An inspirational journey across the Kokoda track to commemorate our Anzac Heroes.
SNAPSHOT
Adventure Length: 11 days
Departure Dates: TBC
Departure City: Brisbane
Adventure Fee: $5,895
Deposit Amount: $1,000 AUD
Group: 15 adventurers (all ages)
Kokoda: The Heroes Journey gives you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives to save our country across the 96km Kokoda Track. Many historians consider Kokoda to be the most significant battle fought by Australians in World War II. Learn about the fascinating history along the 10-day trek that will challenge you both physically and mentally.
Highlights
-
Walk in the footsteps of our national heroes on the Kokoda Track across the dense jungle of Papua New Guinea
-
Learn about the history of our fallen soldiers from an experienced Australian Historical guide
-
Visit the Bomana War Cemetery – home to 3,824 fallen Commonwealth soldiers
-
Pay your respects at memorial services along the track
-
Visit Kokoda College, an education centre that supports ongoing quality education for local young leaders
-
Spend time in the village of Abuari – meeting school children and lending a hand with the locals
-
Travel with a group of like-minded people; willing to learn, grow, challenge and adventure
Day 1. Fly from Australia to Port Moresby. Overnight Moresby Hotel.
Upon arrival into Port Moresby before a transfer to our hotel, we will visit Bomana War Cemetery (The final resting place for many of our Australian soldiers who died in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, including on the Kokoda Track). Once at the hotel, a trek briefing will take place before our first Kokoda family dinner and a relaxing night.
Day 2. Charter flight from Port Moresby to Kokoda. Begin Trek. Overnight at Deniki.
An early start as we prepare for a morning charter flight from Port Moresby to Kokoda. This is the beginning of our cultural journey as we visit KTF’s Kokoda College. An educational college that runs purely on donations. Set up to supply local teachers with the training and support that they need to educate the future of PNG. Here we will experience a lovely local lunch and be shown around the college. This is a great example of the difference in education between our countries and the amazing work done by the KTF (The Kokoda Track Foundation).
We visit the battle site at Kokoda station, where the 39th Battalion made its first stand against the Japanese. In the afternoon, we start the track ascending to our campsite at Deniki, in the foothills of the Yodda Valley.
Day 3. Overnight at Isurava Battle Site.
Today we will climb into the Owen Stanley Range and traverse the western side of the Eora Creek Valley through the fields of choko vines. We pass through present-day Isurava village, the Isurava Battle Site and pay our respects at the breath-taking Isurava Memorial. A memorial to acknowledge the the COURAGE, ENDURANCE, MATESHIP and SACRIFICE of our diggers. A short afternoon walk has us arriving at Alola for the evening.
Day 4. Overnight at Abuari.
A detour from the track for our community day. After a couple of hours of a steep decent to Eora Creek and a steeper climb we will arrive into beautiful village of Abuari. Here our Kokoda family will have an opportunity to learn from some locals, interacting with children from the local school, exploring the village and assisting with any maintenance or gardening work the village requires. A day to immerse in the culture, give back and dig deeper into understanding village life. It is an amazing thing to ‘just be’ with the locals. Local foods will be cooked for lunch giving everyone a chance to enjoy the jungle lifestyle and help a community that is deep in the heart of our Trekking Supplier On Track Expeditions.
Day 5. Overnight at Templeton’s Crossing.
A lesser-worn track will guide us to Eora Creek Village, now abandoned but with a lovely swimming spot. After a fresh dip and some downtime by the water we continue back on the Kokoda Track until we arrive at our evening camp, Templeton’s Crossing (named after ‘Uncle’ Sam Templeton, Captain of B Company 39th Battalion).
Day 6. Overnight at Naduri.
Today we make our way up and over Mount Bellamy, the highest part of the track with an altitude of 2100 meters. In this area we see some of the track’s more interesting geographical features: the high altitude ‘moss forests’ and the Myola Lakes, huge dry lakebeds that served as important dropping grounds for Australian supplies. We make camp at Naduri, with a vista of high outlooks over the villages below.
Day 7. Overnight at Menari.
We traverse a steep creek valley to reach the village of Efogi, the largest village on the track with close to 1000 residents. We ascend Brigade Hill, the site of one of the most famous battles of the campaign. It was here that a night-time Japanese flanking manoeuvre saw Brigadier Potts cut off from the three Battalions under his command. We descend into the village of Menari and make camp.
Day 8. Overnight at Nauro.
A climb out of Menari takes us on a descend into the Brown River valley. Passing through the village of Anolog with another great swimming spot and often fresh locally grown fruit for sale. We close our day climbing again into the village of Nauro, perched on a hillside in the Maguli Range.
Day 9. Overnight at Ua Ule Creek/Good Water Camp.
Another day of climbs and descends of walking in the footsteps of our heroes – those that fought for the freedom of the life we lead back home. Up and over the Maguli Range, down into Ofi Creek, up to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge. It was here that the Japanese were forced to retreat through exhaustion and starvation, despite being within sight of the ocean and the lights of Port Moresby, their ultimate goal. For our final night on the track we camp at Ua-Ule Creek/Good Water Camp.
Day 10. Finish trek. Overnight at the Port Moresby Hotel.
Our last day together, walking together, celebrating the journey we have been on. Over Imita, the final ridge before Port Moresby is in sight. We cross the Goldie River and finish the track at Owers’ Corner, that’s right, you have completed the Kokoda Track!! We return to Port Moresby by bus and check-in to our hotel before a final family dinner together, reflecting on the journey.
Day 11. Fly from Port Moresby to Australia.
After a nice rest, breakfast, swim in the pool and a hot shower we are transported to Port Moresby International Airport and depart this amazing country knowing we have explored the history, culture, people and Kokoda Track.
At yLead, we believe in making our experiences as inclusive as possible, and are completely upfront with any costs associated. Your trip fee includes:
-
Highly experienced Australian historical guide
-
yLead Tour Leader
-
International flights (ex. Brisbane)
-
All accommodation (2 x nights accommodation in hotel pre-and post trek and personal tent on track)
-
All transfers and ground travel arrangements via private bus
-
Comprehensive Travel and Evacuation Insurance
-
Personal Porter to carry 15kg of personal equipment
-
Community immersion experience with local village
-
Kokoda training guide
-
All Meals during the trek (excludes meals in transit)
We recommend bringing an additional 300KINA ($150AUD) as spending money. You will also need to purchase your walking boots and trekking gear (poles, back pack, water bottles etc.) plus visit your GP/Travel doctor for health advice and clearance.
FAQ’s
How do I book my trip?
If you’ve already decided you want to join us on one of our travel adventures, simply complete the enquiry form and you will receive an information kit with a copy of the registration form and instructions about how to pay your deposit. You can always contact our team if you need any assistance with this process.
Who will be looking after me while I’m there?
Our tour leadership team provide the greatest guarantee of participant safety and well-being. Our carefully selected Australian Tour Leaders have vast experience with both travel and working with young people. The yLead team will also be supported by a big team of local porters and guides from On Track Expeditions.
Who usually comes on the trek?
Kokoda is for the young and young-at-heart. Most participants range from 18 to early 30’s but frequently includes adults who have a connection to our incredible Association. We believe the quality of people that share this adventure is perhaps its’ greatest strength. Like-minded people that are unafraid to challenge themselves, not just mentally and physically, but take time to reflect and grow personally as well. You are welcome to invite friends and family to share this extraordinary adventure with you!
How fit do I need to be for the trek?
Fitness is only one component of the Kokoda challenge but it certainly makes the trek more comfortable. It is important that you prepare for 10 days of walking. You will be given a 12-week intensive training program that we strongly suggest you follow. You will have porters to carry your big bag, tent and food to each camp site, meaning you will only carry an 8kg day-pack with lunch, camera, water and rain gear. It is also a condition of trekking the Kokoda Track that you complete a full medical with your GP.
Can I talk to people who have done it?
Yes. Just contact us and we will connect you with some of our previous travellers who would love to share their experience.
If you have any other questions, simply complete the enquiry form and we will email you an information kit.
OTHER ADVENTURES
Thrill Out! New Zealand
New Zealand | 7 Days | School Leavers
Departing 30 November 2019 & 5 December 2020
Help Out! Cambodia
Cambodia | 8 Days | School Leavers
Departing 23 November 2019 & 28 November 2020