Things To Do
in Goroka
Goroka is the administrative and cultural centre of Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands, perched at about 1,600–1,700 metres and known for its cool, misty mountain scenery. It is famous for the annual Goroka Show, one of the country's best-known cultural festivals showcasing hundreds of tribal dancers in vibrant traditional dress. The town functions as a hub for coffee production, with nearby plantations and markets supplying much of the region's economy.
Visitors come for cultural encounters, highland landscapes, birdwatching and a relaxed small-town pace with a distinctly Highland character.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arriving in Goroka, you'll be greeted by the stunning scenery of the Eastern Highlands. Take some time to adjust and soak in the vibrant local culture through a brief visit to the local market. Enjoy the fresh mountain air while you settle into your accommodation.
Explore Goroka's rich history at the Goroka Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures of Papua New Guinea. Engage with friendly locals and learn about their traditions as you wander through the museum's collections. Savor lunch at a nearby café, sampling regional dishes.
Wind down with a quiet evening at your hotel or explore nearby eateries for dinner. Take in the fascinating sounds and sights of Goroka at dusk, perhaps meeting fellow travelers and sharing stories. Relax under the stars, reflecting on your first day in this extraordinary destination.
Start the day early with a visit to the Goroka Showgrounds, where you can immerse yourself in local customs and ceremonies. Watch as performers don traditional attire and partake in vibrant dances that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea. Grab breakfast from local vendors and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Continue to engage with local craftsmen and artists displaying their work, including intricate carvings and woven textiles. Participate in workshops to learn about traditional crafts and perhaps create a souvenir to remember your experience. Have lunch at a local diner, soaking in the vibrant culture around you.
Return to the Showgrounds for an evening of music and storytelling around a communal fire. Enjoy the delicious flavors of local cuisine as you feast under the stars with locals and travelers alike. Reflect on the stories shared and the connections made throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Cup of local coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-120 |
| 🚌Local bus / PMV fare | $0.50-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural experiences, highlighted by the Goroka Show and village visits
- Cool highland climate and dramatic mountain scenery
- Fresh, high-quality local coffee and proximity to plantations
- Good base for birdwatching and short hikes
- Limited nightlife and a small selection of restaurants compared with larger cities
- Healthcare facilities are basic; serious medical care may require evacuation
- Roads and transport can be unreliable, especially in the wet season
- Language and cultural differences can require patience and local guidance
- "Gutpela moning" - Good morning
- "Tenkyu tru" - Thank you very much
- "Yu stap gut?" - How are you?
- "Plis" - Please
- "Mi no kaikai bilong pis" - I don't eat pork / meat
- "Yu ken halivim mi?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Goroka
Visit one of these nice places.
If you visit in September, this is the prime location for colorful portraits of tribes in full regalia; shoot from the stands and close up with permission.
Lively scenes of daily life, produce, coffee sellers and craft stalls—great for candid portraits and still lifes; always ask before photographing people closely.
Dramatic masks and cultural performances make for striking, theatrical images; coordinate with performers and respect staging and fees if required.
Lookouts around Goroka offer wide valley and terraced field panoramas, especially at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light.
Photograph processing stages, drying racks covered with beans, and workers (ask permission) for authentic agricultural portraits.
Food in Goroka
Goroka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional pit-roasted meal of pork, sweet potato, taro and greens cooked on hot stones; best experienced at village feasts or special events such as the Goroka Show.
Must-Try!
Roasted sweet potato (kaukau) served with boiled greens and sometimes coconut-based sauces; commonly available at markets and local homes.
Locally grown Arabica with a strong, fruity profile; try coffee at plantation visits or at market stalls for the freshest brews.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s main market sells fresh produce, coffee beans, baked goods and small cooked items; a great place to taste local fruit and buy coffee and bilum crafts.
Small stalls near bus stops and market edges selling cooked tubers, fried snacks and simple meals—cash only, basic but authentic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always show respect to community leaders and elders; introductions and small courtesies go a long way in village settings.
Many people expect permission before photos; always ask and offer a copy or show them the photo where possible as a courtesy.
When visiting villages, small gifts (sweets, pens, school supplies) or modest donations are appreciated—ask a guide for culturally appropriate offerings.
Conservative dress is appropriate in towns and villages; avoid revealing clothing and remove hats in churches or formal gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Goroka
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in PNG, including Goroka, but small tips for helpful guides, drivers or excellent service are appreciated. At hotels and higher-end restaurants a 5–10% tip is a nice gesture, but not obligatory.
Cash (Papua New Guinean kina, PGK) is king in Goroka—many businesses and markets are cash-only. ATMs exist but may be unreliable; larger hotels accept major credit cards, and you should bring sufficient cash for markets, taxis and remote services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
If interpreting 'summer' as the drier, clearer months (roughly May–September), expect cooler nights, crisp mornings and more stable weather—this is the best time for festivals and outdoor photography.
November–April tends to bring heavier, short-lived rains and more cloud cover; roads and trails can become muddy, so allow extra travel time and waterproof gear.
May–September is generally drier with more sunshine and clearer views; daytime temperatures are comfortable but evenings can be chilly at altitude.
Goroka at Night
Hiking in Goroka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible hikes around Goroka that provide panoramic views of terraced fields and valleys—good for sunrise and birdwatching.
Trails to nearby waterfalls offer pleasant day hikes; conditions vary with season so check with local guides before setting out.
Guided walks through coffee plantations and processing areas combine light hiking with cultural and agricultural insights.
Airports
How to reach Goroka by plane.
The town's domestic airport with regular flights to Port Moresby, Mount Hagen and other regional centres; convenient for short transfers and aerial views of the highlands.
Larger Highlands airport serving Mount Hagen, a regional hub with more frequent connections; reachable by a short domestic flight or a long road journey.
PNG’s main international gateway—most international visitors connect through Port Moresby to reach Goroka by domestic flight.
Regional airport serving the Morobe Province; alternative connection point for domestic travel though less convenient for Goroka than Port Moresby or Mount Hagen.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population is predominantly from Eastern Highlands cultural groups and tribes, each with distinct languages and customs.
Papua New Guinea has a young demographic overall; in Goroka many residents are under 30 and community life centers around families and village ties.
There is a small number of expatriate workers, missionaries and government staff living in town, often linked to development, health and education projects.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby league is widely followed throughout Papua New Guinea, with local matches and strong local interest in regional competitions.
Community and school football is common and played in town fields and at local competitions.
Traditional strength and skill events, plus organized sports during festivals and school events, draw community participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Goroka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but feasible—stick to vegetables, root crops, rice and beans from markets and hotel kitchens. Communicate clearly (use Tok Pisin phrase for 'I don't eat meat') and be prepared to adapt; bring snacks if you need variety.
Vegan or strict allergy needs are harder to meet; carry essentials and specific medication. Inform hosts or restaurants in advance where possible; most food is cooked simply, but cross-contamination is common.
Specialty dietary requirements like halal or kosher are not widely available—plan ahead, bring packaged food or eat vegetarian options.