Bushwalking in PNG: Burns Peak
One of the most scenic walks around Port Moresby, with blue ocean, undulating hills, spectacular views of the harbour, and picturesque villages on stilts. It’s tough but rewarding.
Bushwalking around Port Moresby
Arriving at our meeting point at the Royal Papua Yacht Club this morning, we see quite a small group of walkers, mainly the familiar faces. Not surprising – our today walk is rated “hard”. It seems that only hard-core bushwalkers venture out today.
We leave our cars at the carpark, and instead, we take a bus organised by the Bushwalking Club to go to PNG University, the starting point of the bushwalk. From there, we will walk over the ridges to Burns Peak followed by the path down the hill to the Yacht Club.
Every day we have been looking at the beautiful undulating hills from our apartment, and now we are going to climb them.
The scenery is stunning, and we often stop to look around and admire the view. It’s also an excuse to take a rest and gain some energy. We still have a long way to go.
Our loyal security escort
It’s early morning with little clouds, and the views of the distant Port Moresby harbour are simply amazing.
The sun is now beating down hard. No breeze and no clouds. But we keep conquering the hills wading through the grassland and peanut gardens.
The climb makes people gasp for breath but the views are spectacular, with blue ocean and Hanuabada and Elevala, the picturesque villages on stilts.
Walking through peanut gardens
Peanut plants
Now we can see Port Moresby with its harbour closer and closer. The walk is coming to its end. It’s a short stroll to Konedobu road and then the Yacht Club.
It’s a tough but very scenic walk, one of our favourite walks around Port Moresby. It’s also our last walk around Port Moresby holding a special place in our hearts.
Practical Information
How to organise the walk: The walk starts from PNG University and continues over the ridges to Burns Peak and then down the hill to the Yacht Club located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This is a one-way walk. The bus, organised by the Bushwalking Club, takes the walkers from the Royal Papua Yacht Club to the starting point at PNG University.
Port Moresby Bushwalkers Group, run by volunteers, organises different walks around Port Moresby every second Sunday. The meeting is at 7.20am (sharp) at the Yacht Club visitors’ car park. There is no membership fee but the PGK20 fee per walk is required to cover the cost of security escort and compensation for landowners.
To find out the planned walking routes, check Port Moresby Bushwalkers Facebook page or become their member and receive their newsletters by writing them an email.
Timing: Walk is about 10km, 4h walk all up.
Difficulty: Walk is rated “hard”. It’s particularly hard under hot and sunny conditions, with no clouds and breeze.
IMPORTANT: Even if you are an experienced hiker, given the scorching sun and extreme heat conditions in Port Moresby, some acclimatisation prior to undertaking the walk is definitely a good idea. Bring sunscreen, snacks and a minimum of 3L of water (heavy to carry but you will be glad you did).
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