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.
Dinner at the hotel and final equipment check.
Meals: Dinner
Early wake up call, breakfast and transport to domestic airport terminal.
30min flight to Popondetta.
3-hour road trip (PMV-trucks) to Kokoda village arriving at lunchtime.
Following lunch, we visit the Kokoda Plateau, museum and memorials.
3-hour trek from Kokoda to Deniki.
Overnight at Deniki with sweeping views of the Yodda Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4-hour trek from Deniki to Isurava Battle Site – Following lunch, we explore the famous Isurava Memorial and learn about the large-scale battle that took place in August 1942.
In the afternoon, we walk through the Isurava Guesthouse area which was the scene of another intense battle and onto to Alola Village, where we stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin the day with a sharp descent and then steep climb to the Eora Creek battle site where we observe the position of a Japanese mountain gun located there during the battle.
We then descend and cross the mighty Eora Creek where we stop for lunch.
After lunch we face a long and steady climb uphill to our campsite at Templeton's Crossing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our walk uphill continues to Dump 1 where we cross a large river before a sharp ascent to the top of Mt Bellamy (highest point on the track), passing through the Kokoda Gap.
It’s then onto the Myola airfield and hospital site where we inspect the ammunition dump still containing wartime Australian mortars, grenades and mines.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we head to Naduri where we visit the grave site of one of the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
We then have a sharp descent, followed by a steep incline up to Efogi 2 where we visit the memorial dedicated to Japanese soldier Kokichi Nishimura.
Overnight at nearby Efogi 1 village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today begins with a steady incline toward Mission Ridge, and then onto lunch at Brigade Hill. This area was the site of a major battle during the campaign and we focus on this in detail.
The track then takes us downhill to a well-deserved swim in the river where we visit a plaque dedicated to the famous Australian war photographer Damien Parer.
We then have a one hour walk up to Menari where we camp overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a sharp ascent, we head down "The Wall" before arriving at the Brown River for a refreshing swim. Following lunch at the beautiful Ogulogo village, we trek up the beginning of the "9 false peaks" before arriving at picturesque Nauro.
A well-earned early finish today allows us to wander the village and take in the scenic valley views. This area is typically characterised by wonderful evening sunsets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nauro to Ua Ule
After completing the remainder of the "false peaks", we reach the top of the Maguli Range before we descend toward beautiful Ofi Creek. Prior to this we stop at "Jap Camp" and explore old trenches and a mountain gun emplacement.
Following this we venture to Ioribaiwa Village, the furthest point of the Japanese advance along the Kokoda Track.
We then trek through a beautiful creek system to our final camp of the trip at Ua Ule.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we climb the challenging Imita Ridge, which was where the Australians were prepared to make their final stand against the advancing Japanese.
We then descend toward the Goldie River which provides us with our last river crossing and swim of the trip.
Following this we have a final 40 min climb before we cross underneath the famous arches, marking the conclusion of our 9-day adventure.
After a short break for lunch we jump onto our mini-bus and drive an hour down the hill before we stop at probably the most emotional part of our journey, Bomana War Cemetery. Here we visit the graves of 3,138 service personnel from a variety of Commonwealth nations.
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 the past 6 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, 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.
Please see our COVID-19 specific Terms and Conditions if you're impacted by border changes, close contact requirements etc.
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!
I have done a lot of 'outdoor' activities, some more extreme than this as far as isolation, weather and trekking go. What makes this week unique is the camels. Because of this there are aspects of trekking with camels (and without porters, sherpas and other service providers), that could have been emphasized more by AW.
Loading and unloading of camels should be a 'many hands make light work' activity. If a few refuse to help it is unfair on those who do and also has more subtle negative affects on the group as a whole. There are many aspects of loading and unloading that don't just involve lifting e.g. placing and holding the blankets on together before the saddle is lifted on (almost impossible for one person if its windy), tying the knots and calming the camels. All of these activities were taught to us with patience and pride by Ryan and Greenie. The learning and doing of them gave us confidence and bonded us as a group as most required us to work together. On a practical level the participation level of people dictated how long it took us to embark on the day's walking. I felt that having some people refuse to participate had a negative affect on us as a group, however... despite all that I think we tried to not let it bother us and we made the most of what we had. The extra physical challenges, which we may not have faced to the extent we did if everyone had helped, probably pushed us to have a higher level of experience.
The thoughtfulness, organisation and care provided by Leonie to all of us was much appreciated. The way the whole trip, including to and from Adelaide, was organised was really well done.