Central Province

Only 46 kilometres from Port Moresby is the Sogeri Plateau. At 800 metres the air is cool and pleasant. Sogeri is the starting point for the famous Kokoda Trail. Nearby is the Varirata National Park. Covering an area of 1,000 hectares, it was the original hunting grounds of its tree-house dwelling landowners.

At certain times of the day, birds of paradise, wallabies and deer can be seen along the walking trails. At the end of the trail the lookout presents a panoramic view of Port Moresby and the coastline. The road to Sogeri passes the historic Bomana War Cemetery and Gardens and the Moitaka Wildlife Farm, a crocodile research farm which also has a collection of native animals and birds. On Fridays visitors are able to see the crocodiles at lunch.

Yule Island, two hours drive west along the Hiritano Highway was one of the first areas to have European contact. Catholic missionaries settled here in 1885 and still maintain a presence in the area. It is a popular spot for peaceful getaways and seafood delights. To the east, only fifteen minutes drive from Port Moresby is Loloata Island Resort, a popular destination for Port Moresby residents and a relaxing alternative for transiting visitors. Surrounded by coral reefs it offers snorkelling, diving, fishing and other water sports.

Milne Bay Air operates flights into the towns of Tapini and Woitape. After a short flight climbing into the Owen Stanley Ranges, the light aircraft lands, with little descent, onto an airstrip cut into the side of the mountain. These are popular destinations for bush walking, fishing and relaxing.

The Hiri or trade voyage of the Motu people from the Central Province began early in the 18th century when food supplies had dwindled along the coast. Yam harvests had failed and the people were dying from starvation and disease. Motuan legend has it that during this time of hardship a
fisherman called Edai Boera was out on the water minding his own business when Divara (he eel spirit)capsized his boat and dragged him to the depths where he was schooled in the skills of making a large ocean going vessel called a Lakatoi . The vessel, said the giant eel, would be the answer
to all their problems. Edai then returned to the surface and his village where he shared his experience before setting about constructing the giant vessel.

Two large canoes were carved and lashed together into a single hull. A platform, a shelter, two large masts and the characteristic Crab Claw sails were added. The Lakatoi was then loaded with ornaments and clay pots (specialties of the area) and set off on the journey to the Gulf to trade for the
much needed supplies.

Several months after the Lakatoi's departure, the easterly winds turned north-westerly and it returned crammed with treasures of taro, sago, betelnut and timber. The historic journey was repeated until the 1950s. Today it is still commemorated as part of Papua New Guinea's Independence Day celebrations.

Exploring Central Province

Sogeri Plateau: Lying at 600m and 46km inland, Sogeri is much cooler and greener than Moresby. Sogeri Road leaves Sir Hubert Murray Highway near the airport and follows the Laloki River, climbing above the gorge with a view of spectacular Rouna Falls. Soon after the falls a road to the right leads to Varirata National Park. The next road left, marked by the Kokoda monument, goes to Owers Corner and the start of the Kokoda Trail. Crystal Rapids, where you can picnic and swim for a small fee, and Sirinumu Dam are along the next road right, or continue straight ahead to Sogeri. On Sundays a small market here sells fruit and vegetables.

Varirata National Park: There is some pleasant walking here, with a network of trails, grassy picnic areas and shelters with barbecues, and lookouts giving fine views to Port Moresby and out to sea. Wallabies are common and birdlife is plentiful. Early morning is the best time to see birds of paradise. You can camp in the park or stay in the small park lodge. For bookings phone (675) 325 9340 or fax (675) 325 4247.

Loloata Island: This pleasant retreat from Moresby is great for a day or a weekend. It lies off Bootless Bay and offers diving, snorkelling, fishing, sailboarding or just relaxing. Bootless Bay is about 20km from Moresby, reached by turning left at Six Mile and following the Magi Highway. The resort ferry leaves the Tahira Boating Centre at 8:30am and 15:30pm, or 17:15pm Fridays. Ph: (675) 325 8590 or visit website www.loloata.com

Hisiu Beach: The small beach resort 100km from Moresby is village operated and has bungalows almost on the sand. Fishing, swimming and surfing are popular. You need to take food, cooking utensils and bedding. Bookings are through Westpac Travel in Boroko, phone (65) 325 4500. Call Chris on (675) 321 4782 Department Administrator.

Yule Island: The large Catholic mission here was founded in 1885 and for a while the island was a government headquarters. Accommodation at the Carmelite convent, phone 325 8023, is in the original nuns' cells. Fishing, swimming, history and good scenery are the attractions. The drive from Moresby is 160km (3 hours) via the Hiritano Highway, turning off to Poukama where a canoe will take you to the island. Otherwise, fly directly to Kairuku Village.

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