The national colours of red, black and yellow have been embraced by jubilant Papua New Guineans as they celebrate a landmark Independence Day.

People have filled the streets draped in the beloved colours as PNG marks 50 years since Australia's colonial rule ended, highlighting its culture, dance and music.

Celebrations officially began with a packed flag-raising ceremony at Independence Hill in Port Moresby on Tuesday morning with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in attendance.

Proud Papua New Guineans gathered in front of a statue of the nation's first prime minister and founding father Michael Somare, where Prime Minister James Marape spoke.

"Out of many, we became one, united under a single flag that was hoisted for the first time," he said.

Dignitaries from around the wo

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