The species shows strong sexual dimorphism in colour, at least among individuals in mating conditions.

[2] The male advertisement call consists of two notes, first a soft rattle and then a high-pitched trill.

[2] Papurana aurata has been found inhabiting a mixture of primary and secondary rainforests near mountain streams and pools.

Most specimens were found perched on vegetation 0.5–1.5 m (2–5 ft) above the ground, but some were also observed on rocks in the streams and pools.

The species tolerates habitat disturbance as specimens have been found close to a road and in rural villages.