Kokoda to Owers’ Corner (North > South) in the direction of the Japanese Advance.

After a pre trek gathering and our first night’s accommodation in either Cairns or Port Moresby, we commence our journey flying, via private charter flight, north across the Owen Stanley Range to arrive at Kokoda Village. Here we spend time meeting our Carriers, exploring the Kokoda Battle Site, Museum and monuments prior to commencing our trek across the Kokoda Track. Our group will participate in an emotion charged Memorial Service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial, where we will recall the bravery of our diggers during the Battle for Isurava and spend time reflecting on the sacrifices they made.

Price: from $3,895 AUD  per person
Duration: 7 Days on the Kokoda Track
Trek Ratings: Activity 3&4 / Conditions 2 / Accommodation 3 / Training/Preparation 4
Best Season: April, May, June, July, August, September & October
Country Visited: Papua New Guinea
Trip Start: Kokoda Village
Trip Ends: Owers’ Corner
Trip Route: Kokoda Village-Deniki-Alola Village-Templetons 1-Efogi Village 2-Menari Village-Ofi Creek-Goldie River-Ower’s Corner
Trip Style: Guided Trekking
Activity: Jungle Trekking
Activity Per Day: Approximately 9-10 hr walking

Cost Includes

Trek Inclusions – PRE-TREK

• 1x night twin share hotel style accommodation in either Cairns or Port Moresby
• All ground transfers in either Cairns or Port Moresby prior to trek commencing

Trek Inclusions – KOKODA TRACK

• Private Charter Flight from Jackson’s International Airport to Kokoda Village
• All ground transfers required on trek days
• Wilderness first aid trained Australian Tour Leader
• Local PNG Trek Master & Trek Leader
• Day 2: Lunch & Dinner
• Day 3 – 8: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• 7 x nights in Tent/Bivvy/Guesthouse style accommodation during Kokoda Trek
• Memorial Services at Isurava Battlefield, Brigade Hill & Bomana War Cemetery
• Village cultural activities
• Detailed historical narration
• All village tariffs
• Detailed Risk Management Plan including river crossing protocols
• Emergency equipment, including satellite phone
• Kokoda Track Authority Trekking Permit
• Carriers for food and equipment
• Home transport for Carriers
• Getaway Trekking & Adventures walking shirt & camp polo shirt
• $25 PNG Community Project Donation
• Public Liability Insurances

Trek Inclusions – POST-TREK

• Breakfast at Goldie River before completing trek & returning to Port Moresby
• 1x night twin share hotel style accommodation in Port Moresby or Cairns
• Transfer from Hotel to Airport following morning

Cost Does not Include

• Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
• International and Australian domestic airfares
• Day 1: Breakfast
• Day 6: Lunch & Dinner
• All costs associated with obtaining a passport
• All costs associated with obtaining a PNG VISA
• Travel Insurance
• Vaccinations and Anti-Malarial Medicines
• Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.

Day 1 – Pre-Trek Arrival Jackson’s International Airport.

Depending on which departure date you choose, your group will either meet in Cairns or Port Moresby prior to commencing the trek across the Kokoda Track the following morning. Regardless though of where your group is scheduled to meet, upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport (either Cairns or Port Moresby) by a Getaway Trekking & Adventures (GTA) representative and transferred to the hotel where your group will spend the night.

There will be a pre trek gathering in the evening where your group will have dinner together before being briefed on the extraordinary challenge you are about to embark on. This is the ideal opportunity to meet your fellow trekkers, the group leaders and some of the Carriers who will help you across the Kokoda Track.

After the briefing make sure you head to bed (relatively!) early and enjoy your sleep in the cozy bed as it would be fair to say the next seven nights might be a little less comfortable!

Please Note:
We have two pre trek gathering points available as some clients choose to fly directly from Brisbane to Port Moresby while others prefer to fly from Cairns to Port Moresby. Please check our trek schedule for specific details as to which trek departures meets in which location.

Also Note:
Your international flight costs are not included within the trek package cost. We can assist you with your flight arrangements upon request.

Overnight at Hotel
No meals included

Day 2 Trek from Kokoda Village – Deniki (campsite). 5 hours.

If your group met in Cairns for the pre trek gathering, we will catch the early flight into Port Moresby, which typically takes 1h 35m. From here we will board our charter flight and fly directly to Kokoda Village. If however your group met for the pre trek gathering in Port Moresby, as a group, we will travel to the Domestic Airport where we will connect with our flight to Kokoda.

On arrival at Kokoda Village we meet the Getaway Trekking and Adventures Carrier team who will support us on our journey across the Kokoda Track. Prior to commencing our trek, we take some time to explore the Kokoda Battle Site and Museum whilst also inspecting monuments, memorials and the Australian defensive position on the Kokoda plateau. Your trek leader will recall in detail many historical facts about the Kokoda Campaign whilst we explore the sites. Once all final preparations have been made, our trek across the Owen Stanley Range commences as we step through the historical Kokoda Arch.

We begin our walk through rubber plantations. It was here during the campaign that friend and foe became entangled due to extremely heavy fog. Australians were caught behind the enemy lines, yet, bravely and stealthily, made their way through the Japanese forces to rejoin their mates. We continue to follow a flat track for approximately 2 hours until we reach the pretty village of Hoi; it is here where we will become acutely aware of just how challenging this trek will be; not due to the ascent, but simply because lactic acid is starting to burn in our legs as they begin to harden during our fist day of trekking.

After passing though Hoi, we cross a small stream before trekking through abandoned village sites. We then embark on a gradual but unrelenting climb towards Deniki, where the Australians withdrew after Kokoda fell under Japanese control.

This campsite has lovely views and good facilities; we will camp here for the night and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead tomorrow.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3 Trek from Deniki (campsite) – Alola Village. 8 hours.

We start today’s trek of the Kokoda Track walking on a winding track in full sunlight, with a steady climb through vast ‘choko’ fields’, before commencing a steep ascent to Isurava Village. A leafy green vegetable high in iron, the Japanese planted choko as a food source; the vine has since spread prolifically and now threatens to overtake the jungle.

After a short break at Isurava Village we continue on to Isurava Battlefield Memorial, commemorating a major battle, known today as the ‘Battle of Isurava’. It was here that Private Bruce Kingsbury was killed during battle and ultimately awarded (posthumously) the Victoria Cross; the highest award for bravery in the Commonwealth. Kingsbury, who was one of the few survivors of a platoon which had been overrun by the Japanese, immediately volunteered to join a different platoon which had been ordered to counterattack. He rushed forward firing his bren gun from his hip, clearing a path through the enemy and inflicting a number of casualties. Kingsbury was then seen to fall, shot by a Japanese sniper and instantly killed. His actions, in delaying the Japanese to provide sufficient time for the Australians to fortify their positions, have been identified as what undoubtedly saved the Battalion Headquarters.

Here at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial we reflect on the gallantry, courage and sacrifice of all our soldiers as we pause for an emotion charged memorial service. Your trek leader will recall the bravery of Australia’s young soldiers during the Battle of Isurava, while you will be invited to participate, perhaps with a reading or poem (should you wish to do so), the Last Post will be played and National Anthems sung. Following the service, we take some time for our own personal reflection as this will be quite an emotional experience for most people in our group.

We then complete our day’s trek by walking the short distance to remarkable Alola Village where we make camp for the night. From Alola Village we are treated to some extraordinary views and will meet some of the very friendly locals, so be sure to have your camera at the ready to capture, what will likely be, some incredible moments in time.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 4 Trek from Alola Village – Templeton’s 1 (campsite). 8 hours.

This morning, after a steep and challenging descent down a narrow track, we make our way to Eora Creek Village, site of the ‘Battle of Eora Creek’. This battle was the single most costly clash of the Kokoda Campaign. Here Australian soldiers sought to overcome a strong Japanese defensive position. Record books are divided on the exact number of Australian soldiers killed and wounded; some believe 79 Australians died with 145 wounded, while others believe 99 were killed and 192 wounded.

Throughout today’s trek, your leader will recall stories from the Battle of Eora Creek as we follow the high ridge line along the creek. En route we have the opportunity to inspect one of the key Japanese defensive positions, where remnants of a Japanese mountain gun, helmets, grenades and the mortar position lie at the top of the ridge.

We continue on with a steep climb under canopy, passing numerous weapon pits, which leads us to a fabulous newly built bridge. Once we’ve crossed the bridge safely we press on through a forest of giant trees, before ending the days trek at Templeton’s 1 campsite.

Here we will enjoy a relaxing bath in the river after our long day’s walk and may have an opportunity to purchase fresh fruit from the locals should they have set up a stand on the day we are passing through.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 5 Trek from Templeton’s 1 Crossing – Efogi Village 2. 10 hours.

We start today’s adventure early, immediately commencing a very hard, steep and long climb which takes us over the Kokoda Gap. This section of the Kokoda Track is covered with protruding tree roots and is often quite slippery, that said though, we will witness some of the most spectacular panoramic views PNG has to offer so be prepared for an interesting morning!

En route your trek leader will recall the story of the Kokoda Gap; the area that Australian Generals Macarthur and Blamey wanted to blow up, denying access to the Japanese troops. Unfortunately, they were not aware the Kokoda Gap is over 11km wide making their command impossible to fulfill and one that was, understandably, not received well by our Australian troops.

We continue on trekking towards Mt Bellamy, the highest point on the Kokoda Track, at approximately 2190m above sea level. As we traverse this part of the track, your trek leader will recall digger’s stories of their experiences at Mt Bellamy. It is well documented that many believed this section of the track to be the hardest as they were battle weary, wounded and often infected with hideous diseases.

After reaching the summit of Mt Bellamy, we enter what’s known locally as the ‘enchanted moss forest’, where Antarctic Beech forest, phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line the track. Take some time to enjoy this section of the Kokoda Track as the walk is less demanding and our surrounds are quite beautiful.

Our trek continues over the main spine of the Owen Stanley Range as we pass through the village of Naduri and commence a steep descent before we use a log bridge to cross over the fast flowing Efogi River. The log crossing over the river is high, but you will be well accustomed to safety procedures by now, and the support you receive from our wonderful carriers. Safely over the river, we commence an equally steep ascent before arriving at Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau), where we will camp for the night.

The views from Efogi Village 2 are yet again spectacular, the locals are extremely friendly and we will have an opportunity to indulge slightly as we can purchase cans of Coke, Twisties and fresh fruit. There may also be an opportunity to purchase Bilums (traditional string bags), should you wish to take home a souvenir from our time at this village.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6 Trek from Efogi Village 2 – Menari Village. 7 hours.

Today we commence our trek with a steep descent down to the Village of Efogi, which is the largest settlement on the Kokoda Track, with a museum, airstrip and first aid post. We will take some time to meet the locals and explore the village before commencing our ascent onto Mission Ridge then Brigade Hill (also known as Butchers Hill due to the number of soldiers from both sides, who were killed during battle).

Brigade Hill was the site of one of the most horrific battles our soldiers fought while withdrawing over the Owen Stanley Range. This is known today by Australians as the ‘Battle for Brigade Hill’ and is considered a scared site as many lives from both side were lost. Heavy fire from the Japanese artillery signaled the commencement of the battle as the Australians were assaulted head-on up Mission Ridge by the Japanese troops. Fierce bayonet charges and hand to hand fighting characterised the battle here.

Your trek leader will lead the group’s second memorial service here at Brigade Hill. You will be provided with a full historical overview of the events that took place during the battle and will be given time to reflect on the terrible scenes that occurred.

After our memorial service, we continue on with our trek, learning more about the combat between the two forces along the way. Continuing on, we follow a steep ridge line down the south side of Brigade Hill, carefully negotiating our way along the narrow track, which features more bulging tree roots. Reaching the depths of the gorge, we cross another log bridge over the Vabuiagi River before commencing a sharp climb to Menari Village, where we will camp for the night.

Menari is a large and well established village where we will spend time getting to know the locals and taking a swim in the slow running creek. Should we be lucky enough, the children of the village may perform a sing-sing, which is quite a spectacular performance. It is also home to the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, who we may have the privilege of meeting.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7 Trek from Menari Village – Ofi Creek (campsite). 10 hours.

Prepare for a long but very interesting day ahead as we traverse a range of varied terrains throughout the day.

We commence our trek early from Menari Village with a very steep ascent up through the Menari Gap before embarking on an equally steep descent down the southerly side of the mountain known as ‘The Wall’. We then push on to safely cross the fast flowing Brown River. We now find ourselves walking along the flat, through the Nauro Swamp; your trek leader will recall some of the many tales of lost soldiers who spent sleepless nights up to their waist in the waters of the Swamp. Another ascent and we will arrive in the beautiful village of Nauro. Have your camera ready again as views from this lovely village are simply spectacular.

After spending some time in Nauro, we commence our ascent of the Maguli Range; be sure to keep a close eye on where you’re walking as the track is once again covered with protruding tree roots. There are many weapons pits to inspect en route, and these provide a fascinating insight into the Japanese defence position after they withdrew from Ioribaiwa Village.

We finish the days trek with a sharp ascent down into a gorge as we make our way to Ofi Creek, where we will camp for the night. Ofi Creek was one of the ambush sites used by the Australians; in this instance they threw rations into the creek as bait. Japanese soldiers, desperate for food, waded into the water to retrieve the tins of food, to be met with a barrage of fire from the Australians.

Our camp is set high overlooking the creek where we will take a swim after a tough day’s trek.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8 Trek from Ofi Creek – Goldie River (campsite). 10 hours.

We start today leaving Ofi Creek behind, commencing a steep climb over Iorabaiwa Ridge, the most southern point along the track reached by the Japanese troops. Within sight of Port Moresby, the Japanese were ordered to retreat, much to their dismay knowing they had Port Moresby in sight.

En route we take time to visit more Japanese trenches and weapon pits that extend along the ridge. Continuing on, our trek of the Kokoda Track takes us down an extremely steep spur to Ule-Ule Creek where we put on our river shoes to cross the creek many times before commencing our slippery ascent of the northern side of Imita Ridge; site of the final defensive stand by the Australians. En route to the summit of Imita Ridge, your trek leader will describe the circumstances our Australian troops found themselves in at this particular location; they had been told that there was to be no further withdrawal beyond Imita Ridge and they had no other option but to succeed with their mission.

The southern side of Imita Ridge is the sight of the famed ‘Golden Staircase’. 4000 steps once lined the Ridge, providing a supposedly easier climb for the diggers heading to the front. As you descend down the south side of the ridge, take a moment to visualise our troops climbing the same route as they made their advance on the Japanese troops who were positioned back at Ioribaiwa Ridge, where we crossed less than 6km ago.

To complete the day’s trek, we make our way past Goodwater campsite and the abandoned village of Uberi, before arriving at Goldie River. Our final river crossing here will see us wading through what can be a fast flowing river, supported by our ever loyal Carriers.

Safely across the river, we arrive at the Goldie River campsite where we spend our final night on the Kokoda Track.

Overnight at Guesthouse*
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9 Trek from Goldie River – Owers’ Corner and Transit to Port Moresby.

This morning marks our final climb, so embrace the opportunity and savour every step! We head off early from Goldie Camp to beat the hot sun, and climb to our final destination. From the Arch at Kokoda to the Arch at Owers’ Corner…our trek is now complete!

Armed with a new found appreciation of the accomplishments and hardships endured by our Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign, we will pause at the Owers’ Corner Memorial and reflect upon the past 8 days. Many trekkers are overcome with emotion at this point as the realisation sets in that they have just completed the unrelenting 96km trek that is the Kokoda Track. Once the group is ready to depart Owers’ Corner, a Getaway Trekking & Adventures Private Motor Vehicle (PMV) will take us to Bomana War Cemetery, final resting place of 3,779 souls, of whom a little over 3,300 are Australian.

Here we hold a final small service to remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as part of the 1942 Kokoda Campaign, whatever their nationality and contribution.

Our PMV will then take us back to Port Moresby. If the group is spending the final night in Port Moresby, we will head directly to the hotel and spend the day relaxing. Alternatively, if the group is spending the final night in Cairns, we will head to Jackson’s International Airport and catch our return fight before transiting to the hotel to spend the afternoon at leisure.

Our final dinner together as a group is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what for many will have been the experience of a lifetime.

Overnight at Hotel in either Cairns or Port Moresby (included in trek package)
Breakfast Included

*In the event that a Guesthouse is not available, Tents and/or Bivvys will be erected as a sleeping alternative.