The capital
Almost every international trip lands in Port Moresby, the capital on the Papuan coast, with the national museum, Parliament House and the start of the Kokoda Track nearby.
The Highlands
Mount Hagen is the gateway to the Western Highlands, the Wahgi Valley and the famous August show, with Goroka's September show one flight or a long drive east.
Trekking
The Kokoda Track crosses the Owen Stanley Range from near Port Moresby to the northern plains, a hard walk through the history of 1942.
The north coast
Madang is a relaxed harbour town with coral reefs, islands and Second World War wrecks for divers and snorkellers.
The islands
Rabaul and Kokopo on New Britain mix active volcanoes, Japanese wartime tunnels and the Tolai culture of the Gazelle Peninsula.
The great river
The Sepik River winds through swamp and grassland past villages famous for spirit houses, carving and crocodile initiation.
How to combine them
Ten days usually allows Port Moresby, one Highland base and one coastal or island stop. Two weeks or more lets you add the Sepik or Kokoda. Build in a spare day between flights, and book festival dates early.