This attraction on the outskirts of Port Moresby (mile marker 14) is well worth visiting. The gardens are meticulously maintained and there are always a number of orchids in bloom regardless of the time of year your visit. Workers are available to help guide you or answer any questions. The orchid gardens are part of a fairly new Adventure park which also contains a tall water-slide when you want to beat the heat.
This nature park was founded by Justin Tkatchenko, a PNG gardener, politician and TV personality. In fact he was here the day we visited, getting filmed with an entourage trailing behind him.
Prominent members of the Royal Family from the UK visited this park in late 2012. While the orchid gardens are certainly a worthwhile attraction, aviaries next door are a must visit. Perhaps you’ve already been in the jungles of Papua New Guinea and may have heard the calls from the shy Bird of Paradise but have not yet seen these colorful creatures.
The aviaries contain the largest collection of Birds of Paradise in PNG. You can walk into one large aviary and be surrounded by these birds flying in all directions. Many other smaller displays house some of PNG’s other birds including many parrots, the world’s largest pigeon, the intriguing Victoria Crown Pigeon as well as other native birds to the country.
The nature park and aviaries are open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. For more information visit: www.bgci.org/garden.php?id=547
Hi Dave. You did not visit Port Moresby Nature Park. This story is written about 14 Mile Adventure Park.
The Nature Park is located next to UPNG, just before the suburb of Gerehu.
The Nature Park is a charitable organisation established by the NCDC and is the country’s only internationally accredited zoo.
Would appreciate if you corrected the aeticle as we are not affiliated with the Adventure Park. Please feel free to go to TripAdvisor to confirm we are two separate facilities.