Welcome to Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea, on the shores of the Coral Sea along the south-western coast of the Papuan Peninsula. The Motu-Koitabu people have lived here for centuries. The first Briton to see the place was Royal Navy Captain John Moresby in 1873, and he named it after his father, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Fairfax Moresby. The city grew as a trading centre in the late 19th century, and during the Second World War it was a key objective for Japanese forces. Today it is one of the largest cities in the southwestern Pacific. Let's explore.
Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery
Photo: Mahn Sorell · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsIn the district of Waigani stands the National Museum and Art Gallery, Papua New Guinea's national museum. Its roots go back to 1889, when the British governor William Macgregor began collecting natural history specimens and objects reflecting the territory's unique animals and cultures. The hoped-for museum did not appear then, and that collection was scattered among museums in Australia. Later, the Australian administration opened two museums in Port Moresby: one for natural history in 1907 and one for anthropology in 1914, built around indigenous artefacts.
National Parliament House
Photo: Brian ireland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsHere is National Parliament House, home of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea. Before it was built, the House of Assembly met from 1964 to 1975 in a downtown building that had once been a hospital. The new Parliament Building was officially opened by Prince Charles on 8 August 1984, and it stands next to the Supreme Court buildings.
Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery
We now come to a quiet place of remembrance, Bomana War Cemetery, a Commonwealth war cemetery from the Second World War. Here lie those who died in the fighting in the former Territory of Papua and on Bougainville Island. The remains of 3,826 Commonwealth soldiers rest here, 699 of them unidentified, and over 600 Indian soldiers are buried among them. Among the graves are two Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross and the official war artist Rex Julius. Please take a moment in silence as you walk between the rows.
Hanuabada
Photo: Stephen Codrington · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia CommonsOn the outskirts of the city, northwest of downtown, lies Hanuabada, whose name simply means big village. It is the largest village of the Motuan people, with more than 15,000 residents, and locals call it HB. It was here, in 1884, that the British declared the New Guinea Protectorate. Hanuabada also has a remarkable sporting record: it produces a large share of the national cricket team, and of Papua New Guinea's nine Commonwealth Games medals, eight have come from this village.
Port Moresby Nature Park
Take a break among the greenery of Port Moresby Nature Park, which spreads over 30 acres and offers botanical, zoological and nature experiences. It is accredited by the Australian zoo and aquarium association and devoted to animal care, conservation and education, raising awareness of why biodiversity matters.
St. Mary's Cathedral
We end at St. Mary's Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Port Moresby, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Notice its light blue exterior and the white tower that stands to one side of the main entrance. In May 1984 the cathedral welcomed Pope John Paul the Second.
Lomakuume
