Overview

This South > North Kokoda Track trek features an Anzac Dawn Service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. Anzac Day is a solemn day of remembrance for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country. It also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge those who continue to serve their country to this day.

Our 11-day Kokoda Track Anzac Day tour commences in Port Moresby, where will spend our first night. We begin our Kokoda trek by travelling in a private vehicle to Owers’ Corner, where the track starts. We will stop at the Bomana War Cemetery on our way. Here, we will pay our respects to those who gave their lives during 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; the site of Australia’s last stand,
  • Ioribaiwa Ridge; the furthest point reached by the Japanese,
  • Brigade Hill; the 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. Here we will reflect upon the gallantry, courage and sacrifice made by all Australian soldiers. This is an incredibly special and moving experience 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, we will return 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.’

What to Expect

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.

  • Traverse the world-renowned Kokoda Track with a leading culturally and ecologically sensitive trek operator
  • Trek South to North in the direction of the Australian Advance
  • Experience and participate in moving memorial services at Isurava Battlefield and Brigade Hill
  • Take in the beauty of the Papua New Guinea, one of the world’s least explored countries
  • Stay at the brand new 5-star Stanley Hotel & Suites whilst in Port Moresby incl. Buffet Breakfast
  • Form lasting bonds and friendships with your fellow trekkers

What's Included

Included
8x nights in Tent/Bivvy/Guesthouse-style Accommodation during Trek
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during Trek, prepared Fresh Daily
2x nights in a Standard Twin Room^ at the 5-star Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby incl. Buffet Breakfast
Return Airport Transfers on Arrival & Departure
Commercial flight from Girua Airport, Popondetta > Jackson’s International Airport
Expert Australian Tour Leader/s, Wilderness First Aid – Guaranteed
Professionally Trained and Highly Experienced Local Ground Crew
Not included
International and Australian Domestic Airfares & Airport Departure Tax
All costs associated with obtaining a Passport
All costs associated with obtaining a PNG VISA
Travel Insurance [mandatory]
Vaccinations and Anti-Malarial Medicines
Personal Carrier
Free
Getaway Trekking quick-dry Walking Shirt
Getaway Trekking Certificate of Completion
Training Walks in Victoria

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:

Pre-Trek | Arrival Jacksonu2019s International Airport

Arrive Port Moresby, transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Pre trek briefing and first group dinner (own cost).

Hotel

Day 2:

Trek from Owersu2019 Corner u2013 Goodwater (campsite)

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 Owersu2019 Corner where the Kokoda Track commences. Inspect the Owersu2019 Corner Memorial as well as a 25-pound Artillery gun.rnrnCommence trek with a steep descent to Goldie River. Cross the river, continue through Uberi and past Dump 66, arriving at Goodwater campsite.

Goodwater campsite
3 hours

Day 3:

Trek from Goodwater u2013 Ioribaiwa Village

Commence with a steep ascent up to Imita Ridge, the 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 the day with a challenging ascent to Ioribaiwa Village.

6 hours

Day 4:

Trek from Ioribaiwa Village u2013 Nauro Village

Ascend to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge, the furthest point reached by the Japanese before they were ordered to u201cadvance to the rearu201d. Continue into Ofi Creek campsite, before tackling the 9 false peaks of the Maguli Range. Finish with a challenging but spectacular descent into the beautiful village of Nauro, our camp for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nauro camp
7 hours

Day 5:

Trek from Nauro Village u2013 Manari Village

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 u2018The Wallu2019 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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6 hr

Day 6:

Trek from Manari Village u2013 Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau)

A steep climb up to infamous Brigade Hill; also referred to as u2018Butcheru2019s Hillu2019, 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. rnrnOpportunity to support local economy with purchase of fruit, cans of coke, Twisties and Bilums (traditional string bags).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7 hours

Day 7:

Trek from Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau) u2013 Templetons Crossing.

Long day commencing with a steep descent into the gorge and across Efogi River. Long climb to Naduri, continue to summit of Mt Bellamy, trekking through the u2018enchanted moss forestu2019, where Antarctic Beech forest, phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line the track. Descend to Dump 1 via Kokoda Gap enjoying more spectacular views.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10 hr

Day 8:

Trek from Templetons Crossing u2013 Isurava Battlefield.

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 u2018Battle of Eora Creeku2019. Trek along narrow and slippery tracks to Alola with spectacular views and friendly locals. Final leg into Isurava Battlefield.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8 hr

Day 9:

Trek from Isurava Battlefield - Kokoda Village.

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.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8 hr

Day 10:

Transfer to Kokoda Airstrip OR Popondetta for return flight to Port Moresby.

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).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Transit Day.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia.

Breakfast
Papua New Guinea 11-Day Anzac Day Kokoda Trek

2k+ trekkers and counting

Caterina C

The Aus Camino of March 2026, was my first Camino and can say that it was truly an amazing experience .
The whole trek was exceptionally well-organised — every detail was clearly planned and executed. The accommodation was comfortable, clean, and perfectly suited to the locations we visited. Meals were delicious and plentiful.

The trek covered some truly breathtaking places, each made even more special by our amazing tour leaders, Deb and Mike. They were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and empathetic, always ready to answer questions and ensure everyone felt supported and included. Their enthusiasm and care really stood out and made the trek not just enjoyable, but memorable.

I’d recommend this trek to anyone looking for a professionally run, engaging, and heartwarming adventure.

April 6, 2026

Patricia W

I participated in the October 20 Aussie Camino. The actual walking was challenging as we traversed a variety of different terrains such as on rocky paths, the beach, forests, flat and VERY hilly areas (“undulations” according to Mike!) and sometimes on the road. Accommodation styles varied from Spartan to semi-luxurious. It was a delight to finally arrive in historic Penola that is so significant in the Mary MacKillop story. Deb and Mike, our leaders, were outstanding in their attention to every detail of the journey, the needs of the participants and their knowledge of the area. It was a memorable experience shared with an interesting group of fellow participants. Patricia, East Melbourne

March 17, 2026

Bernadette R

This was my first Camino and I absolutely loved it. Our leader Jonathan and driver and guide Nick were both so helpful, kind and professional. We had briefings before each daily walk which were very helpful. I improved so much throughout the walk due to their support and kindness. The rest of the group were also wonderful and we shared stories and laughs and I really achieved more on my Camino than I thought possible.
The scenery was breathtaking and I especially liked the way we were all so well prepared prior to take off with the emails and instructions from Deb. It was my first but certainly won’t be my last Camino. I am inspired to train more and be better prepared and stronger for the next one.
Loved the companionship; getting to know everyone and the food and stretching myself to achieve my goal in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

November 26, 2025

Norma N

I had a great time. Met some great people along the way, learnt a lot, saw some incredible places. The leaders were great and full of knowledge fun to be around. The food and places we stay in also very good

November 25, 2025

Carolyn Doh

We have just completed the Aussie Camino with Mike and Deb from Getaway Trekking and cannot recommend them highly enough.

November 4, 2025

Libby S

Having recently completed the Atlas mountains Trek & Morocco tour with Getaway Trekking, I would highly recommend Deb & Mike as a tour company.
Their personal commitment & level of care is 5 star. 100% invested in their clients before, during & after the tours.

August 3, 2025

Theresa B

In July this year, I completed the 16-day UK Coast to Coast hike (Wainwright Way) with Getaway Trekking.  It was a fabulous trip, with a perfect sized group of 15, expertly led by Getaway owners, Deb & Mike.  The hike takes you through beautiful countryside, 3 National Parks with accommodation pre-arranged at quaint little English hotels and inns.  Highly recommend for anyone who likes a very well organized and adventurous hiking trip.

August 3, 2025

Ryan M

I recently completed the Kokoda Trek with Getaway Trekking, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Laurie, was incredible—his leadership was inspirational, and he provided an authentic and deep understanding of Kokoda’s history. The communication from Getaway Trekking was outstanding. Deb, the owner, was always responsive and went above and beyond to answer all our questions. The whole experience was fantastic, and I highly recommend anyone considering the Kokoda trek to choose Getaway Trekking.

August 3, 2025

Roddyp123

I have recently returned from the Aussie Camino Walk, a 9-day package including 7 days of hiking from Portland, Vic to Penola, SA through Getaway Trekking & Adventures.
I absolutely loved it! It was my first hike, and I loved trekking through such a diversity of landscapes including beach, cliff-top tracks, farmland, forest, old railway line, and country roads. The coastal views of the ocean with pods of seals frolicking on and off rocks was magical. Seeing Australian fauna such as mobs of Wallabies, Echidna, Koalas, Rosellas and native Aussie flora up close was a real highlight for me. I also enjoyed that it was a pilgrim walk following the life of Australia’s first saint Mary McKillop. The small group of 10 people (couples, singles) made it easy to connect and to have meaningful, reflective conversations as well as having plenty of belly laughs.
The ethos of the company was supportive and inclusive. From the first briefing with our gentle knowledgeable guide, Jonathon, and organized lovely driver, Deb (also company owner), it was clear that the walk wasn’t a competition of the fastest or fittest. In saying that, pre training walking is a must to get the most out of the experience.
A support bus was available if anyone was struggling on a particular day. Whether you are looking for a diverse hiking experience or for a spiritual journey or a combination of the two this is the hike to choose

November 8, 2024

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