Wau

Wau is a small town in Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province, once a bustling gold-rush hub and now a quiet gateway to some of the country's most dramatic mountain scenery. Nestled in the Bulolo Valley, this former mining centre retains a frontier feel, with remnants of its colonial past and access to spectacular highland landscapes. It's a place for adventurous travellers keen to explore off-the-beaten-path PNG.

Highlights & What to See

• Wau War Cemetery – A serene, beautifully maintained cemetery honouring soldiers who died in the WWII New Guinea campaign, with views over the valley.
• Wau Ecology Institute – A research station and botanical garden showcasing the region's incredible biodiversity, including orchids and native birds.
• Edie Creek – A historic gold-mining area a short drive from town, where you can see old workings and enjoy cool mountain air.
• Mount Kaindi – A challenging day-hike from Wau, rewarding with panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and, on clear days, the distant coast.
• Local markets – Colourful produce markets where villagers sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and traditional bilum bags.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 1–2 nights in Wau, which allows a full day for exploring the town's highlights and a half-day hike to Edie Creek or Mount Kaindi. If you're continuing into the highlands, Wau works well as a stopover between Lae and Goroka, but be prepared for rough roads and limited services.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lae – PNG's second-largest city, with excellent botanical gardens and the bustling main market, 2–3 hours' drive away.
• Bulolo – A smaller town downstream with more gold-mining history and a quirky golf course built on a former airstrip.
• Goroka – The highlands' cultural heart, famous for its annual Goroka Show, about 4 hours by road via the rugged Highlands Highway.
• Koki – A village near Wau known for its traditional spirit houses and easy walks through coffee plantations.

Please check official sources for current details.