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For the past few months there has been a family trying to create a resort on the outskirts of Port Moresby. As I have not only an interest in Kokoda Trekking but also a website promoting the whole of PNG, some months ago I was asked to travel out there to give them my recommendations as to how to grow the area for tourism.
As a local of Port Moresby the first thing that caught my eye on my first visit was the fact that the sand was white and not black which is common around the outskirts of Port Moresby such as 'Gaire Black Beach'. Since then they have been making improvements and now it is ready to market to anyone who would like to spend some time there.
Open Bay is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive out of Port Moresby or 2 hours if there is a lot of local traffic on the road. If you did not know where to go it would be almost impossible to find as its a private beach owned by some local landowners who hope to retire there in a few years time.
At the moment the couple who came up with this idea, live in Port Moresby from Monday-Friday and spend the weekend at Open Bay helping to build the resort. They also have a family home in a village situated not far from the main road but some 20 minutes from their beach haven. Their brother-in-law lives on the beach site and is a builder by trade. Their son is a electrician so pretty much everything you see has been built by the family for their future.
Yesterday was my third trip out to Open Bay and I was delighted to see they have been following my suggestions and that now they have a water tank installed along with some lights and a generator set up on site. They also have a pit toilet with a flushing one being installed within the next few weeks along with a shower similar to the one we have at Orohaven in Kokoda.
My son Shane and I spoke to them about an exclusive right to sell their resort and they have agreed as they are looking for help to bring tourism to their area.
As cash flow improves, so will the accommodation and amentities offered. However, for now its open for immediate use and for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby, this is a great place that offers pretty much like you are on the Kokoda Track except the bush you have the ocean at your doorstep.
All food/drinks etc have to be carried in by esky, ie BYO. You will still need your tent and trek gear such as cup/plate/sleeping bag etc but for anyone who is into FISHING or SWIMMING, this is a private place with only the caretakers of the area at the resort for your safety.
Its very RELAXING so take along a good book!
If you are interested, please contact me as this can easily be added on to the end of your trek and the cost is quite inexpensive compared to the hotels and Loloata resort in and around Port Moresby.
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IMGP0994.jpgThe photographs below would be your very own 'private' beach during your stay there:
Shane suggested that the beach will need to be raked when guests are headed their way and they have agreed to this.
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IMGP1053.jpgLooking back from the beach towards the traditional hut.
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IMGP1060.jpgOther photographs taken during our stay there:
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IMGP6420.jpgThe photographs below were taken the last time I drove out there with some of our trekking staff.
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IMGP0988.jpgSeveral times the landowners have pointed out a piece washed up on their beach which they kept because it looks like the map of Australia.
IMGP0992.jpgFor regular visitors to our website you may recall seeing a photograph of our staff at Open Bay Resort as they had all walked in with Soc Kienzle and spent two days there before flying back to Kokoda.
Some of the boys walked up to the next village some 20 minutes away and purchased some fish to take back home to Kokoda. Others went swimming; others went hunting at night to try and catch some wallabies; and some just lazed around eating and sleeping!
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