Bomana War Cemetery
A solemn and beautifully maintained tribute to over 3,800 Commonwealth soldiers who died in WWII, Bomana War Cemetery is a poignant reminder of sacrif...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, peaceful atmosphere
Bomana War Cemetery
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn and beautifully maintained tribute to over 3,800 Commonwealth soldiers who died in WWII, Bomana War Cemetery is a poignant reminder of sacrifice. 
"A quiet, humbling place. These men knew the price - and paid it. "
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest clothing out of respect for this solemn site.
Consider a Guide
Enhance your understanding with local insights into the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Endless Rows of Headstones
Main Cemetery Grounds
Thousands of white headstones stretch across the manicured lawns, a powerful visual of the immense sacrifice.
+1
The Cross of Sacrifice
Central Point
A prominent monument symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice, often a focal point for ceremonies and reflection.
The Stone of Remembrance
Central Point
An altar-like stone inscribed with 'Their name liveth for evermore,' offering a profound message of eternal memory.
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Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit Essential
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest clothing out of respect for this solemn site.
Consider a Guide
Enhance your understanding with local insights into the history.
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a place to pause and remember; don't rush your visit.
Stay Hydrated
Port Moresby can be hot and humid; carry water.
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Respectfully
Opt for modest clothing out of respect for this solemn site.
Consider a Guide
Enhance your understanding with local insights into the history.
Allow Time for Reflection
This is a place to pause and remember; don't rush your visit.
Stay Hydrated
Port Moresby can be hot and humid; carry water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Bomana War Cemetery as a humbling, serene, and beautifully maintained tribute to fallen soldiers. The sheer scale of the headstones and the poignant inscriptions leave a lasting impression, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII. While deeply moving, some find the experience emotionally challenging due to the young ages of many buried there.
"A quiet, humbling place. These men knew the price - and paid it. They weren’t naive; they went anyway. They died fighting fascism, demagoguery, and narcissistic power at its most dangerous.
This cemetery isn’t just a memorial. It’s a warning.
The threat they faced wasn’t buried with them. It changes shape, reappears, and recruits new faces.
Lest we forget... Lest we ignore the signs - again... Lest we excuse silence and hide in comfort while history repeats itself.
They stood up when it counted. We must have the courage to do the same if and when the time comes.
Now they rest at the end of the Kokoda Trail, where time has stood still for them - and the silence speaks louder than words."
BH (Bryan)
"Quiet and very picturesque. Easy to miss from the main road. Glad I was with a guide who was also able to tell me more about the history associated with the fallen soldiers here"
Astie Bolton
""Their name liveth for evermore"
Took a trip out to the Bomana War Cemetery yesterday, what a stunning and peaceful place! Really blew my mind just how many men lay down their lives in protection of PNG and Australia, these brave men were the last line of defence.
What an incredibly amazing job the keepers do maintaining and caring for these souls and their resting place."
Brtn13
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bomana War Cemetery is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) east of Port Moresby. Taxis are readily available, or you can arrange transport through your accommodation or a local tour operator. Some visitors opt for guided tours that include the cemetery and other historical sites.
While it's on the main road, it can be easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Having a driver or guide is recommended to ensure you don't pass it by.
Taxis are a common option. For a more comprehensive experience, consider booking a tour that includes transport and historical commentary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Bomana War Cemetery is free. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The cemetery is generally open daily from dawn until dusk, allowing ample time for visitors to pay their respects.
Tickets are not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit at any time during opening hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It is the largest war cemetery in the Pacific, serving as the final resting place for over 3,800 Commonwealth soldiers who died during World War II, many in the New Guinea campaign.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours to allow for quiet reflection and to read the inscriptions on the headstones.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available, but it's advisable to check beforehand. There are no food or drink vendors on-site.
Yes, photography is permitted, but visitors are asked to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The long, symmetrical rows of headstones offer striking photographic opportunities. The Cross of Sacrifice and the Stone of Remembrance are also iconic.
Focus on capturing the scale of the cemetery, the details of the headstones, and the serene landscape. Avoid intrusive shots of other visitors.
While not strictly forbidden, selfies are generally discouraged due to the respectful nature of the site. Focus on capturing the memorial itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Discuss the importance of respecting quiet places and remembering those who protected others. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort for younger visitors. To make the visit more engaging, you could research a few soldiers buried there beforehand and try to locate their graves. This can turn a somber experience into a more personal and educational one. Emphasize the peace and beauty of the grounds, highlighting the care taken to maintain the cemetery as a tribute.
🇦🇺 Australian Visitors
+3 Many visitors come to pay respects to relatives or to connect with a crucial part of Australian history. The cemetery is a tangible link to the sacrifices made to protect Australia's shores and its allies. Consider researching any family connections to the fallen soldiers before your visit. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website can be a helpful resource for this. Participating in any commemorative events, such as the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, can be a deeply moving experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance
+2 Many of these soldiers fell during the arduous battles fought along the Kokoda Track and in the surrounding regions, serving as the last line of defense for Papua New Guinea and Australia. The cemetery's meticulous upkeep by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ensures that these heroes are remembered with dignity and respect. The cemetery's location near Port Moresby makes it a significant historical site for both local remembrance and international visitors. It serves not only as a memorial but also as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of peace.
Reflecting on the young ages of many buried here, as noted by visitors, adds another layer of poignancy to the experience.
The cemetery's serene and picturesque setting, despite its somber purpose, allows for quiet contemplation and a deep appreciation for the bravery of those who served. Visiting as Part of a Tour
These tours often combine a visit to Bomana with other key historical sites around Port Moresby, such as the Bomana War Cemetery and Ower's Corner, the starting point of the Kokoda Track.
+1 This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the campaign and the sacrifices made. Booking a tour can also simplify logistics, as transportation is typically included, making it easier to navigate the area. For those interested in specific historical connections, such as the 2/14th Battalion or individuals like Lt Maurice (Mokka) Treacy, a knowledgeable guide can help locate specific graves and share relevant anecdotes.
+1 This personalized approach can make the visit even more meaningful and impactful.
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