Frequently Asked Questions

While you may assume multi-day trekking is only for elite athletes or ex-military, the reality is that many everyday Australians complete our treks every year. In our decades in business, we’ve had people as young as 13 and as old as 85 successfully trek with us.

Beginners can complete a guided trek tour. While you do not need to be an athlete, you need to prepare. We have a 12-week training program that provides the structure you need.

Your training should include walking, hills, stairs, loaded-pack training, and, of course, recovery. What’s more important is that you are consistent.

Despite what you may think, there is no single ‘best’ age for long-distance trekking. What matters more is your physical fitness, health and drive.

The most important type of fitness for a multi-day trek isn’t speed or explosive strength, it’s endurance. You’ll be walking for several hours each day, often over consecutive days, so your training should prepare your body to keep moving comfortably for long periods, rather than focus on lifting heavy weights or sprinting.

The best preparation includes regular hiking, long walks, hill training and stair sessions. These activities build the leg strength, balance and stamina needed to handle steep climbs, long descents and uneven terrain. Training with a loaded backpack can also help your body adapt to carrying your gear.

The good news is that you don’t need to be an elite athlete to complete a trek like Kokoda or Aussie Camino. Most trekkers are everyday Australians with varying fitness levels who prepare consistently over time. Starting early and gradually increasing your training is far more effective than trying to cram your preparation into the final few weeks.

At Getaway Trekking, we recommend beginning your training at least 12 weeks before departure where possible. Our training program includes walking, hills, stairs, loaded-pack sessions and recovery strategies, and we’re always happy to provide guidance based on your current fitness level. When combined with our experienced guides, dedicated porters, and supportive group environment, proper preparation gives you every opportunity to enjoy the experience and complete your trek with confidence.

• Pack lightweight gear as much as possible. Even a light pack becomes heavy at the end of a long day, especially when it rains
• Blister theory: heat + moisture => friction. Eliminate heat or moisture, no friction => no blisters.
• Loose boots/thin socks. You want your foot to move freely within your boot & allow the heat to escape
• Quick drying lightweight clothes – skins, no cotton => no chafe.
• Compartmentalise all of your gear, use zip-lock bags, dry sacks, compression bags, and rubber bands.
• Try to pack smart, heavier items placed at the bottom of your pack and, if possible, close to your back to reduce your centre of gravity and thereby provide better stability.
• Place snacks and things you need (e.g. head torch) in easily accessible areas, either the top or side pocket.
• Pack your Passport in a sealed zip-lock bag.

Many first-time trekkers focus on gym fitness but neglect endurance, leg strength and recovery needed to walk for six to ten hours a day over consecutive days.

Poor footwear choices can also catch people out, such as new boots that haven’t been worn in or ill-fitting socks.

For our treks, you’ll only carry a lightweight daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, rain gear and personal items. Your main backpack is either carried by one of our experienced local porters or placed on the tour bus, allowing you to trek more comfortably and safely.

When training, we recommend practising with a loaded pack of around 10–12 kg to build endurance and strength. On the trek itself, your daypack will usually weigh less. We also provide a detailed packing list to help you avoid carrying unnecessary weight.

Your safety always comes first. If you’re struggling during a trek, our guides will assess the situation and work with you to find the best option.

The reality is that most trekkers have difficult moments, but very few are unable to finish. With good preparation, sensible pacing and the support of our team, most people can complete the trek. Our philosophy is simple: no one gets left behind, and we’ll do everything we can to help you safely achieve your goal.

If you are a beginner, in a remote area, or tackling challenging terrain, it is safer to go on a guided trek than to hike independently.

A quality trekking company provides far more than logistics. Experienced guides monitor your wellbeing, manage the pace, navigate the trail and assist with any challenges that arise. On supported treks like Kokoda, local porters carry your main pack, allowing you to walk with a lighter daypack and conserve energy.

At Getaway Trekking, we keep our groups small, so we can monitor individuals closely, but also build stronger bonds. Our Australian trek leaders, experienced local guides and dedicated porters work together to keep you safe, motivated and supported throughout the journey. Our philosophy is simple: no one gets left behind.

Rain is part of the adventure. We ensure we’re prepared for the rain, because most of the time, treks continue in wet weather. That means we always have waterproof clothing in our day packs.

Absolutely. Many of our trekkers travel solo, and guided group treks are a great way to meet like-minded people. You’ll share the experience with a supportive group while benefiting from experienced guides, organised logistics and a strong team environment.

Yes. Trekking poles reduce strain on your knees, improve balance and provide extra stability on steep climbs, descents and uneven terrain. They’re particularly valuable on multi-day treks like Kokoda, where repeated descents can be more demanding than the climbs.

At Getaway Trekking, we highly recommend using trekking poles and encourage you to train with them before your adventure so you’re comfortable using them on the trail.

Blisters are usually caused by a combination of heat, moisture and friction. Reduce one of these factors, and you’re far less likely to develop blisters.

The best prevention is to wear well-fitted, broken-in hiking boots, quality moisture-wicking socks, keep your feet as dry as possible and address any hot spots as soon as you feel them. Training in the same footwear you’ll use on your trek is one of the most effective ways to prevent blisters before they happen.

A trekking support vehicle transports your luggage between accommodation stops, carries supplies and provides logistical support throughout the trek. On many itineraries, it can also assist if someone needs to leave the trail due to illness, injury or fatigue, where road access is available.

Not every trek has vehicle access. On remote adventures like Kokoda, support is provided by experienced guides and local porters instead, as much of the track is inaccessible to vehicles.

Long-distance walking helps many people reduce stress, improve mental clarity and disconnect from the pressures of everyday life.

These treks are often as rewarding mentally as they are physically, building resilience, confidence and bonds with fellow trekkers.

Many trekkers choose a guided trek because it offers safety, local expertise, and knowledge. With a guided trek, you do not need to worry about route planning, accommodation, logistics or meals, instead you can focus on the experience.

Expect a well-planned adventure with experienced guides, organised accommodation, meals, transport and on-trail support. You’ll trek with a group of like-minded people, walking at a steady pace with regular breaks while enjoying incredible scenery and local experiences.

Most first-time trekkers are surprised by how supportive the group environment is. At Getaway Trekking, our guides, local team and fellow trekkers are there to encourage you every step of the way, making your first organised trekking holiday both achievable and enjoyable.

The right choice depends on the trek, but for challenging multi-day adventures like Kokoda, we generally recommend well-fitted hiking boots for their ankle support, stability and protection on steep, uneven terrain.

Just as important are your socks. Quality moisture-wicking hiking socks help reduce heat, moisture and friction; the three main causes of blisters. Whatever footwear you choose, make sure it’s properly broken in and train in the same boots and socks you’ll wear on the trek.

The Kokoda Track can be physically demanding, but you don’t have to be an athlete to do it. With preparation and training for steep climbs, descents, and consecutive days of hiking, everyday Australians complete the trek successfully.

Treks such as the Aussie Camino are generally less demanding and are better suited to those seeking a more accessible multi-day walking experience.

Whatever trek you choose, Getaway Trekking provide training guidance and experienced support to help you prepare with confidence.

You need a good level of walking fitness and commitment to prepare, but you don’t need to be an elite athlete to trek the Kokoda Track. Our trekkers include a broad range of everyday Australians such as teachers, tradies, retirees and office workers.

The key is endurance rather than speed or strength. We recommend focusing on long walks, hills, stairs and training with a loaded pack, ideally over a 12-week period. Just as important are mental resilience, sensible pacing and listening to your body.

At Getaway Trekking, we provide a structured training program, experienced Australian trek leaders, knowledgeable local guides and dedicated porters to support you throughout the journey.

From arrival in PNG to departure, our Kokoda Track trek is 11 nights and 10 days.

It’s best to avoid the heavy monsoonal wet season, even though the official trekking window spans most of the year. Our tours run from early March to October, when it is drier. However, every season brings different weather conditions, so it’s important to be prepared for heat, humidity and rain at any time of year.

50-year-olds and over can definitely trek the Kokoda Track. You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to prepare. We’ve had trekkers in their 80’s join us, so with the right training, you will be more than capable of completing the trek.

The best Kokoda training focuses on endurance rather than speed. We recommend regular long walks, hill climbs, stair sessions and hiking with a loaded backpack to prepare your body for consecutive days on the track.

Aim to train consistently for at least 12 weeks, while also prioritising recovery, hydration and nutrition. At Getaway Trekking, we provide a structured 12-week training program and pre-trek guidance to help you arrive fit, confident and ready for the challenge.

For most people, the biggest challenge is the combination of steep climbs, long descents, high humidity and consecutive days of trekking. The Kokoda Track is also a mental challenge, so staying positive and pacing yourself is just as important as physical fitness.

While prior trekking experience is beneficial, Kokoda can be your first multi-day trek. With the right preparation, gear and training, you will be able to complete the trek.

An experienced guide does far more than lead the way. They help manage the pace, monitor your well-being, navigate the track, make informed decisions in changing conditions, and share the rich history of Kokoda along the way.

At Getaway Trekking, our experienced Australian trek leaders work alongside knowledgeable local guides and dedicated porters to provide a safe, supportive and memorable experience. Their expertise allows you to focus on the challenge, the history, and the achievement of reaching the finish line.

The Aussie Camino is a multi-day pilgrimage through regional Victoria and South Australia that follows in the footsteps of Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop. While it’s inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago, it offers a uniquely Australian experience, combining beautiful countryside, rich history and opportunities for personal reflection.

Unlike the Camino de Santiago, the Aussie Camino is shorter, more accessible and ideal for those looking to experience the camaraderie and rewards of a guided pilgrimage without travelling overseas. At Getaway Trekking, our fully supported Aussie Camino includes experienced guides, organised accommodation, luggage transfers and a welcoming group environment.

The Aussie Camino is an excellent choice for first-time pilgrims. It’s shorter and generally less demanding than many overseas pilgrimage routes, while still offering the rewarding experience of multi-day walking, personal reflection and group camaraderie.

At Getaway Trekking, our fully supported Aussie Camino includes experienced guides, organised accommodation, luggage transfers and a welcoming group environment, making it an ideal introduction to pilgrimage walking.

Trekking is relaxed with regular breaks, however there is a support bus should you decide to take a break.

Each day offers a mix of beautiful scenery, personal reflection and conversation. The scenery changes from coastal cliffs and bushland to country towns and farmland, so there is always something new to occupy the mind.

Many people are inspired by the story and journey of Mary MacKillop, however, not everyone is there for religious reasons. Some are seeking a personal challenge, others want time to reflect and some are simply looking to step away from the demands of everyday life.

The Aussie Camino is designed to be achievable for people with a reasonable level of fitness. At Getaway Trekking, we provide pre-departure guidance to help you prepare so you can walk confidently and enjoy every step of the journey.