Day

Details

1

Travel/accommodation as per participant arrangements or adventure travel packages.

A group meeting is held in Port Moresby (location tba) once all participants have arrived (approx. 5-6pm) so your Trek Leader can facilitate introductions and brief you on the journey ahead.

2

Transfer:  Domestic flight/charter flight to Popendetta (as per participant travel arrangements) then drive to  Kokoda Village – home of the “Kokoda Legends”. 

Activity:   Upon arrival, Papuan locals from surrounding villages greet you with a ceremonial welcome.  Experience the local culture with a local family and begin your familiarisation with the language of Motu and Papuan customs.  Your trek leader will take you along the original war time track to explore the battle sites surrounding Kokoda Village and give you the foundation and understanding to support your journey that lies ahead.  We enjoy a  celebratory "Oro" feast provided by our Kokoda family before turning in for the night.  

Points of Interest:  Kokoda Legends are greeted with a ceremonial village welcome before a privileged visit to the Kokoda plateau and war museum  

Accommodation:  Village Huts/Bush Camp (tents)

3

 Transfer:  Trek from Kokoda Village to Deniki.

Trek Overview: Our trek commences from Kokoda Village through the rubber plantation to the village of Kovello and Hoi Village before a climb of approx. 400m into the village of Deniki

Points of Interest:  A great opportunity to explore the original war track as well as the withdrawal and new defensive positions of the Australian Diggers during 1942.  Marvel at the journey thus far as you look back from Deniki towards the Yodda Valley and Kokoda.

Accommodation:  Bush camp (tents)

4

Transfer:  Trek from Deniki to Alola via Isurava.

Trek Overview:  Our trek commences from Deniki and climbs approx 500m into the village of Isurava and then on to the village of Alola.

Highlights:  Our trek leads us to the village of Isurava, where we pay tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought to save our country in what is without doubt, one of the most important battle sites in Australian history.  We visit the magnificent Isuarva War Memorial and take time to raise the Australian flag in tribute.  We provide you with a description and full outline, as well as many unique insights into this famous battle site.  Explore the battle site of the famous Bruce Kingsbury and the rock monument in recognition of his brave efforts for which he received the first Victorian Cross awarded on Australian soil.  We will also spend time at Don's rock to pay our respects to the Bisset family and commemorate the passing of Butch Bisset by singing Danny Boy.

Accommodation:  Village Guest House. 

5

Transfer:  Trek from Alola to Templeton's Crossing 

Trek Overview:  Today’s trek is an arduous one, beginning with a steep descent 250m, then a 245m climb crossing the Eora Creek. Along the way we will explore and discuss Japanese defensive poitions along with the Australian withdrawal. This is followed by a 500m climb and a 125m descent to our campsite at Templeton’s Crossing number 2.

Highlights:   On arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing and well deserved swim in the clear fresh waters of the Eora Creek.

Accommodation:  Bush camp.

6

Transfer:  Trek from Templeton’s Crossing to Myola.

Trek Overview:  An early morning start to another arduous day.  First we climb up 250m then down 150m crossing the river before climbing 350m through the Kokoda Gap to the top of Mount Bellamy (the highest point on the track, 2200m). Our trek continues with a 300m descent to camp 1900, then a 100m ascent to arrive at Myola track junction then into the jungle canopy before arriving in the open plains of Myola.

Highlights:  Explore the supply area of the forward troop and experience the great hospitality of home made bread straight out of a “bush” oven. Examine ammunitions dumps and a downed aircraft and understand the strategic importance of this are in the whole campaign.

Accommodation:  Village huts/tents.

7

Transfer: Trek from Myola to Effogi.

Trek Overview: Retracing our steps back through the jungle canopy to arrive at Myola junction we climb 100m before descending 550m to Naduli. After lunch we descend a further 200m to the Effogi River.  We climb another 350m before our final descent of 150m into Effogi.

Highlights: Various war relics and sites along the way including fascinating weapons pits.  A must for photographers, the Myola Gap has some of the most stunning views you will encounter along the track.

Accommodation: Village huts/tents.

8

Transfer:  Trek from Effogi to Menari.

Trek Overview:  A relatively easy day, the journey continues with a 250m climb exploring the real Mission Ridge and Japanese lantern procession before heading onto Brigade Hill. After a passionate historical presentation and remembrance ceremony we head down a descent of 700m.  Along the way we will also explore the real position of the Australian head quarters before climbing up 200m into the village of Menari.  We also take timeout to explore the Australian withdrawal and new lines at Menari.  At Menari Village you will also have the opportunity to see the actual site of the famous Damian Parer photo of Col. Ralph Honner addressing the 39th battalion.

Highlights:  A stirring and emotional tribute to the Diggers who lost their lives in Australia’s famous stand against the Japanese in 1942.

Accommodation:  Village huts/tents.

9

Transfer: Trek from Menari to Nauro.

Trek Overview:  Today is a relatively easy day.  We start the day with a 270m climb, before descending 380m into the swamp lands, traversing the Brown River several times.  After lunch we climb 300m up the Maguli Range to the village of Nauro.

Highlights:  A day to reflect upon the journey so far with greater appreciation for the tenacity of the Australian Diggers.  It’s also a great opportunity to diarise your memorable moments of the trek so far.

Accommodation:  Village huts/tents.

10

Transfer:  Trek from Nauro to Ua-ule Creek.

Trek Overview:  After an early start to the day, we climb 550m of the Maguli Range then down 700m to Ofi Creek for lunch.  In the afternoon, we climb 250m up Ioribaiwa Ridge, descend 540m to Ua-Ule Creek, crossing the river 9 times.

Highlights:  Climb the furthest point the Japanese reached before being driven back to the sea by the Australian diggers.

Accommodation:   Village huts/tents.

11

Transfer: Trek from Ua-ule Creek to Vesulogo. Transfer to Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby.

Trek Overview:  Commencing with 11 river crossings, we then climb 550m up Imita Ridge before descending the “Golden Staircase” to the Goldie River.  After crossing the river we ascend the last hill 300m to the finishing archway at Ower’s Corner.

Highlights:  The obligatory photos at the finishing archway signifying the completion of your personal challenge. On route to Port Moresby, we tour the Bomana Memorial Cemetery and pay our last respects to all those who fought for the privileges we have as Australians today. 

A celebratory dinner and presentation ceremony in recognition of your achievements and completion of this amazing journey.

Accommodation as per participant arrangements or adventure travel packages.

12

Travel as per participant arrangements or adventure travel packages.