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Simple thatched-roof huts sit in a green grassy clearing as thick white clouds roll over a forested mountain ridge at sunset.
A scenic view from a high vantage point overlooking a dense tropical forest. A thick, flat layer of white clouds fills the valley below, with dark mountain peaks visible in the distance under a clear blue sky. Lush green banana trees are visible in the foreground.
Six people in athletic wear stand together in a grassy field in front of a corrugated metal building. A rugby ball sits on the ground in front of them, and a dramatic sunset glows behind a deep mountain range in the background.
A high-action shot in a dense, green forest. A line of hikers with heavy packs crosses a turbulent, frothing river. They are walking across a rustic bridge constructed from multiple thick tree trunks lashed together. Lush tropical foliage hangs over the riverbanks, and a safety rope is visible alongside the bridge.
An aerial view of a stone and concrete memorial site nestled in a lush green clearing surrounded by dense forest.
A simple bridge made of four parallel logs crosses a small, narrow stream in a dense, green forest.
Clear mountain water rushes over moss-covered boulders in a series of rapids, surrounded by dense tropical greenery.
Group of six hikers standing on dirt clearing with backpacks; dressed in trekking gear; scenic mountainous landscape with lush green vegetation and dramatic mist settled in valleys behind; sky mostly clear with scattered clouds; small wooden structure with metal roof visible to right; scene conveys adventure, camaraderie, and natural beauty during hiking expedition.
White water rushes around large, mossy grey boulders in a mountain stream, backed by dense green tropical foliage.
Hikers descending a rocky, grassy mountain path toward a large lake in a green valley.
In a dense, sun-dappled forest, several rusted and pitted military helmets are perched on top of upright wooden sticks. Below them, a makeshift wooden platform holds a collection of corroded artillery shells and mortar rounds of various sizes. The scene is quiet and overgrown, serving as a primitive memorial to past conflict.
Group of hikers carrying large backpacks with gear walking along a narrow trail through dense green forest, surrounded by tall grass and trees, with distant mountains visible in the background.
A group of six hikers with large backpacks walks in a single-file line along a narrow dirt path through lush, green tropical vegetation. One hiker in the front waves toward the camera.
A group of about ten trekkers in matching green and purple jerseys are wading through a shallow, wide river. They are holding onto a safety rope stretched across the water for balance. The riverbank is lush with green tropical trees and tall grass under a clear blue sky.
Group of hikers crossing a narrow log bridge over a stream in a dense tropical forest, wearing backpacks and outdoor gear, moving in single file through lush greenery.
A high-angle view looking down into a small village clearing surrounded by a dense, dark green forest. The village consists of several traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs made of dried leaves, and one modern building with a corrugated metal roof. A group of hikers with backpacks is seen entering the clearing on the left via a grassy path.
A high-angle view shows a line of trekkers with large backpacks carefully crossing a shallow, rocky stream. They are stepping on large stones to keep their feet dry. On the far bank, a grassy clearing leads toward a building with a blue metal roof, where other team members are gathered.
A single bright red poppy flower is tucked into the split end of a weathered wooden post in the foreground. The background is a soft-focus vista of a grassy hilltop and distant blue-green mountain ridges under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
A close-up of a circular stone memorial on a mountain ridge featuring four black granite pillars inscribed with "Courage," "Endurance," "Mateship," and "Sacrifice".
Expansive military cemetery with rows of white headstones arranged symmetrically across a green lawn, surrounded by trees and hills, with stone memorial structures visible under a clear sky.
A diverse group of hikers and local guides wearing large backpacks gather in a grassy clearing, talking and laughing together.
A group of hikers with large backpacks walk along a dirt path through a remote mountain village at dawn, overlooking a valley filled with thick mist.
Two men pose together outdoors wearing matching green and blue athletic shirts that feature "Kokoda Track" and the words "Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice".
Simple thatched-roof huts sit in a green grassy clearing as thick white clouds roll over a forested mountain ridge at sunset.

Photo Gallery

Simple thatched-roof huts sit in a green grassy clearing as thick white clouds roll over a forested mountain ridge at sunset. A scenic view from a high vantage point overlooking a dense tropical forest. A thick, flat layer of white clouds fills the valley below, with dark mountain peaks visible in the distance under a clear blue sky. Lush green banana trees are visible in the foreground. Six people in athletic wear stand together in a grassy field in front of a corrugated metal building. A rugby ball sits on the ground in front of them, and a dramatic sunset glows behind a deep mountain range in the background. A high-action shot in a dense, green forest. A line of hikers with heavy packs crosses a turbulent, frothing river. They are walking across a rustic bridge constructed from multiple thick tree trunks lashed together. Lush tropical foliage hangs over the riverbanks, and a safety rope is visible alongside the bridge. An aerial view of a stone and concrete memorial site nestled in a lush green clearing surrounded by dense forest. A simple bridge made of four parallel logs crosses a small, narrow stream in a dense, green forest. Clear mountain water rushes over moss-covered boulders in a series of rapids, surrounded by dense tropical greenery. Group of six hikers standing on dirt clearing with backpacks; dressed in trekking gear; scenic mountainous landscape with lush green vegetation and dramatic mist settled in valleys behind; sky mostly clear with scattered clouds; small wooden structure with metal roof visible to right; scene conveys adventure, camaraderie, and natural beauty during hiking expedition. White water rushes around large, mossy grey boulders in a mountain stream, backed by dense green tropical foliage. Hikers descending a rocky, grassy mountain path toward a large lake in a green valley. In a dense, sun-dappled forest, several rusted and pitted military helmets are perched on top of upright wooden sticks. Below them, a makeshift wooden platform holds a collection of corroded artillery shells and mortar rounds of various sizes. The scene is quiet and overgrown, serving as a primitive memorial to past conflict. Group of hikers carrying large backpacks with gear walking along a narrow trail through dense green forest, surrounded by tall grass and trees, with distant mountains visible in the background. A group of six hikers with large backpacks walks in a single-file line along a narrow dirt path through lush, green tropical vegetation. One hiker in the front waves toward the camera. A group of about ten trekkers in matching green and purple jerseys are wading through a shallow, wide river. They are holding onto a safety rope stretched across the water for balance. The riverbank is lush with green tropical trees and tall grass under a clear blue sky. Group of hikers crossing a narrow log bridge over a stream in a dense tropical forest, wearing backpacks and outdoor gear, moving in single file through lush greenery. A high-angle view looking down into a small village clearing surrounded by a dense, dark green forest. The village consists of several traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs made of dried leaves, and one modern building with a corrugated metal roof. A group of hikers with backpacks is seen entering the clearing on the left via a grassy path. A high-angle view shows a line of trekkers with large backpacks carefully crossing a shallow, rocky stream. They are stepping on large stones to keep their feet dry. On the far bank, a grassy clearing leads toward a building with a blue metal roof, where other team members are gathered. A single bright red poppy flower is tucked into the split end of a weathered wooden post in the foreground. The background is a soft-focus vista of a grassy hilltop and distant blue-green mountain ridges under a bright, partly cloudy sky. A close-up of a circular stone memorial on a mountain ridge featuring four black granite pillars inscribed with "Courage," "Endurance," "Mateship," and "Sacrifice". Expansive military cemetery with rows of white headstones arranged symmetrically across a green lawn, surrounded by trees and hills, with stone memorial structures visible under a clear sky. A diverse group of hikers and local guides wearing large backpacks gather in a grassy clearing, talking and laughing together. A group of hikers with large backpacks walk along a dirt path through a remote mountain village at dawn, overlooking a valley filled with thick mist. Two men pose together outdoors wearing matching green and blue athletic shirts that feature "Kokoda Track" and the words "Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice".

Overview

Getaway Trekking is a fully licensed Kokoda Trek company. Here’s everything you need to know about trekking the famous Kokoda Trail.

After a pre-trek gathering and our first night’s accommodation in Port Moresby, we commence our Kokoda trek by road in the Getaway Trekking (GT) Private Motor Vehicle (PMV), bound for Owers’ Corner. At this point, the Kokoda Track commences. On our way, we stop at Bomana War Cemetery to honour those who died in the 1942 Kokoda Campaign. It is a reminder of their sacrifice.

Experience the Kokoda Track with us

We start our journey across the Owen Stanley Range by going downhill to the Goldie River. Don’t worry, our trek leaders and loyal carriers will help us wade across the river.

We will hike and visit many historical places in the first eight days. These places include Imita Ridge, where Australia made its final stand, and Ioribaiwa Ridge, which was the farthest point reached by the Japanese.

Another stop will be Brigade Hill, where a terrible battle took place during our soldiers’ retreat. Additionally, we will visit Eora Creek Village, where 99 Australian soldiers died in gunfights. Lastly, we will visit Isurava Battlefield, where Private Bruce Kingsbury was killed in battle and later awarded the Victoria Cross.

We will hold a small memorial service at Brigade Hill and another larger service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. Both events honour the bravery and sacrifice of Australian soldiers. During the service at Isurava, you will be invited to participate, perhaps with a reading or poem (should you wish to do so). The Last Post will be played, and the National Anthems will be sung.

Our Kokoda trek concludes once we enter the Kokoda Arch at Kokoda Village. We will reflect on the experiences of Australian soldiers during the campaign, focusing on the last eight days of the campaign to help us understand the challenges they faced. This will give us a deeper appreciation for their sacrifices.

We will spend our final night on the Kokoda Trail at the Kokoda Village before returning to Port Moresby the following morning. Upon our arrival, we will transfer back to our hotel for a hot shower and our final dinner as a group. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon what, for many, will have been the experience of a lifetime.

‘We are here today, because they were here before us.’

What to Expect on the Kokoda Trek

Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful countries, featuring soaring mountain peaks, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna. This stunning natural landscape, combined with the rich cultural heritage of its people, makes Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular destination for travellers. Among its many attractions is the renowned Kokoda Track, famous for its life-changing Kokoda trails and tours, drawing adventurers from around the globe.

  • Traverse the world-renowned Kokoda Track with a leading culturally and ecologically sensitive trek operator
  • Trek South to North in the direction of the Australian Advance
  • Experience and participate in moving memorial services at Isurava Battlefield and Brigade Hill
  • Take in the beauty of the Papua New Guinea, one of the world’s least explored countries
  • Stay at the brand 5-star Stanley Hotel & Suites whilst in Port Moresby incl. Buffet Breakfast
  • Form lasting bonds and friendships with your fellow trekkers

What's Included

Included
8x nights in Tent (private, 1 per person) Accommodation during Trek
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during Trek, prepared Fresh Daily
2x 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 – Guaranteed
Professionally Trained and Highly Experienced Local Ground Crew
Not included
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
Free
Getaway Trekking quick-dry Walking Shirt
Getaway Trekking Certificate of Completion
Training Walks in Victoria

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival Jackson’s International Airport.

Arrive Port Moresby, transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Pre trek briefing and first group dinner (own cost).

Day 2:

Trek from Owers' Corner - Goodwater (campsite)

Transfer by road to Bomana War Cemetery, containing more than 3,700 casualties of the Second World War. Continuing to Sogeri Monument before arriving at Owers’ Corner where the Kokoda Track commences.

Inspect the Owers’ Corner Memorial as well as a 25-pound Artillery gun. Commence trek with steep descent to Goldie River. Cross river, continue through Uberi and past Dump 66, arriving at Goodwater campsite.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3 hours

Day 3:

Trek from Goodwater - Ioribaiwa Village

Start with a steep climb to Imita Ridge. This is where the Australians made their last stand. They were told there would be no more retreat from this point.

Commence a steep descent to Ua Ule Creek, crossing many times, before arriving at Ua Ule for lunch. Complete the day with a challenging ascent to Ioribaiwa Village.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6 hours

Day 4:

Trek from Ioribaiwa Village - Nauro Village

Ascend to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge, the furthest point reached by the Japanese before they were ordered to “advance to the rear”. Continue into the Ofi Creek campsite before tackling the 9 false peaks of the Maguli Range. Finish with a challenging but spectacular descent into the beautiful village of Nauro, our camp for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7 hours

Day 5:

Trek from Nauro Village - Manari Village

Stunning views of mountain ranges in a cloud setup the day; begin with a descent into Nauro Swamp. Cross Brown River and continue along flat ground to ‘The Wall’ and a very steep ascent to Menari Gap. Continue to Menari, home to the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel along the Kokoda Track. Enjoy a swim in the slow-running creek and the beautiful church choir.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6 hours

Day 6:

Trek from Manari Village - Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau)

A steep climb up to infamous Brigade Hill; also referred to as ‘Butcher’s Hill’, site of an horrific and costly battle. Pause for Memorial Service. Enjoy beautiful views en route to Efogi, the largest settlement on Track with a museum, airstrip and first aid post. Make final ascent to Efogi Village 2. Opportunity to support local economy with the purchase of fruit, cans of Coke, Twisties, and Bilums (traditional string bags).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7 hours

Day 7:

Trek from Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau) - Templetons Crossing

Long day commencing with steep descent into the gorge and across Efogi River. Long climb to Naduri, continue to the summit of Mt Bellamy, trekking through the ‘enchanted moss forest’, where Antarctic Beech forest, phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line the track. Descend to Dump 1 via Kokoda Gap enjoying more spectacular views.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10 hours

Day 8:

Trek from Templetons Crossing - Isurava Battlefield

Short but steep descent to Eora Creek, cross and continue to Templetons 2.

Continue past numerous weapon pits as we make our way to Eora Creek Village; site of the ‘Battle of Eora Creek’. Trek along narrow and slippery tracks to Alola with spectacular views and friendly locals. Final leg into Isurava Battlefield.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8 hours

Day 9:

Trek from Isurava Battlefield - Kokoda Village

Rise early for our Memorial Service, reflecting upon the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of all soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign. Our Service is held at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial.

Continue through Deniki and onto the village of Hoi with its beautiful and refreshing creek. A final 2 hour walk to the Kokoda Track Arch.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8 hours

Day 10:

Transfer to Kokoda Airstrip OR Popondetta for return flight to Port Moresby

If returning to Port Moresby by private charter, transfer the short distance to Kokoda Airstrip. If connecting with commercial flight from Popondetta, leave Kokoda and transfer by road.

Either way, it will take about 30 minutes to fly over what took us 8 days to walk. Final dinner in Port Moresby (own cost).

Day 11:

Transit Day

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia.

Breakfast

Route & Map

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Kokoda Trail?

Our Kokoda Treks run from April to October each year, when the weather is likely to be drier and cooler. During PNG’s dry season, humidity decreases, making the experience a little more comfortable for trekkers.

How long is the Kokoda Trek?

The Kokoda Trail length is approximately 96km, which we split over 8 days of walking. The highest elevation of the Kokoda trek is Mount Bellamy at 2,490 m (8,170 ft) above sea level.

What should I pack for a Kokoda Trek?

When you trek Kokoda with Getaway Trekking, porters will help you with your backpacks, however, some planning is necessary. A detailed breakdown of what you will need will be provided to all trekkers. However, please take note of the following:

Clothing
Ensure you have light, quick-drying, trek-appropriate clothes.
Lightweight and comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Make sure you’ve trained using the boots or shoes prior to avoid irritation during the trek.
A light coat or jumper is also recommended if you feel the cold.
A poncho is also helpful as the rain can still be heavy, even in the dry season.

Personal belongings
Pack any necessary medication with you. During onboarding, we will discuss your requirements with you.
Place all your important documents in waterproof bags.
Tropical insect repellent, hand sanitiser and sunscreen are also essential

How difficult is the Kokoda Track?

The Kokoda Track is considered a challenging trek due to steep terrain, high humidity, and long hiking days. Physical preparation and mental resilience are essential.

Is the trek safe for solo travelers?

Yes. Our guided tours are group-based and led by experienced professionals, making them ideal for solo travelers seeking safety and companionship.

Do I need a permit to trek the Kokoda Track?

Yes, all trekkers must obtain a Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) permit. When booking with Getaway Trekking, we handle all permits for you.

Papua New Guinea Trek the Kokoda Trail

2k+ trekkers and counting

Nick Crofts
2 years ago
recommends
We went to Morocco with Deb & Mike from Getaway in June 2023. It was an amazing 2 part trip. The first half saw us hiking through the Atlas High Mountains with a local guide & support crew with mules to help carry all the equipment including kitchen tent, dining tent and sleeping tents. The hiking was breathtakingly beautiful with some large passes each day and amazing food throughout. We summited Mt Toubkal (4165M) as the pinnacle of the hike. The second part of the trip was a traditional small group bus tour, seeing the wonders of Marrakech, Quarzazate, Western Sahara, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat & Casablanca. Truly an amazing experience and highly recommended to anyone thinking of doing a similar trip!
Ian Brumby
2 years ago
recommends
Thanks Getaway Trekking for an incredible trip through the Kokoda Track. Your local PNG guides were brilliant, it was really well organised and your team leaders did a fantastic job of bonding us 'strangers' into a tight-knit group as we trekked together. I dreamed of walking Kokoda for years and it was totally worth the wait. 8 days walking up and down mountains in tropical rainforest was so good for my soul.
Trevor Sumner
7 years ago
recommends
Vast knowledge of our trek leader together with a great sense of humour made our june 2019 trek one to remember for a lifetime.
David Pope
8 years ago
recommends
I have just returned from walking the Kokoda Track. I cannot recommend Getaway Trekking highly enough and I will be booking another trip with them very shortly.
Emilie Aisbett
9 years ago
recommends
Went and tackled the Kokoda trek, I am so very pleased I chose Getaway Trekking, they were sensational and could not fault any member of their team. They handled every aspect with the utmost of care and respect. All members were supportive and professional. I'm saving for my next adventure with Getaway. Highly recommend.
Nathan Goad
9 years ago
recommends
An amazing company to Trek with an exhilarating experience, educational , emotional a life changing challenge. Can't thank the staff and especially the boys from Buna enough.
David Cadden
9 years ago
recommends
Just completed my 2nd Kokoda Trek with Getaway. What a fantastic experience and strongly recommend Getaway if you are considering this trek.
Kayla Barnes
9 years ago
recommends
Doing the Kokoda track is the absolute best thing I've ever done and this was thanks to the wonderful team at Getaway Trekking! Absolutely everything was thought of from the very beginning with the information required through emails about what to pack and how to train, the pre trek meeting and on the track the food was beyond my expectations as was the knowledge of the tour leader and local guys of the war from both the Australian and Japanese sides. I highly recommend anyone thinking of doing this life changing experience to go with the wonderful Getaway trekking company!
Julie Batchelor
10 years ago
recommends
Highly recommend Getaway trekking. My trip to do the kokoda track was an amazing experience i will never forget! Thankyou so much Wayne (our trek leader) and to Watson and all the boys that looked after us so well every day! I will be back soon! I loved every minute of it.

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