At the northern end of Waigani Dr, just beyond the University of Papua New Guinea, the National Botanical Gardens are an island of calm and beauty in an otherwise lacklustre city. There is more than 2km of walkways threading under and through the jungle canopy, well-maintained lawns and gardens displaying both local and exotic plant species, and probably the best collection of native and hybrid orchids in PNG. There are also some excellent wildlife displays, such as tree kangaroos, hornbills, cassowaries, a giant python, and a large aviary that houses parrots and birds of paradise (the only chance most visitors get to see them).
