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Kokoda Trail Trek
In 1942 a group of undertrained, under resourced and undermanned Australians were sent across the Kokoda Track to face the might of the Japanese forces in the most brutal of conditions. Peter Brune speaks of this brilliantly – ‘If its achievement in the Great War of 1914- 18 was a proclamation of the nationhood of Australia, then the war of 1939-45 was to be a harsh and exacting test for its survival.’ While the trained soldiers of the Australian Infantry Force (AIF) were in Europe defending the Empire, the defence of Australia was left to a militia battalion, so-called ‘chocos’ as they were considered by the AIF to be ‘chocolate soldiers who would melt in the heat of battle’.
After considerable engagement at the northern end of the track, the 39th Battalion dug in at Isurava where the Japanese were held for four critical days. It was at this time they were finally reinforced by the AIF in the form of the highly trained and regarded 2/14th Battalion. The 2/16th, its sister battalion, was held in reserve at Alola.
Although the 39th had been relieved, their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Honner, successfully argued that they should be allowed to stay and fight. Two days previously, 30 of the 39th’s sick and wounded considered unable to continue had been sent to Alola.
A veteran known only by his initials – J.W.B was quoted: ‘The battalion was in trouble, so twenty-seven out of thirty went back. The three who didn’t were: minus a foot, had a bullet in the throat, had a forearm blown off. We never did it for God, King and Country – forget that. We did it because the 39th expected it of us.’
And so a legend was born. The four pillars at the Isurava Memorial say more about the diggers than anyone we could: Courage Endurance Mateship Sacrifice Our experience is that trekkers who undertake historical research prior to their trek gain more from their experience, and we encourage all to do so. This is supported by strong historical narrative during the trek, and the services we hold at Brigade Hill and Isurava Battlefield Memorial.
Courage
Endurance
Mateship
Sacrifice
Our experience is that trekkers who undertake historical research prior to their trek gain more from their experience, and we encourage all to do so.
This is supported by strong historical narrative during the trek, and the services we hold at Brigade Hill and Isurava Battlefield Memorial.
Itinerary
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Wednesday, 21 July – Arrival & Welcome
Today is your arrival date.You will be required to arrive into Port Moresby, mid afternoon at the latest.
The Stanley Hotel And Suites
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Thursday 22 July
6:30am: Breakfast at Greenhaus Restaurant7:30am: Transfer to Bomana Cemetery - Port Moresby
8am: Visit Bomana Cemetery (90mins)
Just off the road from Port Moresby at the southern end of the Kokoda track is Bomana, the largest war cemetery in the Pacific. It contains 3779 graves.
There are 3069 known and 237 unknown Australians from the fighting in New Guinea together with 443 Allied soldiers sailors and airmen.
Bomana was established in 1942. Over the next several years those who had been temporarily buried elsewhere in New Guinea, or in other cemeteries around Port Moresby, were re-interred at Bomana.
9:30am: Transfer to Owers Corner (2hrs).
12pm: Trek from Owers Corner to Goodwater [campsite]. (3hrs)
Once the group is ready to set off from Owers’ Corner, we will commence our trek across the Owen Stanley Range with a steep descent down to the Goldie River. Here we will wade across the river with the support of our Carriers, before trekking through the abandoned village of Uberi. We then begin a gentle incline up past Dump 66; an area which was used during wartime as a medical post and major supply/logistic area, before arriving at the Goodwater campsite.
Here at Goodwater, we will set up our camp and spend our first night on the Kokoda Track together.
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Friday 23 July
6am: Trek from Ioribaiwa Village – Nauro Village [7hrs]We head off early again this morning as we make our way to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge. This was the furthest point reached by the Japanese before they were ordered to “advance to the rear” and revert back to Gona, on the Northern Beaches of PNG where they had landed some months earlier.
Your trek leader will recall many stories throughout the day of the events leading to the Japanese withdrawal order. En route we take time to visit the many Japanese and Australian weapon pits that extend along the ridge line.
We continue on with a sharp descent into the Ofi Creek campsite, which is perched on terraces above the intersection of several cascading mountain streams. 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.
We pause here for a short break before tackling the 9 false peaks of the Maguli Range. Once reaching the summit of the Maguli Range we will enjoy some lunch before tackling a challenging but spectacular descent as we trek towards the beautiful village of Nauro, our camp for the night.
Have your camera ready as views from this village are simply remarkable. B/L/D
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Saturday 24 July
6am: Trek from Nauro Village – Manari Village [6hrs]This morning we are treated to one of the most beautiful vistas along the Kokoda Track! As we set off early from Nauro Village, we look out over the mountain ranges that still hold mist and cloud not yet touched by the day’s heat. It is simply breathtaking.
Our trek today firstly takes us down through the abandoned wartime village of Nauro, where we will trek through the Nauro swamp, which is often muddy and very slippery. Your trek leader will recall some of the many tales of lost soldiers who spent sleepless nights up to their waist in these swamp lands.
Pushing on, we arrive at the fast flowing Brown River which we will cross safely with the support of our Carriers, and enjoy some time walking along reasonably flat ground before we hit, what’s known today, as ‘The Wall’. It is here that you will become enormously thankful for all the training and hard work you put in before the trek, as this ascent may really test you both mentally and physically.
A very steep track, The Wall is, in treks, narrow and frequented with large tree roots, making the climb even more intense. Upon reaching the summit, also known as the Menari Gap, we will enjoy lunch with a backdrop of awe inspiring panoramic views, before commencing our descent to Menari Village, where we spend the night.
Menari is a large village where we will spend time getting to know the locals and taking a swim in the slow running creek. It was also home to the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel along the Kokoda Track, and the place where LT COL Ralph Honner made his inspiring, and now, very well-known ‘Thank You’ address to the men of the 39th Battalion – ‘Those Ragged Bloody Heroes’.
Should we be lucky enough, the children of the village may perform a sing-sing, which is quite a beautiful performance and one that you will likely remember for many years to come. B/L/D
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Sunday 25 July
6am: Trek from Manari Village – Efogi [30mins]Today’s trekking journey commences with a steep climb up to the now infamous Brigade Hill; also referred to as ‘Butcher’s Hill’. This is the site of one of the most horrific battles our soldiers fought during their withdrawal over the Owen Stanley Range and is considered a scared site as many lives from both side were lost during the four day battle.
Many soldiers were forced to flee during the battle, becoming lost in the jungle for several weeks, before rejoining their battalions. From the top of Brigade Hill, we will look in awe at the steep easterly slope where 300 Australians escaped the onslaught of a well-planned Japanese attack. Your trek leader will lead a 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, as we take in some gorgeous views that look out over the valley en route to Efogi Village.
Efogi Village is the largest settlement on the Kokoda Track, with a museum, airstrip and first aid post. B/L/D
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Monday 26 July
6am: Trek from Efogi – Camp 1900 [8hrs]
Today you will again be enormously thankful for all the training you did prior to embarking on your Kokoda Trek, as we commence our climb up Mt Bellamy, the highest point on the Kokoda Track at just on 2,190 meters above sea level.
We are not undertaking the entire climb in one day though, and you will love the journey, as we enter what’s known locally as the ‘enchanted moss forest’, where Antarctic Beech forest, phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line the track.
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.
Walking into Camp 1900, you will be delighted with the open ground, the cool creek to bath in, and the beautiful floweres and pandanus all around. B/L/D
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Tuesday 27 July
6am: Trek from Camp 1900 – Eora Creek [8hrs]Today we complete our climb to the summit of Mt Bellamy, the highest point on the Kokoda Track at just on 2,190 meters above sea level.
We then descend down the north side of Mt Bellamy and head for the Kokoda Gap where you will be treated to more spectacular panoramic views. En route your trek leader will recall the story of the Kokoda Gap in great detail, including the now infamous ‘ridiculous command’ from Australian Generals Macarthur and Blamey.
From their office in Australia, orders were given to “blow up the Kokoda Gap” using dynamite, in order cut off access to the Japanese troops. As you will see once on the track, the Kokoda Gap is over 11km wide; this was an impossible command, and one that was justifiably met with much resistance and derision by our Australian troops.
Templeton’s Crossing was the site of an Australian food and ammunition dump, and where our troops were able to enjoy, a somewhat forgotten luxury; a hot meal!
We continue with a short but steep descent to Eora Creek. Crossing the creek safely, we commence a steep ascent, pausing at the border of Oro and Central Provinces, where your trek leader will talk about a previous and interesting postal system!
We continue along a narrow and often slippery track down into Templetons 2, before commencing a large ascent followed by an even more significant descent, passing numerous weapon pits, as we make our way to Eora Creek Village; site of the ‘Battle of Eora Creek’. Your trek leader will recall stories from this battle, which infamously became the single most costly clash of the Kokoda Campaign.
Throughout the battle of Eora Creek, 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. B/L/D
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Wednesday 28 July
6am: Trek from Eora Creek – Isurava Battlefield [8hrs]Our second last day of our trek, and we will enjoy the beautiful terrain of the rainforest today as we head towards Isurava Battlefield.
We will stop for a break at Alola where we will have an opportunity to meet many of the friendly locals. As we have come to expect, views of the valley are quite spectacular, so be sure to soak up the scenery as much as you possibly can.
The final leg of today’s trek takes us to Isurava Battlefield where we will stop for the night and prepare for, what will likely be, a highly emotional memorial service the following morning. B/L/D
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Thursday 29 July
6am: Trek from Isurava Battlefield – Kokoda Village [8hrs]This morning marks our final day on the Kokoda Track, so embrace the opportunity and savour every step. We rise early and make our way down to the Isurava Battlefield Memorial, which commemorates the site of 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.
We will hold our final and emotion charged personal memorial service here to reflect upon the gallantry, courage and sacrifice made by all of our soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign.
We will hold a commemorative service honouring our soldiers and their loyal support, the Papua New Guinean Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, an experience you will never forget.
Upon completion of the service and personal reflection time, we will continue on with our journey with a long and steep descent, under canopy, from Isurava Battlefiled through Deniki and onto the beautiful village of Hoi. We will stop for a swim in the creek here, which is a wonderful reward for our aching muscles.
The final leg of our adventure is characterised by a long flat walk through palm oil and rubber tree plantations. The rubber plantation was the scene of a remarkable retreat during the campaign; here, friend and foe were indistinguishable due to heavy fog and the confusion of battle.
Several soldiers of the 39th Battalion were caught behind the advancing Japanese lines. Bravely and stealthily, they made their way through the Japanese lines to rejoin their mates and continue the fight.
Finally after trekking for 8 days and covering 96km of harsh terrain, we reach the Kokoda Track Arch, which marks the end of your trek. Now is the time to take immense pride in your achievement of successfully crossing the Kokoda Track, whilst also reflecting upon the remarkable accomplishments of our soldiers and the hardships they were forced to endure during the Kokoda Campaign if 1942. B/L/D
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Friday 30 July
4:30am: Transfer to Girua Airport, Popondetta [90mins]9:35am: Depart from Girua Airport [PNP]
10:10am: Arrive at Jacksons International Airport [POM]
2pm: The Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby
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Saturday 31 July
7am: Breakfast at Greenhaus RestaurantDepart Port Moresby
Today is the last day of your trek, Day 11.
You can arrange your flights to depart Port Moresby at a time that suits you!
Disclaimer:
Itinerary may change due to weather, availability, or other circumstances.
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• Private and exclusive group hosted by Rob Coad
• 8 x nights in Tent/Bivvy/Guesthouse-style Accommodation during Trek
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during Trek, prepared Fresh Daily
• 2 x nights in a Standard Twin Room at the 5 star Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby incl. buffet breakfast
• Return Airport Transfers on Arrival & Departure
• Commercial flight from Girua Airport, Popondetta > Jackson’s International Airport
• Expert Australian Tour Leader/s, Wilderness First Aid [Laurie Philipsen]
• Professionally Trained and Highly Experienced Local Ground Crew
• Periodised fitness program designed for this trek
• Dedicated training walks and hikes [Adelaide]
• Dedicated event hosted by Athletica from registration, during the trek and to the end of your Kokoda experience
• Group Google Meet support calls or in person meet ups in Adelaide to discuss fitness, gear and preparation
• Group shop for gear [if required]
• Athletica Kokoda shirt
• Getaway Trekking quick-dry walking shirt
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• Tips and personal expenses
• International and Australian Domestic Airfares & Airport Departure Tax
• All costs associated with obtaining a Passport
• All costs associated with obtaining a PNG VISA
• Travel Insurance [mandatory]
• Vaccinations and Anti-Malarial Medicines
• Personal Carrier [optional]
Why This Trip Is Unforgettable
A Journey With Meaning
Kokoda is not just a physical challenge, it’s a deeply personal experience. Walking the track brings history out of books and into your body. Each ridge, creek crossing, and village adds context and perspective that stays with you long after the trek ends.
Challenge That Builds, Not Breaks
The terrain is demanding, the days are long, and the conditions are real. But the trek is paced with care, support, and intention. You’re challenged enough to feel proud of what you achieve, without it ever becoming reckless or rushed.
Connection to Place and People
From remote villages to moments of quiet on the track, Kokoda offers rare human connection. Interactions with local communities, shared meals, and simple gestures of hospitality become some of the most memorable parts of the journey.
Guided Reflection, Not Just Movement
Memorial services, historical storytelling, and time for reflection are woven naturally into the trek. These moments provide space to pause, absorb, and understand the significance of where you are, without being forced or theatrical.
A Shared Experience That Bonds the Group
Kokoda has a way of stripping things back. Shared effort, mutual support, and long days on the track create genuine bonds. This is not a trip where people drift apart at night, it’s one where the group becomes part of the experience.
Make This Adventure Yours
This trek is for those seeking more than a tick-box challenge. Whether you come for personal growth, to honour history, or to step away from the noise of everyday life, Kokoda meets you where you are.
Over eleven days, you’ll test your resilience, deepen your perspective, and experience moments of quiet pride that are hard to replicate anywhere else. It’s physically demanding, emotionally grounding, and profoundly rewarding, without needing to be dressed up as anything it’s not.
Investment per person:
Twin share (own bed in hotel before & after the trek + tent along the track): $5,400 AUD
Double share (shared bed in hotel before & after the trek + tent along the track): $5,400 AUD
Private (own room in hotel before & after the trek + tent along the track): $5,900 AUD
Please note: this event has no credits or refunds, unless the trip is cancelled by Rob Coad Adventures. Full terms and conditions apply.
Payment Options:
Bank transfer or invoice available after deposit.
Flexible payment plans available, contact rob@athleticahq.com.au to arrange a plan that works for you.
Full balance must be paid by Wednesday 16 June 2027.
Secure Your Spot on This Adventure
The Kokoda Trek scheduled for 21 July 2027 is currently open for Expressions of Interest.
Registering your interest allows you to receive updates and priority access when registrations open, while helping us keep the experience small, supported, and considered.
We also organise private Kokoda treks for sporting teams, corporate groups, and groups of friends. Private groups can choose their own dates and work with us to shape the experience.
All trekkers are supported with guidance and fitness preparation leading into the trek, so you arrive confident and ready for the challenge.
If Kokoda is on your mind, we invite you to get in touch and start the conversation.
