museum have excellent displays of artefacts, pottery, weapons, war memorabilia and a collection of photos taken when Mick Leahy first came to the area in 1939. It's located across the airstrip on Morchhauser Street.

Arts and Craftsof baskets, highland hats, bilums, spears, bows and arrows and necklaces are available from the museum, from the footpath outside, and inside the lobby of the Bird of Paradise Hotel. Other places to look are the Christian Bookshop, the Prison Rehab Shop behind the Police Station and the art department of University of Goroka. Teachers College.

There is a PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair which started in 2001 and and is held every May each year. Each year on Independence Day in mid-September thousands of painted tribespeople bedecked in feathers, grass skirts and other traditional costumes come together for a huge "sing sing". There are ground-shaking dances, bands and other cultural attractions – a sight not to be missed.

The Raun Raun Theatre Company, based in Goroka is a highly acclaimed performing group which tours both nationally and internationally. The theatre is located near the market, just a short walk from the town centre.

Coffee Plantations: Tours of plantations and processing plants can be arranged and are a good way to see some of the outlying villages.

Asaro Mudmen: Villagers once used weird mud masks to scare their enemies frighten opponents and will show these off for visitors.

Famito: This lush valley 10km south of Goroka has a 9-hole golf course, pretty villages, coffee plantations and a go-cart track.

Lufa: A cave near here has interesting cave paintings and the village makes a good base for climbing Mount Micheal (3380m). Take guides.

Kainantu: Strung along the highway this small town is a key service centre for the local coffee and cattle producers. Located on the Lae side of town, the Eastern Highlands Cultural Centre sells traditional crafts and has a small museum and coffee shop. Open 8am–4.30pm weekdays; 9am–4pm weekends.

Ukurampa: The Summer Institute of Linguistics is based here in the Aiyura Valley, a 30-minute drive from Kainantu. It's a pleasant place for day walks and the Institute has a guesthouse.

Okapa: Traditional culture can be seen in the nearby Yagusa Valley. In town, Highlands Handicrafts sells bark paintings and crafts typical of the area. The Eastern Highlands Mission has a guesthouse for those wanting to do walks, birdwatching, see wildlife or visit villages. Bird of Paradise Hotel (731 3100) has more information.

Things to do

Click here to view accommodation listing in the Eastern Highlands

Air Niugini has direct flights to Goroka from Port Moresby. Third level airlines also provide connections to Goroka from various centres.