This South > North Kokoda Track trek features an ANZAC Dawn Service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. ANZAC Day is the solemn day of remembrance of those Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country, but also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge those who continue to serve their country to this day.
After a pre trek gathering and our first night’s accommodation in Port Moresby, we commence our trek Kokoda journey travelling via road, in the Getaway Trekking (GT) Private Motor Vehicle (PMV), bound for Owers’ Corner; the point where the Kokoda Track commences. En route we visit the humbling Bomana War Cemetery, where we will pause to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as part of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign.
Our trek across the Owen Stanley Range, from south to north, commences with a steep descent down to the Goldie River, which we wade across with the help of our loyal Carriers. Over the next 8 days we will trek through and explore several historical sites including Imita Ridge; site of Australia’s last stand, Ioribaiwa Ridge; the furthest point reached by the Japanese, Brigade Hill; site of one of the most horrific battles our soldiers fought during their withdrawal, Eora Creek Village; the site where 99 Australian soldiers were killed during fierce gun battles and Isurava Battlefield; where Private Bruce Kingsbury was killed during battle and ultimately awarded (posthumously) the Victoria Cross.
As a group, we will hold a small memorial service at Brigade Hill and participate in the official Australian High Commission Memorial Service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial to reflect upon the gallantry, courage and sacrifice made by all Australian soldiers. This is an incredibly special and moving experience, and one you will never forget.
Our Kokoda Trail trek concludes once we step through the Kokoda Arch at Kokoda Village. Armed with a new found appreciation of the accomplishments and hardships endured by our Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign, we will pause to reflect upon the past 8 days.
We will spend our final night on the Kokoda Track at Kokoda Village before returning to Port Moresby the following morning. Upon our arrival back in Port Moresby we will transfer back to our hotel for a hot shower and our final dinner as a group. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon, what for many, will have been the experience of a lifetime.
‘We are here today, because they were here before us.’
Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby (Google Map)
Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular destination for tourists, not to mention the renowned and fabled ‘Kokoda Track’, home to many life-changing Kokoda Tours.
Arrive Port Moresby, transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Pre trek briefing and first group dinner (own cost).
Transfer by road to Bomana War Cemetery, containing more than 3,700 casualties of the Second World War. Continuing to Sogeri Monument before arriving at Owers’ Corner where the Kokoda Track commences. Inspect the Owers’ Corner Memorial as well as a 25-pound Artillery gun. Commence trek with steep descent to Goldie River. Cross river, continue through Uberi and past Dump 66 arriving at Goodwater campsite.
Commence with steep ascent up to Imita Ridge, site of the final defensive stand by the Australians, who were told there would be no further withdrawal from this point. Commence steep descent to Ua Ule Creek, crossing many times, before arriving Ua-Ule for lunch. Complete day with challenging ascent to Ioribaiwa Village.
Ascend to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge, the furthest point reached by the Japanese before they were ordered to “advance to the rear”. Continue into Ofi Creek campsite, before tackling the 9 false peaks of the Maguli Range. Finish with challenging but spectacular descent into the beautiful village of Nauro, our camp for the night.
Stunning views of mountain ranges in cloud set up the day; begin with descent into Nauro swamp. Cross Brown River and continue along flat ground to ‘The Wall’ and a very steep ascent to Menari Gap. Continue to Menari, home to the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel along the Kokoda Track. Enjoy a swim in the slow running creek and the beautiful church choir.
A steep climb up to infamous Brigade Hill; also referred to as ‘Butcher’s Hill’, site of an horrific and costly battle. Pause for Memorial Service. Enjoy beautiful views enroute to Efogi, largest settlement on Track with museum, airstrip and first aid post. Make final ascent to Efogi Village 2. Opportunity to support local economy with purchase of fruit, cans of coke, Twisties and Bilums (traditional string bags).
Long day commencing with steep descent into gorge and across Efogi River. Long climb to Naduri, continue to summit of Mt Bellamy, trekking through the ‘enchanted moss forest’, where Antarctic Beech forest, phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line the track. Descend to Dump 1 via Kokoda Gap enjoying more spectacular views.
Short but steep descent to Eora Creek, cross and continue to Templetons 2. Continue past numerous weapon pits, as we make our way to Eora Creek Village; site of the ‘Battle of Eora Creek’. Trek along narrow and slippery tracks to Alola with spectacular views and friendly locals. Final leg into Isurava Battlefield.
Rise early for official Australian High Commission Dawn Service, reflecting upon the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of all soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign. The Service is held at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. Continue through Deniki and onto the village of Hoi with its beautiful and refreshing creek. A final 2 hour walk to the Kokoda Track Arch.
If returning to Port Moresby by private charter, transfer the short distance to Kokoda Airstrip. If connecting with commercial flight from Popondetta, leave Kokoda and transfer by road. Either way, will take about 30 minutes to fly over what took us 8 days to walk. Final dinner in Port Moresby. (own cost)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia.
Breakfast Included
*In the event that a Guesthouse is not available, Tents and/or Bivvys will be erected as a sleeping alternative.
