THE TREK
History
The Kokoda Trail or Track is a single-file foot thoroughfare that runs 96 kilometres — 60 kilometres in a straight line — through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
The track is the most famous in Papua New Guinea and is renowned as the location of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942. More information about the Kokoda Campaign can be viewed here.
The track starts, or ends, at Owers Corner in Central Province, 50 kilometres east of Port Moresby, and then crosses rugged and isolated terrain, which is only passable on foot, to the village of Kokoda in Oro Province. It reaches a height of 2,190 metres (7,185 ft) as it passes around the peak of Mount Bellamy.
Hot and humid days with intensely cold nights, torrential rainfall and the risk of endemic tropical diseases such as malaria, make it a challenge to walk.
Despite the challenge posed it is a popular hike that takes between four and twelve days (depending on fitness). Locals have been known to hike the route in three days.
Download your copy of the Kokoda Trail map and view our flyover video.
KOKODA TOURS
Take the ultimate challenge of trekking the Kokoda - one of the world's great adventure treks, but with the best preparation and support available to ensure you not only finish the adventure, you have the time of your life!
Joining the South and North coasts of Papua New Guinea, it is a challenge to be enjoyed by all. PNG's Kokoda Track is one of the most fulfilling treks you will find with a 96km Trail cutting across razor edged ridges and over steep towering mountains, then descend deep into the rainforest and jungles of ferns, spectacular scenery and towering trees entwined with creepers. You will pass through mountain streams on manmade bridges of vine and logs, as the translucent water tumbles its way down into the steep valleys. Rest in relaxed, untouched villages, where you will be warmly welcomed with smiles and fresh fruit and vegetables.
The Kokoda Track is also the home of the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels" - the local villagers who risked their lives in the Second World War to assist the Aussie’s to resist the Japanese advance. The Kokoda Trail was the site of one of the most critical and bloody campaigns of World War II. Three thousand Japanese and 600 Australians died on the Kokoda Trail in seven months. It was on the Kokoda Trail that the Australians fought the Japanese Army's last attempt to capture Port Moresby. In the end it was the Kokoda Trail that proved to be invincible as neither side could maintain a supply line over its distance. Today the Kokoda Trail is one of the most beautiful and peaceful walks on earth, however there is still evidence of the war and we sometimes find remnants in the jungle, and the older men of the villages bask in telling their stories of the "Fight".
The trek is not rushed and we walk it in eight days, which gives you time adjust, acclimatise and find your own pace. Completing the Kokoda Trail will give you a deep sense of achievement. The terrain can be difficult and the weather on the track is unpredictable and you have to be willing for anything, and our training program will help prepare you for this.
All your Kokoda guides are qualified and speak English, with one porter accompanying each person to assist carrying tents, cooking and other necessary equipment. We have a satellite telephone, comprehensive emergency plans, insurance and thorough knowledge of the PNG area, having taken more than 300 clients along the infamous track. The package includes all flights, meals, taxes, accommodation and the all-important pre-trekking training program. During the adventure, we will also take you through the history and significance of each part of the trail, telling the story of each infamous battle along the way.
It is really quite amazing to witness what our diggers did and the memories and sense of achievement will stay with you for your lifetime and we will offer the best support you can get before and during the trek.
Trek Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival Day
Your Australian guide meets you at the airport and conveys you to your hotel. This night involves a comprehensive trek briefing with your Australian guide whilst having a cold refreshment next to the hotel pool and then enjoying a delicious dinner at the restaurant.
DAY 2
Kokoda to Deniki - approx. 3 hours trekking
We take a early morning PNG flight from Port Moresby to either Popondetta or Kokoda airfield. Arrival at Kokoda and walk up to Kokoda village to the meet the local villagers where you will be introduced to your local porters and support staff. Inspect the remarkable Kokoda museum, monuments and memorials, have lunch and then onto Deniki. Enjoy the spectacular views over the Kokoda valley where you spend your first night on the track.
DAY 3
Deniki to Alola - approx. 6 hours trekking
A highlight of today is spending time paying your respects at the Isurava war memorial. This memorial was opened in August 2002 to commemorate the incredible ultimate sacrifice made by courageous men such as Butch Bisset and Bruce Kingsbury in the vicious four day battle fought there. Lunch here then walk to Alola village to spend the night and enjoy the magnificent views down the valley.
DAY 4
Alola to Templetons One - approx. 8 hours trekking
Trek down to Eora creek village with a fascinating inspection of Japanese trenches, ammunition, armoury and mountain gun site along the way. Lunch at Templeton’s II. Overnight camping at Templeton’s 1. Named in honour of Captain Sam Templeton revered by his men who lost his life fighting the Japanese north of Kokoda. Excellent campsite for a refreshing swim.
DAY 5
Templetons 1 to Kagi - approx. 8 hours trekking
Trek over the Kokoda gap, ascending Mt Bellamy the highest point on the track. Onto the Myola 1 airfield and hospital site and inspect the Myola ammunition dump still containing wartime Australian mortars, grenades and mines. Lunch here and then onto the beautiful village of Kagi where our wonderful team of local porters originated and with a bit of luck we meet one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel's. Here we enjoy a traditional village welcome and spend the night experiencing cultural village life on the track.
DAY 6
Kagi to Menari - approx. 7 hours trekking
Today’s highlight is trekking up Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill, scene of another famous ferocious battle. We have lunch at the monument on Brigade Hill and then start the big downhill trek for a refreshing swim in the river near the picturesque Menari.
DAY 7
Menari to Nauro - approx. 6 hours
After leaving Menari and walking up a steep saddle the rest of the day is relatively easy with a swim and lunch at the brown river then up to the Nauro village campsite.
DAY 8
Nauro to Ua-Ule creek - approx. 7 hours trekking
Today we trek over the Maguli Range, down to and across Ofi creek and then up the Ioribaiwa ridge, scene of more vicious fighting. We have lunch in view of the Kunai grass area which was the southernmost point of the Japanese advance on the Kokoda track. We then walk down to Ua-Ule creek rest house where we finish our day by having a
refreshing swim in the beautiful rock pools.
DAY 9
Ua-Ule creek to Owers Corner - approx. 6 hours trekking
After numerous river crossings we trek the long steep climb up Imita Ridge and then down the golden stairs to the Goldie River where we cool off with a swim. After this we climb a steep hill to our final destination, Owers Corner, where we walk shoulder to shoulder together under the famous Kokoda arch. At this location we have a well deserved delicious lunch with cold drinks and hot food whilst you reflect upon the last eight days. We then board a bus to the Bomana war cemetery where we pay homage to all those brave men who lost their lives on the track. We then travel back to our hotel in Port Moresby. Tonight we have a presentation dinner and celebration with our porters and support staff from our trek.
DAY 10
Departure Day
Transfer to your next destination.
You are away for a total of 9 nights, 7 of those being spent on the track.
DAY 10 (ANZAC DAY TREK)
DAWN SERVICE - Bomana Cemetery
This morning you will be up early to meet transport which will convey you to Bomana Cemetery for the dawn service. Here we will pay our respects for the fallen soldiers of the Kokoda campaign. After this you will be transported back to the hotel for breakfast and then we will head to the Port Moresby Yacht club for traditional two up, BBQ and watch the Anzac Day march on the big screen. Directly after lunch you be transported to PNG international airport for your flight home.