8 Day Trek
Meals Included
Australian Tour Leader
Testimonials
What Happens Next?
1. Pick Your Trip
Chose a date that suits from our list of set departures. Lock in your spot for only $50.
2. Get Prepared
Your personal trip manager will guide you through every step of the process.
3. Take Off!
Before you know it you'll be on your way to stunning PNG to meet your Aussie expedition leader and our amazing local crew.
The Experience
Walking the Kokoda track has become an important experience for every Australian. The physical and mental challenges of the Track, including an understanding of the courage and sacrifice shown by Australia’s diggers, offer a life-changing experience for every trekker.
The story of Kokoda – the heroic defense of our nation against a powerful foreign invader – is finally gaining its rightful place at the forefront of the Australian consciousness. However, one can only begin to understand what really took place on that remote jungle pathway during WWII by actually trekking over its arduous course.
After the war, the Kokoda legend lay dormant for six decades, during which time the New Guinean jungle reclaimed many of its historic sites. After years of painstaking research on the track itself, and with the aid of the fast-thinning ranks of both Australian and Japanese veterans, Bill James has played an important part in uncovering the ‘lost battlefields’ of Kokoda. His publication, Field Guide to the Kokoda Track, is regarded as the ‘trekkers bible’. Bill acts as a historical advisor for On Track Expeditions and has passed his extensive knowledge of the campaign on to our trek.
Itinerary
At On Track Expeditions we have Kokoda Expeditions that walk in either direction as there is no ‘correct’ way to walk the Kokoda Trail. The direction will be clearly noted in the itinerary when booking.
Walking South
Fly from Australia to Port Moresby. Overnight Moresby Hotel.
Upon arrival into Port Moresby we will visit Bomana War Cemetery and then be transferred to our hotel.
A trek briefing will take place before a group dinner and a relaxing night before an early start.
We take a morning flight from Port Moresby to Kokoda.
We visit the battle site at Kokoda station, where the 39th Battalion made its first stand against the Japanese. In the afternoon we start the track ascending to our campsite at Deniki, in the foothills of the Yodda Valley.
We climb into the Owen Stanley Range and traverse the western side of the Eora Creek Valley through the fields of choko vines.
We pass through present-day Isurava village and on tothe Isurava Battle Site. The breathtaking Isurava Memorial is testament to the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of the diggers.
This morning starts with a stop a Con’s Rock and then to Alola. A steep decent to Eora Creek and a steeper climb to the beautiful village of Abuari on the eastern side of the range.
Having arrived in only a couple hours, the rest of the day is spent in the school with the children, exploring the village or swimming at their breathtaking waterfall – today is a great day to understand village life and be with the locals.
Local foods will be cooked for lunch giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the jungle lifestyle.
A lesser-worn track will guide us to Eora Creek Village, now abandoned but a lovely swimming spot.
Now back on the Kokoda Track we continue on until camp. We make camp at Templeton’s Crossing, named after ‘Uncle’ Sam Templeton, Captain of B Company 39th Battalion.
We make our way up and over Mount Bellamy, the highest part of the track with an altitude of 2100 meters.
In this area we see some of the track’s more interesting geographical features: the high altitude ‘moss forests’ and the Myola Lakes, huge dry lakebeds that served as important dropping grounds for Australian supplies.
We make camp at the Naduri with its nice high outlook over the villages below.
We traverse a steep creek valley to reach the village of Efogi, the largest on the track with close to 1000 residents.
We ascend Brigade Hill, the site of one of the most famous battles of the campaign. It was here that a night-time Japanese flanking manoeuvre saw Brigadier Potts cut off from the three Battalions under his command.
We descend into the village of Menari and make camp.
We climb out of Menari and descend into the Brown River valley before climing again to the village of Nauro, perched on a hillside in the Maguli Range.
We climb up and over the Maguli Range and descend to Ofi Creek. We then climb up to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge. It was here that the Japanese were forced to retreat through exhaustion and starvation, despite being within sight of the ocean and the lights of Port Moresby, their ultimate goal. We camp at Ua-Ule Creek.
We climb up and over Imita, the final ridge before Port Moresby.
We cross the Goldie River and finish the track at Owers’ Corner, that’s right, you have completed the Kokoda Track!!
We return to Port Moresby by bus and check in to our hotel and have a final group dinner.
After a nice rest, breakfast, swim in the pool and a hot shower we are transported to Port Moresby International Airport and depart this amazing country knowing we have explored the history, culture, people and Kokoda Track
FAQs
Fully comprehensive travel insurance and hotel accomodation in PNG are both included in the package. International Flights can be booked through our in-house travel agent.
Anyone who is doing regular exercise is capable of walking Kokoda. We have training programs to guide you on how best to prepare.
We require a $400 deposit to confirm your place on the expedition.
Yes, we have a training program and our expedition guides are available to give you training tips and help with your progress.
Papua New Guinea is generally hot and humid with temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s. The Kokoda Track is in the Owen Stanley Range, where the forest canopy provides some relief from the heat. Our trek is during the dry season, but expect some rain and mud somewhere along the way. We camp tents in grass clearings in local villages. The campsites have toilets and huts for cooking and dining.
On Track Expeditions is commited to ethical and sustainable trekking. We support the local people on the Kokoda Track through employment opportunities, camping and trekking fees, and involvement in community projects.
There is no mobile phone reception on the track itself, however there is coverage in Port Moresby and Kokoda. On the track we have satellite communications in case of emergency but otherwise have a 'no news is good news' policy.
We provide participants with all main meals and snacks. Catering is provided by our partner company, On Track Meals. We don't serve dehydrated food! Examples of dinner meals include spaghetti bolognese, coconut ginger chicken, and even a slow-cooked steak! We can cater for certain dietary requirements such as vegetarian or gluten-free.
Inclusions
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Twin share hotel accomodation
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks while on the track and in hotels
No sharing or bivvy camping
All transfers and ground travel arrangements via private bus
Charter flight Kokoda-Port Moresby – Not a shared charter
Highly experienced guide with First Aid and Working With Children’s check
Access to all historical sites on the track inc. Isurava Battle Site, Brigade Hill, Myola Lakes and Bomana Cemetery
Trained and experienced local PNG head guide and group porter crew
Kokoda Track Authority track permit
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International flights not included but can be booked and purchased through On Track Expeditions
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Personal Porter (optional, $700 per person). This cost covers your porter’s wages 30% above industry standard, return travel allowance, accommodation and transfers in Port Moresby, all meals, clothing and sleeping equipment.
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Fully Comprehensive Travel and Evacuation Insurance*
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Porter Tips
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Soft drink/Alcohol
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Single room available at an additional cost
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Why People Trust Us
We are a 100% Australian owned and operated licensed tourism operator
We are proud to be an Internationally accredited tourism operator
Our guides are trusted and experienced with Australian standards
We are partnered with a number of Australian Bodies & International organisations.
We work with an official Kokoda Track Authority licensed tour operator
Full Public Liability Insurance is included with all of our expeditions
Comprehensive narrative of the Kokoda Campaign
Emergency Satellite communications and 24 hour Australian support network
Detailed Risk Management and Risk Assessment of the Kokoda Track
Interested? Reach Out!
Reviews
Thank you On Track for a wonderful experience. Fully satisfied & content.
Great Australian leader and great local porters.
It was awesome how you guys organise everything along the way so we have just concentrate on walking.
The process from start to finish was great!
I was so moved by the way Bill told his stories, it gave me such tremendous insight to what when on and made the trek so memorable and enjoyable!!!
The whole adventure was fantastic and our porters were wonderful.
Ross was so knowledgeable and passionate about the diggers and war in Kokoda. He spoke from his heart, his knowledge was exceptional and his love for the task was profound.
I had the best experience of my life!
Custom Trips
Can’t see a date that works for you?
At On Track Expeditions we specialise in bespoke premium small group expeditions. It’s what we love to do!
If you have a group of family, friends or coworkers, we can tailor and build a trip to Kokoda, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Overland Track or anywhere in the world.
Please contact us directly to discuss your premium options with us.
