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 guide at the airport and make your way to the domestic terminal.
- Flight to Girua Airport, Popondetta, Oro Province.
- We are collected at the airport and driven 45min to "New Buna" Village.
- We are treated to a Traditional Village welcome by our hosts and introduced to our beach side guest- house.
Meals: Dinner
- Wake up to the beautiful ocean views right outside your guesthouse. Take a swim in the balmy 25-degree water of the Solomon Sea.
- After breakfast we begin a tour of the local area with a focus on the military history from WWII.
- Visit the historic gravesite of T.T Logan from the 2/12th Battalion.
- Visit an anti-aircraft gun still in position next to the old Dobodura airstrip.
- Old bomb craters and aircraft engine in the Buna Primary School yard.
- Walk along the road where Raphael Oimari found George Whittington.
- In the afternoon you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the local beach, with an ocean shoreline populated with coconut palms and beautiful tropical vegetation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- We start our day with a beautiful walk along the coast to Sanananda.
- Explore the fantastic military museum before being treated to a delightful local lunch prepared by our hosts.
- On the walk back we visit “Old Buna”, located on the edge of their picturesque river and home of a military museum with an excellent weapon and artefact collection.
- We walk back to New Buna through magnificent, lush vegetation, observing traditional local homes nestled amongst the jungle. We explore the area known as the “Japanese Triangle” defensive position with several old bunkers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- We bid farewell to the northern beaches and venture up the Kokoda Highway, stopping at significant battle sites such as Awala, Gorari and the Kumusi River.
- At Kokoda we explore the Burt Kienzle Memorial Museum and various monuments on the plateau. This was the scene of the first major engagement of the campaign, and we examine the positions where the Japanese attacked the Australian defenders.
- After lunch we head up our first major hill to Deniki and the stunning views back down the Yodda Valley. It was from here that the young defenders of the 39th Battalion looked down to Kokoda and the massing Japanese forces in early August 1942.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Today we continue our uphill climb before we reach the incredible memorial at the Isurava Battle Site. Here we examine the large scale and extremely pivotal battle that took place over four days in August 1942.
- After lunch we move up toward the Isurava Rest House which was the scene of another ferocious firefight as the Japanese were trying to outflank the Australian positions.
- We finish our day at Alola which was the location of Brigade HQ during the Isurava battle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- The start of the day begins with a sharp descent and then a climb up to the Eora Creek battle site where we observe the position of a Japanese mountain gun deployed against the advancing Australians in October 1942.
- We then descend down to the mighty Eora Creek where we break for morning tea.
- As we begin another climb uphill we pass by old Australian trenches used as defensive positions during the Australian withdrawal.
- A long and challenging day sees us reach the welcome sight of our camp at Templeton's Crossing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- This morning we start with a sharp climb to the top of Mount Bellamy which is the highest point we reach on the track (2190m).
- We then descend steadily before arriving at the stunning 1900 Crossing camp site where we break for morning tea.
- It's then onto the Myola airfield and hospital site where we analyze the importance of this amazingly baron dry lake bed area.
- Our afternoon trek has us arriving at Naduri where we visit the grave of one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, Ovuru Ndiki.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Our journey this morning takes us to the true heart of the Owen Stanley Ranges ... Efogi Village.
- We visit one of the few Japanese memorials along the track, this one dedicated to Japanese soldier Kokichi Nishimura who spent many years in PNG after the war.
- A dry and exposed incline awaits us as we climb up toward Mission Ridge and then to the emotional Brigade Hill battle site. We break here for lunch and an in-depth examination of the devastating battle fought in September 1942.
- A long downhill walk has us arriving for a well-earned swim in the river by which there is a plaque dedicated to famous Australian war photographer Damien Parer. It's then onto Menari which is our campsite for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- We start our day with a steady climb out of Menari, before descending down a feature known as "The Wall". This brings us to relatively flat terrain as we walk alongside the Brown River.
- We break for lunch and a relaxing swim at beautiful Agulogo Village.
- After lunch we trek up the beginning of the "9 false peaks" before arriving at picturesque Nauro.
- Today is shorter than most so we have time to wander the village and enjoy the scenic valley views. This area is often characterized by wonderful evening sunsets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- After completing the remainder of the "false peaks", we reach the top of the Maguli Range before we descend toward beautiful Ofi Creek where we literally fall into the water to cool off after a long descent.
- We stop at "Jap Camp" and explore old trenches and a mountain gun emplacement.
- In the afternoon we venture to Ioribaiwa Village which was the furthest point of the Japanese advance in September 1942.
- We then trek through a serene creek system deep under the jungle canopy to our final camp of the night at Ua Ule Creek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- This morning we climb the mighty Imita Ridge, where the Australians were preparing to make their final stand against the advancing Japanese.
- We descend toward the Goldie River which provides us with our last river crossing and swim of the journey.
- Following this we have a final 40min climb before we cross under the famous arches, marking the conclusion of our mountain trek.
- After lunch we visit Bomana War Cemetery, the resting place of 3,779 service personnel from a variety of Commonwealth nations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- A lunchtime departure 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
11 Breakfasts
10 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.
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
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!
