Known as one of the world’s most spectacular and challenging treks, the Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea, offers the experience of a lifetime. Where an enduring legend of sacrifice and determination is honoured by modern day trekkers who face their own physical and mental challenges in undertaking this incredible journey. Join us in venturing into this beautiful wilderness of Papua New Guinea so we can learn about, remember and pay our respects to this amazing period in our nation's history.
Arrive at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby.
You’ll be met by your Australian guides at the airport and transported to the hotel for check-in.
Pre-trek safety and information briefing will be held that evening.
Buffet dinner at the hotel followed by a final equipment check.
Meals: Dinner
Early wake up call, breakfast and transport to domestic airport terminal.
Drive to Bomana War Cemetery. Here we honour the memory of the fallen ...
3,779 graves of service personnel from a variety of Commonwealth nations.
From here, we drive up to Owers Corner where we take in the amazing view of the Owen Stanley Range.
Our first descent and then river crossing across the Goldie before we make our way toward Imita Ridge where the Australians were prepared to make their final stand against the advancing Japanese.
We descend down to a magnificent river system where we walk through the start of 22 river crossings before finally camping for the night at Ua Ule Creek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we climb to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge where we learn about the major engagement that took place here. Old trenches can still be found in the area.
We descend to the beautiful Ofi Creek, before the tough climb up the Maguli Range. On the way we visit "Jap Camp" and explore old trenches and a mountain gun emplacement.
We finish the day by heading down to the village of Nauro over a series "false peaks" where we camp for the night with sweeping mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We continue our downhill journey this today before arriving at a low-lying swamp area where we will be negotiating lots of water and mud! before crossing the Brown River climbing the challenging "Wall".
From here we have a long downhill walk into beautiful Menari, the scene of a famous photograph portraying the remnants of the 39th Battalion being addressed by Lt Col Ralph Honner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short descent this morning has us arriving at a beautiful river to enjoy a well deserved swim and visit to a plaque dedicated to famous Australian war photographer, Damien Parer.
After our dip we face today's big challenge, climbing to Brigade Hill, where we will learn about the Japanese encirclement of the Australian positions and ensuing battle that featured the infamous "bayonet charge".
In the afternoon, we head to our overnight camp at Efogi, located right in the heart of the Owen Stanleys
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we leave Efogi today, we pay a visit to the memorial dedicated to Japanese soldier Kokichi Nishimura, who spent many post-war years searching for graves belonging to his fallen comrades, then it's on to Naduri where we visit the grave of one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, Ovuri Ndiki.
We then make our way to Myola airfield which was the site of a major Australian hospital and airfield during the war then continue on to our camp at delightful 1900 Crossing, where we are surrounded by a wall of jungle with a slow moving stream in the middle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we climb through the haunting Moss Forrest, to the Kokoda Gap which is the highest point we travel (2250m). If the weather is clear we have stunning views down the Eora Creek valley.
After Kokoda Gap there is a sharp descent to Dump 1, followed by more downhill to Templeton's Crossing and then Eora Creek where we will camp for the night. This was the site of a major Australian hospital and supply dump during the withdrawal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we climb up toward the old Japanese Gunners Point and on to the village of Alola which was the location of the Australian Brigade Head Quarters during the battle of Isurava.
We will move through the Isurava "Rest House" area and visit the memorial dedicated to "Butch" Bisset and the famous Con's Rock before spending the afternoon exploring the famous Isurava Memorial and learning about the large scale battle that took place here in August 1942.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have our last walk this morning as we make our way downhill though the villages of Hoi and Kovelo before arriving at Kokoda.
Our trek will conclude as we take those emotional last steps beneath the famous arches!
In the afternoon though we will go on to visit the Kokoda Plateau, the Bert Kienzle museum and other memorials in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After spending the morning exploring Kokoda Village, we make our way to Popondetta along the Kokoda Highway, stopping at significant battle sites along the way, including Gorari and Awala before catching our flight back to Port Moresby in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Typically, a mid-day departure from the hotel and we are transported to the international terminal for our flight back to Australia.
Meals: Breakfast
Australian Lead Guide with extensive campaign knowledge - Travis Hocart, Director of Kokoda Crossing
Australian 2IC Adventurous Women® Tour Guide & Kokoda Specialist - Janette Philp
Doctor or paramedic throughout the trek, with extensive medical kit to treat a wide range of ailments
Experienced PNG based operational team
Porters and Management
Twin share accommodation in Port Moresby (1st and last night)
Dinners and breakfasts in Port Moresby
All meals on the Track
Snack pack
Internal flights and transfers within PNG
Access to Australian owned security company in Port Moresby if required
Satellite phone on the track for emergency calls
Fees for access to artifacts and war relics
Use of private tent – one per person if required
Campsite fees
Kokoda trek permit
Certificate of achievement at the conclusion of the trek
Tour of the Bomana War Cemetery
Kokoda Crossing T-shirt
Adventurous Women® Peak Cap
Field guide to the Kokoda Track – Author, Bill James (contains cross sectional map)
Live, Love, Laugh Kokoda Practical Guide & Insights - Authors, Janette Philp & Michelle Ferry
Six (6) lead up training sessions with Travis – you can accompany him on his various walks in locations such as Kings Park and the Perth foothills
Constant phone support in the lead up to the trek with Travis (if interstate, we can arrange "Face Time" communication to ensure you're training is progressing well)
Equipment familiarisation session with Travis
10 Dinners
10 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
International airfares to and from Port Moresby
Travel insurance
Medical costs – inoculations, doctors visit for medical clearance
Personal first aid kit
Personal Porter (highly recommended - $620 pp, incl use of Backpack)
Spending money (drinks in Port Moresby and on the Track, souvenirs, extra snacks bought from the villagers)
Trekking equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping mat, day pack, hiking poles)
- Comprehensive Gear List will be provided well in advance of tour commencement
WHO ARE OUR TREKKING GUIDES
Travis Hocart - Kokoda Crossing / Lead Guide
Travis has been leading treks on the Kokoda Track for several years. With an extensive career in risk management that has seen him operate in numerous hot spots around the world, he brings a targeted focus to ensure your safety in undertaking this journey. With both his grandfather and great uncle having served in PNG during WWII, Travis’ knowledge for the history of this campaign is passionately ingrained within him.
Janette Philp - AW Tour Guide / Kokoda 2IC
Kokoda Track Guru Jazzy has always preferred hiking boots to high heels and loves the thrill of a challenge. She's trekked the globe - conquering Kokoda many a time, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kinabalu, Kalar Patar, Everest Base Camp & the Sandakan Death March. She has a passion for the Kokoda Track, it's her favourite place of all, and she will support you every step of the way!
Trekking on the Kokoda Track is a challenging experience both physically and emotionally. You will find that you'll set new boundaries, gain a greater understanding of yourself and others through taking part in this 'once in a lifetime' experience. The terrain is rough and temperatures are high and humid year round. Trekkers are advised that they need to be physically and mentally fit and aware of the risks associated with this type of trek.
Our partners at Kokoda Crossing, recommend that a full medical check by your doctor be undertaken prior to embarking on the trek, or starting any training program. A training regime spanning several months prior to departure is essential and our partners at Kokoda Crossing will provide you with essential information in relation to training and preparation needing to be done once you've made the commitment to trek Kokoda.
An unforgettable experience and an adventure that was so rewarding and humbling. Sue does an amazing job putting these tours together for women who want to get out of their comfort zones and are prepared to go with the flow! It was a privilege to be a part of this fun, diverse group of women.
An adventure beyond expectation😁
A walk to lift your heart!! Walking the Camino was an amazing experience - I loved, loved, loved it, waking up each morning wondering what will we do and see today?. If you like to walk you'll love this trip
I had the best time, accommodation was great as well as the food. The scenery was magnificent and I loved how the trees created a canopy over the Camino walk in many locations throughout. The Camino was difficult for me at times but oh so rewarding to complete it!
Absolutely amazing experience, I have gained knowledge and respect for what happened in PNG during the war. The beauty of this country and its people is just an absolute bonus on this pilgrimage! It left me wanting more... so I'm doing it all again next year!!
I have just completed the kokoda track 2019. It truly was an awesome trek which I will remember forever. The jungle is so pretty with beautiful butterflies, views, lovely watering holes and river crossings along with so much history. The fantastic group of ladies made the challenge so enjoyable and the knowledge of the guide very informative. Definitely worth doing.
A life changing adventure. From no experience at hiking or camping to finishing Kokoda stronger, fitter and emotionally fulfilled. A group of 12 women from all walks of life bonded for a lifetime. So well organised and so much fun.
Jazzy is an extremely kind, inspiring, hilarious and experienced guide...just the sort of person you need leading the way on a trek such as the Kokoda. It sure ain't a walk in the park! She keeps the group upbeat, laughing and crying and life for the duration of the trip is never dull with her around. I had never met most of the women in our group before I signed up for this trip....but I am so glad I did as they are all superstars in my eyes and I look forward to keeping in contact with them in the years to come, both personally and through the great organisation that is Adventurous Women.
I had a fantastic time! I loved exploring the Flinders Ranges and getting to know the camels. The hosts/guide looked after us extremely well and were very attentive. The food cooked was fantastic and we were never hungry. The Cameleers were very patient with us explaining what/how we needed to do things for the camels. I recommend this adventure but it's not for the faint hearted!
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
Update 19th September 2019 - ** Due to PayPal changing their policy to now retain fees even when we issue a refund we will be forced to pass this along. This means both partial and full refunds will be less the full fee charged by PayPal
Please ensure you read our complete cancellation policy before booking
