Overview
Goroka is the capital of Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands province, sitting at 1,600 m above sea level with a pleasant spring-like climate year-round. The city is best known for the annual Goroka Show, a major cultural event held around September 16 when PNG celebrates its independence, drawing participants from over 100 tribes.
Culture · Day Trips · Festivals · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Connectivity
Bmobile and Digicel provide mobile coverage; Digicel offers 3G. Hotels generally have internet access.
Money
ATMs available at Westpac and ANZ banks, including one inside Bird of Paradise Hotel. Credit cards accepted at larger stores but beware of occasional fraud.
Safety
Town centre is walkable but crowded. Road travel risky, especially at night. Some areas like Mt Kiss road are no-go zones.
Transport
PNG Air flies twice daily between Port Moresby and Goroka. Road travel on the Highlands Highway is risky due to landslides and bandits.
Weather
At 1,600 m elevation, Goroka has a pleasant climate year-round with temperatures ranging 15-27°C. September coincides with the Goroka Show.