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Central Highlands
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Explore Papua New Guinea’s Central Highlands for mountain scenery, ancient agriculture, coffee country, cultural festivals and guided treks.

Papua New Guinea’s Central Highlands form a broad interior world of steep green valleys, high grasslands, volcanic ridges and isolated communities, rising far above the tropical coast. The region is not a single administrative province but a geographical travel area generally associated with the highland provinces of Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands and Enga. Its principal gateways include Goroka, Kainantu, Kundiawa, Mount Hagen, Wabag and Tari, each serving a different mountain basin and cultural landscape.
Read more about Central Highlands
The Highlands are shaped by elevation. In the valleys, gardens of sweet potato, taro, vegetables and coffee occupy fertile slopes, while higher ground opens into kunai grassland, mossy forest and dramatic mountain country. Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea’s highest peak, rises in Chimbu Province, and the landscapes around the Bismarck Range offer serious trekking in changeable conditions. Around Goroka and Kainantu, cultivated hills and market gardens define the scenery; westwards, Mount Hagen is a commercial and transport centre surrounded by densely settled valleys; farther south, the Tari Basin is known for forest, birds and the distinctive cultural traditions of Hela communities.
Highland society developed through long periods of local adaptation rather than a single political kingdom. Hundreds of languages are spoken across Papua New Guinea, and neighbouring valleys may have different histories, customs and ceremonial practices. Visitors encounter this diversity through village visits arranged with local guides, cultural festivals, agricultural markets, bilum weaving, woodcarving, church communities and the everyday movement of people between gardens and towns. The Goroka Show and Mount Hagen Cultural Show can provide a concentrated introduction to regional performance traditions, although dates and arrangements vary and should be checked before travel.
The region’s history is also preserved in archaeological landscapes. The Kuk Early Agricultural Site near Mount Hagen records a long sequence of highland cultivation and is one of the most important archaeological places in Oceania. Later colonial patrols, missions, airfields and roads linked previously separated valleys with the wider territory, while coffee became a major cash crop in suitable districts. Today, the Central Highlands combines subsistence farming, commercial agriculture, public institutions, churches, small-scale trade and a growing interest in trekking and cultural tourism.
Travel here requires patience and careful planning. Road journeys can be slow because of mountain terrain, weather, maintenance and security considerations, and domestic flights are important for linking the principal towns. Many rewarding experiences depend on trusted local arrangements rather than independent sightseeing. The appeal lies in the combination of high-altitude scenery, archaeological depth, living cultures and the visual drama of a populated mountain environment, but visitors should approach communities respectfully and obtain informed local guidance before entering rural areas.

When is the best time to visit Central Highlands?

Best: May–July · 22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January23301
February22290
March22280
April22271
May (best)22260
June (best)22250
July (best)22261
August22271
September22280
October22290
November22300
December23310

Getting to and around Central Highlands

How to get there

Most international visitors enter Papua New Guinea through Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, outside the Central Highlands, and connect by domestic flight to airports serving Goroka, Mount Hagen, Kundiawa, Wabag or Tari, subject to the current aviation programme. Goroka and Mount Hagen are the most commonly used gateways for central and western highland itineraries, while Tari provides access to the Hela area. Overland approaches from Lae or Port Moresby are possible in principle but are long, condition-dependent journeys rather than straightforward alternatives. Arrange airport transfers and onward travel in advance, particularly for smaller destinations.

Transportation

Domestic flights are the practical way to move between the principal highland towns, while roads connect nearby valleys and market centres but can be slow, rough or affected by rain and maintenance. Public transport commonly includes locally operated buses and shared vehicles, but routes, comfort and reliability vary; independent visitors should seek current local advice before using them. Hiring a car without experienced local support is rarely suitable for long rural journeys. Taxis and hotel vehicles are more useful in towns, while trekking, village visits and birdwatching require pre-arranged guides, permissions and transport. Avoid travelling after dark and allow generous time for road delays.

Top city travel guides in Central Highlands

The cities of Central Highlands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Central Highlands

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Central Highlands

Central Highlands attractions are spread across separate mountain basins, so the region rewards planned journeys rather than a single town-based itinerary. Goroka offers access to Eastern Highlands market life, agricultural landscapes and cultural events, while Mount Hagen is the principal western hub and a starting point for coffee, village and mountain excursions. The Kuk Early Agricultural Site near Mount Hagen is especially significant for visitors interested in archaeology and the origins of highland cultivation. Around Chimbu, high-altitude trails lead towards the Mount Wilhelm area, where forest, alpine vegetation and changing weather create demanding hiking conditions. The Tari Basin in Hela is known for forest habitats, birdwatching and cultural experiences arranged with local guides. Cultural festivals, craft demonstrations, gardens, roadside markets and community-led visits reveal everyday life as well as ceremonial traditions. Attractions are rarely packaged into dense tourist circuits, and access can depend on weather, local permissions, reliable transport and current security advice.

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Best landmarks in Central Highlands

The most historically important landmark in the Central Highlands is the Kuk Early Agricultural Site near Mount Hagen, where archaeological remains document sophisticated wetland cultivation and provide a long perspective on highland farming. Mount Wilhelm, rising in Chimbu Province within the Bismarck Range, is Papua New Guinea’s highest mountain and a major geographical reference point, although reaching its upper trails requires preparation for cold, rain and altitude. The mountain valleys themselves are landmarks of human adaptation: densely cultivated slopes, grassland ridges and settlement patterns reveal how communities have farmed difficult terrain for generations. In Goroka and Mount Hagen, provincial civic centres, market areas and festival grounds reflect the modern administrative importance of the highlands, while mission churches, old airfields and mountain roads recall colonial and wartime transformations. These places are best understood alongside local guides who can explain customary relationships, land ownership and the significance of particular landscapes.

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Explore Central Highlands on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Central Highlands

Dining in the Central Highlands is closely connected to gardens, markets and household agriculture. Sweet potato is a principal staple, joined by taro, cassava, greens, beans, corn and seasonal fruit; pork is important on ceremonial occasions, while chicken and other meats appear in town restaurants and guesthouses. In coffee-growing districts around Eastern and Western Highlands, locally produced beans are an important part of the regional economy, although preparation and availability vary considerably. Towns such as Goroka and Mount Hagen have hotel dining rooms, cafés, bakeries and informal eateries serving Papua New Guinean and international dishes, while rural accommodation tends to offer simple meals based on available produce. Markets provide a more direct view of local food systems, with garden produce, cooked snacks and fruit changing by season. Visitors should carry suitable snacks for long road journeys and confirm meal arrangements in advance when staying in remote lodges or travelling on guided treks.

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Best bars in Central Highlands

Evening life in the Central Highlands is concentrated in hotel bars, licensed restaurants, small pubs and social venues in provincial towns rather than in a large, region-wide club scene. Goroka and Mount Hagen have the broadest choice, with occasional live music, informal gatherings and televised sport, while Kundiawa, Wabag and Tari are quieter and more dependent on individual hotels or local events. In rural districts, evenings generally centre on accommodation, community activities and early starts rather than nightlife. Visitors should use only reputable venues, follow local security advice and avoid walking between establishments after dark. Alcohol is not necessary to engage with highland culture, and photography or participation at community events should always be guided by permission rather than treated as part of a nightlife programme.

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Best nightclubs in Central Highlands

Evening life in the Central Highlands is concentrated in hotel bars, licensed restaurants, small pubs and social venues in provincial towns rather than in a large, region-wide club scene. Goroka and Mount Hagen have the broadest choice, with occasional live music, informal gatherings and televised sport, while Kundiawa, Wabag and Tari are quieter and more dependent on individual hotels or local events. In rural districts, evenings generally centre on accommodation, community activities and early starts rather than nightlife. Visitors should use only reputable venues, follow local security advice and avoid walking between establishments after dark. Alcohol is not necessary to engage with highland culture, and photography or participation at community events should always be guided by permission rather than treated as part of a nightlife programme.

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Best shops in Central Highlands

Shopping in the Central Highlands is centred on markets, roadside stalls, small town high streets and exchanges arranged through cultural or craft visits rather than large retail complexes. Goroka and Mount Hagen offer the widest selection of practical goods, clothing, food, locally produced coffee and handicrafts, while smaller towns provide a more limited but often more directly local market experience. Bilums, the woven string bags associated with many Papua New Guinean communities, are widely encountered, but patterns, materials and meanings vary and visitors should ask about provenance and payment. Woodcarvings, woven items, shell ornaments and festival-related crafts may be available through reputable organisations or guides; avoid purchasing objects that appear culturally restricted or made from protected wildlife. Pack fragile purchases carefully, retain receipts where available and check current customs rules before exporting feathers, plant products, antiques or other natural and cultural materials.

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Central Highlands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Papua New Guinean kina, код PGK. Larger hotels, established tour companies and some businesses in provincial capitals may accept cards, but electronic payments and cash machines cannot be assumed outside the main towns. Carry kina in small denominations for markets, local transport, refreshments and community arrangements, while keeping cash discreetly secured. Exchange facilities are more limited in the highlands than in Port Moresby, so organise enough cash before leaving a major gateway and confirm payment arrangements with accommodation or tour providers.
Safety
Security conditions can change quickly, and visitors should obtain current advice from their accommodation, tour operator and relevant authorities before travelling between towns or entering rural areas. Use established transport, avoid walking alone, keep valuables out of sight and do not travel after dark. Highland roads present additional risks from poor surfaces, landslides, livestock, heavy rain and unpredictable traffic. Trekkers should take altitude, cold, rain, river crossings and limited rescue facilities seriously. Demonstrations, local disputes or road blockages can affect journeys without warning, so retain flexibility and avoid entering an area experiencing tension.
Emergency Situations
Papua New Guinea has limited emergency infrastructure outside major towns. The national emergency number 111 may connect callers to police, fire or ambulance assistance where the service is available, while 112 may work from some mobile phones; confirm the current arrangements with your accommodation on arrival. In remote highland areas, mobile coverage, ambulance access and organised rescue may be limited, so comprehensive travel insurance, a charged local-capable phone and a clear evacuation plan are important. For trekking, use an experienced guide, leave an itinerary with someone responsible and carry basic first-aid supplies rather than relying on rapid mountain rescue.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly in towns and villages, ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and follow instructions at churches, cultural attractions and community sites. Do not enter gardens, houses or ritual areas without permission, and do not handle feathers, bilums, carvings or other cultural objects without asking. Agree fees and inclusions before village visits, guiding or transport, and avoid making promises that cannot be kept. Tipping is not a universal obligation, but additional thanks may be appropriate for good guiding when arranged transparently. Queueing, patience and courteous greetings are valued, while political or clan disputes should not be discussed provocatively.
Local Tips
Goroka is a useful base for Eastern Highlands markets, coffee country and cultural events, while Mount Hagen is the main commercial hub for western highland journeys; do not assume either town provides easy access to every attraction in the region. The wet season can make roads and walking routes particularly difficult, although conditions vary between valleys. Ask whether a festival is proceeding before committing to travel, as dates and programmes can change. For archaeological, birdwatching or village experiences, the quality of local introductions matters more than travelling independently: choose arrangements that explain community consent and how payments are shared.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKia ora[kee-ah ora]
GoodbyeTofa[toh-fah]
YesAee[ah-ee]
NoIh[ee]
Please/You're welcomeTōfā[toh-fah]
Thank youFa'afetai[fah-ah-feh-tah-ee]
Excuse me/SorryFa'amolemole[fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
How are you?O a mai oe?[oh ah my oh-eh]
Fine. And you?Fa'afetai. O a mai oe?[fah-ah-feh-tah-ee. oh ah my oh-eh]
Do you speak English?E te iloa le Gagana Ingilisi?[eh teh ee-loh-ah le gah-gah-nah een-gee-lee-see]
I don't understandE le mafai ona ou malamalama[eh leh mah-fai oh-nah oh mah-lah-mah-ngah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOu te manaʻo e vaʻai i le menu, fa'amolemole[oh-oo teh mah-nuh-oh eh vah-ee ee leh meh-noo, fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
I don't eat meatE le 'ai aiga[eh leh ah-ee ah-ee-gah]
Cheers!Fa'amanuia![fah-ah-mah-noo-ee-ah]
I would like to pay, pleaseOu te manaʻo e totogi, fa'amolemole[oh-oo teh mah-nuh-oh eh toh-toh-gee, fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tautua![tau-too-ah]
Go away!O le fa'asa'e![oh leh fah-sah-eh]
Call the Police!Fa'ailoa le Polisi![fah-eye-loh-ah leh poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Fa'ailoa se foma'i![fah-eye-loh-ah seh fo-mah-ee]
I'm lostOu te le iloa[oh-oo teh leh ee-loh-ah]
I'm illOu te le soifuina[oh-oo teh leh so-ee-foo-ee-nah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ou te manaʻo e faʻatau...[oh-oo teh mah-nuh-oh eh fah-oo, ...]
I'm just lookingOu na'o le va'aiga[oh-oo nah-oh leh vah-ee-gah]
How much is it?E fia le tau?[eh fee-ah leh tah-oo]
That's too expensiveO le tau e maualuga[oh leh tah-oo eh mah-oo-lah-ngah]
Can you lower the price?E mafai ona e fa'aitiiti le tau?[eh mah-fai oh-nah eh fah-ee-tee-tee leh tah-oo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?O le a le taimi?[oh leh ah leh tah-ee-mee]
It's one o'clockO le 1 le asu[oh leh e-nee le ah-soo]
Half past (10)O le afa o le (10)[oh leh ah-fah oh leh (10)]
MorningTaeao[tai-ah-oh]
AfternoonAfiafi[ah-fee-ah-fee]
EveningPo[poh]
YesterdayO le aso na[oh leh ah-so nah]
TodayO le aso nei[oh leh ah-so nay]
TomorrowO le aso e[oh leh ah-so eh]
1Tasi[tah-see]
2Lua[loo-ah]
3Tolu[toh-loo]
4Fa[fah]
5 lima[lee-mah]
6Ona[oh-nah]
7Fitu[fee-too]
8Valu[vah-loo]
9Iva[ee-vah]
10Sefulu[seh-foo-loo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?O fea le...?[oh feh-ah leh...?]
What's the address?O le a le adiresi?[oh leh ah leh ah-dee-reh-see?]
Can you show me (on the map)?E mafai ona e fa'aali mai ia te a'u (i le fa'ata'ita'iga)?[eh mah-fai oh-nah eh fah-ah-lee my ah yah-oo (ee leh fah-ah-tah-ee-tah-ee-gah)?]
When's the next (bus)?O le a le taimi o le (bus) i le isi?[oh leh ah leh tah-ee-mee oh leh (bus) ee leh ee-see?]
A ticket (to ....)Se tiketi (i le ....)[seh tee-keh-tee (ee leh ....)]

History of Central Highlands

Early Highland Agriculture

The Central Highlands contain some of the oldest known evidence of organised agriculture in the Pacific. At Kuk near Mount Hagen, drainage channels and cultivated landscapes show that people were managing wetland environments and growing crops thousands of years ago. The evidence does not represent a single uninterrupted farming system exactly as it appears today, but it demonstrates the depth of local experimentation with taro, bananas and other plants before European contact. Across the wider highlands, communities developed intensive garden systems, forest management practices and settlements adapted to steep terrain, creating a densely inhabited agricultural landscape without the large urban centres familiar from other parts of the world.

Highland Communities Before Colonial Rule

Before sustained outside administration, the mountain valleys contained numerous societies connected by exchange, marriage, ceremonial relationships and, in some areas, conflict. Political authority was generally distributed among influential men, clan leaders and closely related social networks rather than concentrated in a single highland state. Shell valuables, pigs, feathers, food and other goods circulated through regional exchange systems, while gardens supported large populations in favourable valleys. Languages and customs varied considerably from one district to another. These local histories remain important today, because modern provincial boundaries and town names do not erase older affiliations or the continuing importance of clan and community relationships.

Patrols, Missions and First Colonial Contacts

Australian administration reached the interior more gradually than the coast, with patrol officers, missionaries, traders and aircraft extending outside influence into the mountain valleys during the twentieth century. Roads, airstrips, schools, churches and government stations altered patterns of movement and authority, while mission Christianity became influential in many communities. Contact was not a simple or uniform process: different valleys experienced patrols and mission work at different times, and local people actively negotiated the new institutions. The legacy is visible in the location of many modern towns, churches and administrative centres, as well as in memories of first contact preserved within highland communities.

The Second World War in the Mountains

The highlands became strategically important during the Pacific War after Japanese advances in New Guinea. Roads, airfields, patrol routes and supply networks connected the interior to the Allied war effort, and Papua New Guinean carriers played a major role in moving equipment and wounded personnel through difficult terrain. The Kokoda Trail itself lies to the east of the Central Highlands rather than within the whole region, but the wider wartime mobilisation affected highland transport and administration. Airstrips and improved routes later helped link isolated valleys to towns and markets, leaving a practical infrastructure legacy alongside the human cost of the conflict.

Coffee and the Cash Economy

Coffee became one of the Central Highlands’ most important links to national and international markets, particularly in the cooler, fertile districts around Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands towns. Smallholder gardens and larger agricultural enterprises introduced a cash income that could support school fees, transport, tools and household needs, although prices, weather, disease and access to roads have always affected growers. Coffee production did not replace subsistence gardening; many households continue to combine food cultivation with cash crops and other work. The resulting landscape of coffee plots, market gardens and roadside trading is a defining feature of several highland districts.

Independence and Provincial Development

Papua New Guinea became independent from Australia in 1975, and the Central Highlands developed within a national political system that often had to balance dispersed rural communities with a small number of urban and administrative centres. Goroka, Mount Hagen, Kundiawa, Wabag and Tari expanded as provincial capitals or service towns, bringing together government offices, schools, hospitals, markets and transport links. Development has remained uneven, with remote communities facing significant challenges in road maintenance, health access and education. At the same time, highland languages, ceremonies, food systems and customary relationships continue to shape public life alongside modern institutions.

Contemporary Cultural Revivals and Tourism

Since the late twentieth century, cultural festivals in Goroka and Mount Hagen have become important public expressions of Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity, bringing performers from different communities together through dress, dance, music and ceremonial presentation. They also provide a platform for regional identity and tourism, although participation and interpretation should remain grounded in community consent. Contemporary highland tourism increasingly combines festival visits with birdwatching, archaeology, coffee experiences, village encounters and mountain trekking. Its future depends on reliable infrastructure, responsible operators, local benefit and respectful engagement rather than on treating living cultures as museum displays.

Central Highlands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Central Highlands, Papua New Guinea

Discover the Central Highlands with Evendo - your 100% free app-based travel guide covering all attractions, restaurants, hotels, tours, and much more!

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich set of details including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Explore the beauty of Central Highlands, Papua New Guinea with Evendo, your free app-based travel guide. Discover attractions, book tours, and experience local culture effortlessly.

  • History of Central Highlands
  • Travel essentials for visiting Central Highlands
  • Tons of local advice for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips

Planning a trip to the Central Highlands, Papua New Guinea? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel guide app that ensures you make the most of your adventure. From the lush landscapes of Mount Wilhelm to the bustling markets of Goroka, Evendo provides detailed information on famous landmarks, attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences. Imagine visiting the Asaro Mudmen Village with ease, or dining at the renowned Bird of Paradise Restaurant - all planned through our app. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it simple to organize your trip and uncover hidden gems.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences is a breeze. No more scouring the internet for what to see and do; our app has it all in one place. Dive into the history of Central Highlands, find travel essentials, and navigate effortlessly through the app and the city. The 'Near Me' feature allows you to discover what's around you at any given moment, ensuring you experience the region like a local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free - no in-app purchases, no hidden costs.

Beyond the Central Highlands, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. Whether you're planning to explore the vibrant festivals in Goroka, hike the trails of Mount Hagen, or enjoy the local cuisine, Evendo is your go-to travel companion. Download Evendo now and start your unforgettable journey!

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