Bomana War Cemetery

Just outside Port Moresby, the Bomana War Cemetery is one of the most moving memorials in the Pacific. Set amid maniched lawns and tropical gardens, this impeccably maintained cemetery is the final resting place for over 3,800 Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the brutal WWII campaigns in Papua New Guinea. The silence here is profound, broken only by birdsong and the rustle of palms – a serene, somber place that offers a deep connection to history.

Highlights & What to See

• The Cross of Sacrifice & Stone of Remembrance – These iconic CWGC monuments stand at the heart of the cemetery, flanked by rows of white headstones that stretch across the green lawns.
• Graves of the Kokoda Track Campaign – Many of those buried here fell along the infamous Kokoda Track; spending time reading the inscriptions brings the human cost of that campaign into sharp focus.
• Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery Memorial – A memorial building houses the names of over 700 men who have no known grave, listed by regiment and rank.
• Tropical Setting & Views – The cemetery sits on a hillside with views over the surrounding countryside; the vibrant bougainvillea and frangipani provide a striking contrast to the white headstones.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least one to two hours to walk the grounds slowly and absorb the atmosphere. The cemetery is compact but emotionally weighty – you’ll want time to pause at the memorial registers and reflect. If you’re a history buff, combine it with a morning exploring the nearby Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway for context on the battles that led here.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Moresby – The capital’s National Museum and Parliament House offer broader Papua New Guinea history and culture.
• Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway – A 4km walking trail with interpretive panels that tell the story of the Kokoda campaign, located on the outskirts of Port Moresby.
• Varirata National Park – An hour’s drive east, this rainforest park offers birdwatching (including Raggiana birds-of-paradise) and panoramic views of the coast.
• Owers’ Corner – The start of the Kokoda Track, about two hours from Port Moresby; a significant WWII site with a memorial and striking mountain scenery.

Please check official sources for current details.