Overview
This South > North Kokoda Track trek features an Anzac Dawn Service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. Anzac Day is a solemn day of remembrance for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who have fought and died for their country. It also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge those who continue to serve their country to this day.
Our 11-day Kokoda Track Anzac Day tour commences in Port Moresby, where will spend our first night. We begin our Kokoda trek by travelling in a private vehicle to Owers’ Corner, where the track starts. We will stop at the Bomana War Cemetery on our way. Here, we will pay our respects to those who gave their lives during the 1942 Kokoda Campaign.
Our trek across the Owen Stanley Range, from south to north, commences with a steep descent down to the Goldie River, which we wade across with the help of our loyal Carriers.
Over the next 8 days we will trek through and explore several historical sites including:
- Imita Ridge; the site of Australia’s last stand,
- Ioribaiwa Ridge; the furthest point reached by the Japanese,
- Brigade Hill; the site of one of the most horrific battles our soldiers fought during their withdrawal,
- Eora Creek Village; the site where 99 Australian soldiers were killed during fierce gun battles, and
- Isurava Battlefield; where Private Bruce Kingsbury was killed during battle and ultimately awarded (posthumously) the Victoria Cross.
As a group, we will hold a small memorial service at Brigade Hill and participate in the official Australian High Commission Memorial Service at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. Here we will reflect upon the gallantry, courage and sacrifice made by all Australian soldiers. This is an incredibly special and moving experience you will never forget.
Our Kokoda Trail trek concludes once we step through the Kokoda Arch at Kokoda Village. Armed with a new found appreciation of the accomplishments and hardships endured by our Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign, we will pause to reflect upon the past 8 days.
We will spend our final night on the Kokoda Track at Kokoda Village before returning to Port Moresby the following morning. Upon our arrival, we will return 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
Papua New Guinea is one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular destination for tourists, not to mention the renowned and fabled ‘Kokoda Track’, home to many life-changing Kokoda Tours.
What's Included
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:
Pre-Trek | Arrival Jacksonu2019s International Airport
Arrive Port Moresby, transfer to hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Pre trek briefing and first group dinner (own cost).
Day 2:
Trek from Owersu2019 Corner u2013 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 Owersu2019 Corner where the Kokoda Track commences. Inspect the Owersu2019 Corner Memorial as well as a 25-pound Artillery gun.rnrnCommence trek with a steep descent to Goldie River. Cross the river, continue through Uberi and past Dump 66, arriving at Goodwater campsite.
Day 3:
Trek from Goodwater u2013 Ioribaiwa Village
Commence with a steep ascent up to Imita Ridge, the site of the final defensive stand by the Australians, who were told there would be no further withdrawal from this point. Commence steep descent to Ua Ule Creek, crossing many times, before arriving Ua-Ule for lunch. Complete the day with a challenging ascent to Ioribaiwa Village.
Day 4:
Trek from Ioribaiwa Village u2013 Nauro Village
Ascend to the top of Ioribaiwa Ridge, the furthest point reached by the Japanese before they were ordered to u201cadvance to the rearu201d. Continue into 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.
Day 5:
Trek from Nauro Village u2013 Manari Village
Stunning views of mountain ranges in cloud set up the day; begin with descent into Nauro swamp. Cross Brown River and continue along flat ground to u2018The Wallu2019 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.
Day 6:
Trek from Manari Village u2013 Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau)
A steep climb up to infamous Brigade Hill; also referred to as u2018Butcheru2019s Hillu2019, site of an horrific and costly battle. Pause for Memorial Service. Enjoy beautiful views enroute to Efogi, largest settlement on Track with museum, airstrip and first aid post. Make final ascent to Efogi Village 2. rnrnOpportunity to support local economy with purchase of fruit, cans of coke, Twisties and Bilums (traditional string bags).
Day 7:
Trek from Efogi Village 2 (Lanamau) u2013 Templetons Crossing.
Long day commencing with a steep descent into the gorge and across Efogi River. Long climb to Naduri, continue to summit of Mt Bellamy, trekking through the u2018enchanted moss forestu2019, where Antarctic Beech forest, phosphorescent fungi and giant Pandanus line the track. Descend to Dump 1 via Kokoda Gap enjoying more spectacular views.
Day 8:
Trek from Templetons Crossing u2013 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 u2018Battle of Eora Creeku2019. Trek along narrow and slippery tracks to Alola with spectacular views and friendly locals. Final leg into Isurava Battlefield.
Day 9:
Trek from Isurava Battlefield - Kokoda Village.
Rise early for official Australian High Commission Dawn Service, reflecting upon the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of all soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign. The 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.
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, 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.
