Goroka is the capital of the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. It is located on the "Highlands Highway", about 285 kilometres from Lae in Morobe province and 90 kilometres from the nearby town of Kainantu also in the Eastern Highlands. The town consists of over 20,000 people and there is also another nearby town include Kundiawa in Simbu Province and Mount Hagen in Western Highlands Province. It is the home of several national institutions: CRMF Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship, the PNG Institute of Medical Research, the National Film Institute, the Melanesian Institute, the Raun Raun Theatre Company and the University of Goroka.

The most important income of the town is coffee which is the common cash crop in the area. The abundant coffee plants have produced different types of coffee beans. Goroka also hosts the PNG Coffee Festival in May annually. Besides that, there are smaller industries include trout farms, pigs, beekeeping and food gardens including broccoli, "kau kau" or sweet potato, carrots, ginger and peanuts are examples of produce that grow well here.

The renowned Goroka Show is an event that takes place annually around the time of the country's Independence Day (September 16) and is the oldest show in Papua New Guinea, over 50 years of "keeping the spirit alive". It continues for two or three days with lots of activities and local music.

Airports in Goroka

1. Jacksons Airport

Jacksons International Airport is the nation's main international airport. This busy airport caters for international and domestic flights. The national airline of Papua New Guinea is Air Niugini which flies to and from many parts of the other countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila, Brisbane and many more. Other airlines that fly frequently to Papua New Guinea are Philippine Airline, Qantas and Virgin Australia that connects Port Moresby to Brisbane four times a week.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Goroka?

Traveloka is the best travel internet site for travelers to find the low-priced flights to Goroka. The simple step needed is to enter the information in the search box and the application will be recommended the ultimate trip according to your budget. It also compares flight prices given by trusted airlines to help you to get the best deal. To get your preferred price range, you can use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights to get the best flight price to Goroka.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Goroka?

Goroka experiences mild, spring-like climate all the year round. The rainfall is usually happening occasionally and will not hinder your touring and sightseeing plans and the pleasant, sunny weather will surely keep you coming back for more. The most popular activities for tourists here are festivals such as The Sing-Sing performances at the annual Goroka and Mount Hagen shows. The festivals attract many local and international tourists to participate in a competition. During these shows, the winning ensemble is rewarded by being invited to give concerts at many restaurants and hotels during the following year.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Goroka?

1. J.K. McCarthy Museum -The J.K. McCarthy Museum was named after a most recognized pioneer and legendary and long-time patrol officer in the Administration of Papua New Guinea, John Keith McCarthy. Several large rooms include WW2 relics and many traditional artifacts from PNG. The most interesting section is arguably the collection of photos taken in the 1930s by the first Australians to enter the Highlands. K5. It exhibits various handicrafts, artifacts, war relics, and photos depicting the early contact of Australians with European highlanders who first lived in the area.

2. Goroka Show -The Goroka Show is undeniably the most visited cultural event in the town. It is held in September in time for Goroka’s Independence Day and is considered one of Papua New Guinea’s oldest cultural shows. Over 70 different tribes from all over the country, this two-day festival is a dazzling array of color and energy that showcases the diversity of this fabulous island. Beware, the town is jam-packed with tourists during this festival.

3. Asaro Village -Located at the northwest of Goroka, Asaro village is famous for its mudmen or warriors who traditionally covered themselves in grey mud and wore huge mud masks before heading off on raids. Historically, the Asaro warriors were covered in thick white mud. When crawling out from the myud, the highland warriors that were chasing them believed that the spirits of the fallen Asaro had come back to fight them. Whenever enemy tribes would come, the Asaro would adorn their spooky outfits and scare off any threat once again.