Lae
Papua New Guinea · Morobe Province · 30 m
Description
Lae is the second city of Papua New Guinea and its industrial port, the place where cargo lands before it goes up the Highlands Highway, and it is a working town rather than a sight. What brings visitors is the Rainforest Habitat, a large enclosed dome of jungle at the university holding tree kangaroos, cassowaries and hornbills, and the botanical gardens beside the war cemetery. Amelia Earhart left from the airstrip here on her final flight, and a small memorial marks it. The Highlands Highway begins in the town. Most travellers pass through on their way up the highway rather than stopping.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Rainforest Habitat dome
- Lae botanical gardens and war cemetery
- Amelia Earhart memorial at the old airstrip
- Start of the Highlands Highway
- Tree kangaroos and cassowaries in the habitat
- Lae main market
- Salamaua peninsula by boat(Day trip)
- Black Cat Track into the ranges(Multi-day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- LAE
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry