The public holidays in PNG dates for 2024 were published in the National Gazette. Below are the dates compiled from the Gazette and Education Calendar.
Check out the 2024 Gazetted Public HolidayPDF file here and download it!
Public holiday dates in PNG
Here is a comprehensive list of the public holidays in Papua New Guinea for 2024:
- New Year's Day - 1st January, 2024 (Monday)
- New Year Holiday - 2nd January, 2024 (Tuesday)
- Remembrance Day of the Late First Prime Minister - 26th February 2024 (Monday)
- Good Friday - 29th March, 2024 (Friday)
- Easter Saturday - 28th March, 2024 (Saturday)
- Easter Sunday - 31st March, 2024 (Sunday)
- Easter Monday - 1st March 2024 (Wednesday)
- King's Birthday - 17th June, 2024 (Monday)
- National Remembrance Day - 23rd July 2024 (Tuesday)
- National Repentance Day - 26th August 2024 (Monday)
- Independence Day Holiday - 16th September, 2024 (Monday)
- Christmas Day - 25th December, 2024 (Wednesday)
- Boxing Day - 26th December, 2024 (Thursday)
PNG Holidays Dates and Important Events
The King's Birthday
King's Birthday is a public holiday celebrated on the second of June every year in the Commonwealth group of countries, including PNG.
The King has two birthdays - the first is in November, as he was born on 14 November 1948. Then a second one - an official celebration - falls on the second Saturday of June called Trooping the Colour, which has marked the official birthday of the British monarch for over 260 years.
Papua New Guinea National Remembrance Day
National Remembrance Day is observed on the 23rd of July in PNG.It is a memorial day observed to honour PNG soldiers and police officers who lost their lives during the wars and other engagements within Papua New Guinea and abroad.
The Repentance day
This non-working public holiday is observed on the 26th of August every year. It is a religious day to show repentance to God, it is a symbolic day for PNG as a Christian country.
The Independence Holiday
The Independence Holiday is a non-working public holiday observed on the 16th of September, the date when PNG gained its political independence.
It is a non-working public holiday. If it falls on the weekend, you'll get a 3-day long weekend.
Universal Public Holidays
PNG also observes other public holidays like the Easter Holidays and Christmas Holidays.
Plan your 2024 using the public holiday dates
If you are planning a weekend getaway or spending the long weekends somewhere, check the suggestions here. There are lots of places to visit outside of Port Moresby.
Check out the Port Moresby Day Trips here for tips and inspiration.
 |
| Hula Camping Trip/Motuan Coast/ PNG Insight Photo |
Port Moresby day trips
If you are a POM resident or local just wanting a day trip away from the house and screens, here are 3 suggestions to help you.
- 1. Port Moresby Parks and Recreation Areas: Varirata National Conservation Park, Nature Park and Adventure Park, Pacific Adventist University Sunday morning market.
- 2. Travel along the Motuan Coasts: Sunset Lodge, March Girls Resort, Loloata Island Resort, Tutu Beach Retreat.
- 3. Weekend away to Sogeri Plateau: Koitachi Country Club, Kokoda Trail Memorial, Kokoda Lodge, Crystal Rapids Falls.
Those wanting to have a restful day in POM can relax and have fun at the following places.
- 1. Stanley Hotel Poolside
- 2. Hilton Hotel and Accommodation
- 3. Downtown Harbourside Restaurants and Cafe
- 4. Vision City Cinema
- 5. The New Ela Beach
Kids' things to do in POM
- 1. Lamana 10 Pins Lanes Bowling
- 2. Play Station Kids Indoor Play Area
- 3. Nature Park Holiday Fun and Activities
- 4. Adventure Park Fishing Competition
- 5. Port Moresby Yacht Club Kids Playground
There are lots of things you can do around Port Moresby to keep the whole family occupied over the 2024 holidays and long weekends.
6 Must-See Travels out of Port Moresby
 |
| Rabaul Volcano /PNG Insight photo |
Easter would be a good time to travel out to explore the beauty of PNG. The 6 *must* visit destinations in PNG:
- 1. Rabaul - swim with dolphins and visit the volcanoes.
- 2. Hagen - travel along the Baiyer and Kitip roads, and visit the local/traditional singings.
- 3. Kavieng - travel along the Kavieng-Namatanai Highway and visit the Eel Lady.
- 4. Goroka - Visit the Asaro Mudmen.
- 5. Alotau - travel to the pristine islands and snorkel.
- 6. Tufi/Oro - Tufi is a diver's paradise described by influential diver's magazines as the 'best' diving destination in the South Pacific. Or, relax by the beach and enjoy canoeing and fjord getaways. :)
 |
| PNG INSIGHT PHOTO/TUFI BEACH |
Well, these are a few things that come to mind. There are even more for the inquisitive explorers. Have fun!
Let us know if there are any places around POM or places that you think we should add to the list.
Join PNG INSIGHT on TWITTER.
