Day 1
Port Moresby

Fly to Port Moresby. Met on arrival and private transfer to our very comfortable accommodation at the 4 star Holiday Inn. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, comfortable bar areas and modern fully airconditioned rooms with all facilities. A Team briefing is held this afternoon to discuss final preparations for our trek.  Early evening Team dinner, and to bed for a good nights sleep to be prepared for an early morning departure on Day 2.

Day 2
Hoi Village

Hoi Village  Spectacular charter flight over the Owen Stanley Ranges to Kokoda. Your leader will explain the battle history as you explore the Kokoda battle site and museum. After lunch, we have a short acclimatising walk to our first  nights beautiful campsite at the small village of Hoi. (L,D)

Day 3
Alolo
Village

Alolo Village   We start early so we can walk at a slow and relaxed pace. The morning walk is very steep You’ll be glad you trained hard.  The scenery is spectacular with sweeping views as we trek via the original war time village of Deniki the site of the 39th  Militia Battalion's first defensive position after withdrawing from Kokoda. We push on for a late lunch at the war memorial at the Isurava battle site. We will have enough time to explore the area thoroughly. A full briefing is given on the now legendary 4 day battle of Isurava. It was here that the 2/14th Infantry Battalion arrived to support the 39th Militia Battalion and the legend of 'The Ragged Bloody Heroes' was born.From Isurava it’s a short walk to our guest house or camp site in Alolo Village. Alolo was the major logistics support base and first aid post during the Isurava battle . On the walk to Alolo you will visit some very special campaign sites. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Templeton's
Crossing

Templeton’s Crossing   The day’s trek begins with a short, taxing descent followed by a long gradual ascent to Eora Creek battle site. In recent years a trail has been cut up to the "Jap forest fort'  the site of a major confrontation as the Australian forces pushed the Japanese forces back over the Track in the second phase of the Kokoda Campaign. We leave our packs at the trail turnoff and ascend the short distance to the 'fort'. Your Trek Leader will explain the defensive significance of this site. There are large quatities of munitions and artifacts still easily located.  Though the trail is always challenging today, the beauty of the jungle provides a wonderful distraction. We camp beside the creek at Templeton’s Crossing. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Naduli
Village

Naduli Village.The day commences with a steep climb and descent to  Army Dump 1, followed by a long climb on slippery trails to our highest point on Mt Bellamy (2190 metres). From the Kokoda Saddle, the beautiful forest Track is festooned with moss and once again the occassional sweeping panorama adds to the beauty of our surrounds. If time permits we will undertake a short excursion to see the Myola lakes. The dry lake beds were at various times during both phases of the Kokoda campaign the site of a major Australian Army supply depot. They were also a point for evacuation of the wounded. Myola is most remembered as the site for low level dropping of provisions by the Australian Air Force. Tonight in Naduli is special.  Our friend, Andy Ovoru welcomes us as guests of honour in his village. The children may provide a concert tonight. We stay in a village guest house or camp. (B,L,D)

Day 6
Efogi 1

Efogi 1 Village  After a farewell from our friends we have a half day walk to Efogi 1, our half way point along the Track. This peaceful village is   nestled in the shadow of Brigade Hill and nearby Mission Ridge, two of the more significant battle sites. A chance to rest, wash clothes, explore the village and prepare to conquer the last half of the Track. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Menari Village

Menari  Village Beautiful views again await us today as we begin the slogging ascent of Brigade Hill via Mission Ridge. A small ceremony is conducted on the summit in honour of the soldiers and in remembrance of their bravery. As always, we follow the steep ascent of Brigade Hill with a long descent. We camp tonight,or use a friendly guesthouse at Menari Village. This is the site where the brave 39th Battalion were withdrawn from the campaign on the eve of the batlle at Brigade Hill. Exhausted and on the brink of total collapse the remaining 'Ragged Bloody Heroes' struggled back to Port Moresby. They would return to fight at Buna and Gona. (B,L,D)

Day 8
Nauro
Village

Nauro Village   A challenging day in differing terrain.We cross swampy flatlands, ford the Brown River and push on in the increasing heat up the seemingly never ending slopes of the Maguli Range to camp at new Nauro Village. Sunrise and sunset are beautiful. (B,L,D)

Day 9
Ua Ule
Creek

Ua Ule  Creek  Today begins with a short ascent to the top of the Maguli Range followed by a steep descent via a major Japanese camp site down to Ofi Creek. Then it's up and over Irobaiwa Ridge. We examine the Japanese offensive positions, that would soon become defensive positions as they were pounded by the Australian artillery which had been hauled up on to Imita Ridge opposite. This Japanese position so easily explored today, marks the furtherest point of the Japanese advance over the Track. It was here, with Port Moresby nearly in sight, that the order was received to withdraw. Half starved and facing major shortages of munitions and reinforcements the Japanese army retreated with the the Australians in hot pursuit. Though the Kokoda Campaign was far from over, it was the beginning of the end for the Japanese forces. This afternoon the Track continuously crosses Ua Ule creek leading to our camp beside the creek with a welcoming swimming hole nearby.  Our campsite is completely surrounded by high rainforest trees which form a perfect frame for the star filled sky at night. (B,L,D)

Day 10
Port
Moresby

Port Moresby   The final day starts with the steep ascent and then the descent of Imita Ridge via what was once known as the 'Golden Staircase'.  All our soldiers who fought along the Track had to face this first back breaking ascent of Imita Ridge. After we cross the Goldie River, it’s a steep 40 minute hike till we triumphantly arrive at Ower’s Corner and our awaiting transport, a cold drink and lunch.  We’ve done it!  Back to Port Moresby for a swim in the hotel pool, clean up and prepare for a final nights celebration at the hotel. On the way to Port  Moresby, we stop at Bomana War Cemetery, where Australian soldiers  who died in the Kokoda campaign and in other campaigns in the Pacific have been laid to their final rest.   This visit is the final tribute we pay  to these brave soldiers before our return home tomorrow. Tonight we will get together to celebrate our achievement.  A personalised Certificate of Achievement, suitable for framing and featuring a Team Photo taken at Ower's Corner will be sent to all Team members after their arrival back in Australia. (B,L).

Day 11
Home

Home   Early morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane and connecting flights to Sydney, Melbourne and other Australian ports.  WELCOME HOME.

This is the Back Track Adventures standard itinerary. The availability of many new camp sites in recent years now gives us greater flexibility to change our nominated camps (detailed above) should Track and travel conditions or Team welfare warrant such considerations.

We strongly believe that our trek over the Track should be a holiday, a cultural and historical insight, as well as a physical and mental challenge. Our sensible approach to trekking allows for time to stop and enjoy the villages and the culture as well as gain a good understanding of the war campaign.

We acknowledge that for most trekkers completing the KokodaTrack will be a tough physical and mental challenge. However, we also note that it should be a fun and rewarding holiday experience as well. Our 9 day/8 night sensible itinerary provides enough time to explore the overwhelming majority of battle sites and lesser significant historical war locations. There are half days as well ensuring a proper mix of effort and recovery. This recovery, or relaxation time, allows for an opportunity to meet and mix with the local people.

Our Trek Leaders love their job. They love sharing their passion with you for the beautiful jungle environment and the trekking challenge. They will explain the war history, promote an understanding of the culture of the people who live along the Track and help your Team foster a friendship with your trekking crew, who also live in the Kokoda Track villages. Most importantly,our Trek Leaders will ensure that you finish the Track safely and with a lasting understanding of what the Kokoda Campaign was all about. The fascinating war stories,of the soldiers who fought and died along every foot of the Track, will be relived as you trek. Our ultimate aim for all our Kokoda trekkers is to gain an understanding of the challenges our soldiers faced and overcame.Their courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice should always be remembered. Your trek over the Kokoda wartime Track with Back Track Adventures will be a safe, fun and a personally rewarding experience.

Holiday Map

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Brochure

trekkokoda.com.au

Back Track proudly fly to PNG with Air Niugini