The Owen Stanley Range

18th July 2016

Located in the centre of the highlands is the Owen Stanley Range, a jagged mountain chain cloaked in a steamy jungle. When approaching the mountains a dirt road gives way to untamed grassy fields which then rolls into tall majestic trees, and finally, dense plantation ascends up the steep mountainous slopes which make parts of the Owen Stanley terrain impassable and isolated.

The Range was named after Captain Owen Stanley when in 1849 he saw it while surveying the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. The Stanley Range rises abruptly from the coastal plain to a height of 2,750 metres and stretches for an impressive 300 kilometres. The highest point is at Mount Victoria which pierces the clouds at a magnificent 4,040 metres. Only the keenest and fittest trekkers embark on the climb to Mt Victoria’s summit.

Heavy rainfall on the forested slopes is the cause for several rivers to flow including the Musa and the Kemp Welch. There is also the Musa River Volcano that is dormant but still shows its presence in the form of bubbling hot springs and thermal vents across the volcanic field.

The Kokoda track is the most well-known and easiest trail to cross within the rugged mountain range. Though it is certainly not a walk in the park and requires expert guidance and a deep understanding of the land. It takes around 9-12 days to cross but there are stories of the locals being so accustomed to the wilderness that they have crossed it in a mere three days! The track crosses the range between Port Moresby and Buna and was once used as an overland mail route for over 50 years. Walking the Kokoda track is now a sobering experience as it is a tourist pilgrimage which follows and honours the many fallen soldiers who lost their lives in one of the most brutal battles of World War Two. In 1942 the Japanese tried to capture Port Moresby. They attempted to cross the Kokoda track but were met by primarily Australian troops. The Japanese were defeated, many lives were sadly lost but the bond between Australia and Papua New Guinea was sealed.

 Many people who visit the Owen Stanley Range are in awe of the beauty, spectacular views and sheer enormity of the Mountains. The hikes are always far more testing than anticipated and the scenery is always more breathtaking than you could have hoped for. The Owen Stanley range is for anyone wanting to capture the ruggedness of Papua New Guinea’s landscape and to walk a trail that takes you on a journey of personal perseverance, knowledge and historical awareness.

Paga Hill Estate is a world class master planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike. The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.