The bridge over the Markham River at the western edge of Lae is the start of the Highlands Highway, Papua New Guinea's most important road. It spans a broad, braided river delta where the Markham — one of the country's major rivers — empties into the Huon Gulf. The river carries enormous volumes of sediment from the highlands, and the delta landscape shifts constantly.
From the bridge you get a good sense of the scale of the valley and the mountains beyond. The Markham Valley stretches northwest toward the Finisterre Range, and on clear mornings the highland ridges are visible in the distance. There is nothing formal to see here — no viewing platform or interpretive signs — but as a piece of natural geography it is impressive. If you are heading up the Highlands Highway, this is where the journey begins. If you are not, it is still worth a drive out to the bridge for the view.