Kokoda Track
11 Days Starting and ending in Port Moresby
Visiting: Papua New Guinea
Tour Overview
For many, the Kokoda Track is a fitting reminder of the Australian Army's heroic battles in 1942 to defend Port Moresby, in extraordinary conditions, from the advancing forces of the Japanese. In the company of our expert guide, we trek across the geographical heart of Papua New Guinea following trails from the tropical rainforests to the rarified climes of the Owen Stanley Ranges. At night we stay in secluded jungle camps close to traditional villages in some of the most remote regions of PNG. We take our time, allowing plenty of opportunity to embrace the history and local culture as well as meet the physical demands of this rugged track. It takes nine days to cover the 96km trail - offering tremendous rewards and a feeling of accomplishment as we complete the trek between the township of Kokoda and the highlands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Port Moresby
If you are arriving on Day 1 of the trip you will be met and taken to your hotel. In the late afternoon, a trek briefing by your leader will be held, and your camping gear will be distributed. Afterwards your group will get acquainted over dinner (at your own expense) and discuss the adventure ahead. Overnight: Hilton Hotel (or similar)
NOTE: You must arrive in Port Moresby no later than 14:30hrs. If you cannot arrange a flight to arrive before this time, please ask us for details of transfers and pre-tour accommodation (additional cost applies) so that you can arrive the day before.
Day 2 : Fly To Popondetta; Transfer To Kokoda Track Trailhead; Commence Trek To Hoi
This morning we will be transferred to the Domestic Airport to catch the flight to Popondetta. The flight over the Owen Stanley Range takes approximately 30 minutes. Upon arrival we will meet up with our Kokoda trekking team, and then drive to the Kokoda Track trailhead. Along the way there will be rest and photo stops. After arriving in Kokoda, if it is open we will visit the Kokoda Museum. Afterwards the group will commence the trek from Kokoda Station to the village of Hoi. While trekking, the porters will assist you wherever possible, to make your experience even more enjoyable and will keep you informed about the availability of water along the track. Approx Walking time/distance: 2-3hrs / 7.5km; Ascent: 151m, Descent: 51m.
Day 3 : Trek To Con's/Surgeon's Rock
The first full day of the trail walk includes a trek through the lush green choko vines that reach into the canopy of the trees. We will continue to move up the Owen Stanley Range to Isurava Village and Battle site. A minute silence is held here to remember the soldiers who fought, and to also pay tribute to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. The battle site was lost for many years to the jungle, although today the site is cleared and serves as a memorial to the fallen soldiers that died in the Kokoda campaign. We relish in the history of the area visiting Bruce Kingsbury VC rock. There is a small war museum here and if open you can look inside and take photos (entry fee own expense). Then it's a short walk to tonight's campsite at Con's/Surgeon's Rock. Approx Walking time/distance: 7-8hrs / 11.3km; Ascent: 1273m, Descent: 376m.
Day 4 : Trek To Eora Creek
We have an early start today after a special service held at Con’s/Surgeon's Rock. Today's trek is quite challenging with our first steep down hill section which can be slippery if it is wet, followed by a creek crossing and then a steady uphill climb to Eora Creek campsite. Some trekkers say that tonight's campsite is their favourite spot, and you will understand why as the creek is a beautiful swimming place albeit a little chilly, which is great for your aching muscles. Approx Walking time/distance: 5-6hrs / 7km; Ascent: 403m, Descent: 441m.
Day 5 : Trek To Camp 1900
We rise early and prepare for a long hard day's hiking which will see us rise to the highest point on the track. Today we will pass many Australian weapon pits that were used in the fighting withdrawal in 1942, with rest stops at Templeton’s Crossing and Dump 1. After lunch we will proceed up the shoulder of Mt Bellamy and take in the view of the Kokoda Gap (2240m). We take our time and encourage each other as this section of the track can be quite difficult. From the gap we will trek down to Camp 1900 for the night, where there is a pleasant little stream to wash in. This campsite will be the coldest night's sleep you will have on the track. Approx Walking time/distance: 9-10hrs / 14.4km; Ascent: 1194m, Descent: 754m.
Day 6 : Trek To Brigade Hill
This morning we trek to the beautiful village of Naduri. The track can be extremely slippery if it has rained, so take your time and watch your step. From Naduri there will be a steep descent followed by a steep ascent up to Efogi. There may be an opportunity here for a quick refreshing swim in the creek. We tackle another steep climb after lunch along a narrow pathway with steep drops to Brigade Hill which offers little shade, so remember to wear plenty of sunscreen. Brigade Hill is considered the most other-worldly and eerie campsite with the clouds often rolling in over the summit. Approx Walking time/distance: 8-9hrs / 13.1km; Ascent: 842m, Descent: 1335m.
Day 7 : Trek To Nauro
After an early morning dawn service we descend down to Menari. On the trek down the ridge the group will be shown the lookout to Menari, and be briefed on Japanese positions in the area during their advance. Whilst in Menari we will have a rest stop, and the local school students may gather to present a show for you. Trekkers are welcome to bring educational and stationary resources as gifts for the Menari School. Afterwards there will be another steep up and down over ‘The Wall’ through tree roots and mud, before stopping for lunch at Agulogo. Afterwards we will cross the Brown River. The remainder of the day will involve hiking through more muddy terrain and swamp following the Naoro River, culminating with another steep climb to our campsite at New Nauro Village. This is halfway up the nine false peaks and is the most comfortable campsite on the track. Approx Walking time/distance: 8-9hrs / 15.9km; Ascent: 840m, Descent: 1112m.
Day 8 : Trek To Ioribaiwa Village
Another challenging day starting with a trek up the ridge where it is easy to become discouraged with the remaining 9 false peaks. But the group encourages each other and before long you reach the top and trek down to the Japanese ladder (for lunch) and then it will be boots off to cross Ofi Creek. Reward yourself with a welcome wash at picturesque Ofi Creek. Afterwards the group will trek up and over the Ioribaiwa Ridge to the post war village. We will be briefed on the history that took place at this amazing place, which marks the location that the main Japanese forces got to, before being ordered to ‘advance to the rear’. The sunsets here are magical if the weather is kind to us, and the porters will quite often play football on the large grassed area. Approx Walking time/distance: 6-7hrs / 11.9km; Ascent: 600m, Descent: 953m.
Day 9 : Trek To Camp Goodwater
The group sets off early and hikes down through Dump 44 and onto Ua-Ule creek, keeping an eye out for sightings of the colourful and beautiful Bird of Paradise. We will cross the creek at least 17 times in our river shoes/sandals, before stopping for morning tea. Then we will have a challenging climb up Imita Ridge, so trekkers should be aware to pace yourself. At the top after a group picture and briefing, the team will trek down to Imita base (Goodwater) camp for the night. There is a terrific swimming hole to enjoy your last night on the track, before our final night's celebration with the porters, the majority of whom will return to their villages after we finish trekking at Owers Corner tomorrow. Approx Walking time/distance: 5-6hrs / 9.1km; Ascent: 593m, Descent: 738m.
Day 10 : Trek To Owers Corner; Transfer To Port Moresby, Enroute Visit Bomana Cemetery
The group now exhausted but eager to get to Owers Corner, we hike this morning to Goldie Creek where we will have a rest break. Then it's the final climb to Owers Corner where there are many cheers, photos and celebrations as we walk through the gates. There will be the opportunity to view the memorials, before boarding the transport to our hotel in Port Moresby. Enroute we will have a brief stop at Macdonald’s Corner, The Sogeri Junction, Rouna Falls and Bomana Cemetery. Tonight we will enjoy a celebration meal together (at own expense), and reminisce on the sights and experiences of the Kokoda Track. Trekkers must ensure that all their trekking gear is cleaned properly before the international flight to avoid any quarantine delays in Australia or your onward destination. Approx Walking time/distance: 2-3hrs / 6.2km; Ascent: 339m, Descent: 90m.
Day 11 : In Port Moresby, Trip Concludes
After breakfast, if you are leaving Papua New Guinea today, you will be transferred by the hotel shuttle bus to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights camping -
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
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airport transfers on days 1 & 11 only
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expert western trek leader
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experienced local head guide and expedition crew
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all group camping and cooking equipment
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emergency radio communication equipment, satellite phone
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emergency medical kit
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accommodation on a share basis in rest huts when in villages
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hotel accommodation in Port Moresby, twin share
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internal flight from Port Moresby to Popondetta
What's Not Included
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Porter charges if required approx AUD$750 payable locally in AUD Cash (subject to change). This means you only carry your day's necessities in a small day pack. The personal porter is attached to the group for 9 days. This amount pays for the porter's wag
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Should you require hire of a self inflating mat, hire cost is AUD$35, payable in AUD$ cash only, on arrival in Port Moresby. Hire must be requested at least one month in advance. Please check pricing with us at time of booking.
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Porter charges if required approx AUD$750 in 2024 & AUD$780 in 2025 payable locally in AUD Cash (subject to change). This means you only carry your day's necessities in a small day pack. The personal porter is attached to the group for 9 days. This amount
Accommodation
8 nights camping
Accommodation in Port Moresby is twin share at a 4-star hotel that is clean, secure and functional. The hotel facilities include airport shuttle bus, restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, gym, ATM, free wi-fi, gift shop and luggage storage. Rooms are air-conditioned with TV and tea/coffee making facilities. We will endeavour to arrange for single travellers to share hotel accommodation with another participant of the same gender, however if we can not match you up a compulsory single supplement will be applicable. A single room in Port Moresby can be requested, subject to availability - additional cost applies.
During the trek, nights are spent in jungle camps deep within the rainforest. Some nights we will camp on the edge of a village. We will be camping using our own tent (provided), and your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
What You Carry
Participants are expected to carry their own personal belongings including sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, water, as well as a change of clothes etc. This should not exceed 15 kgs and must be carried in a rucksack of min 75 litres. A local porter can be hired at an additional charge, in which case participants carry a day pack (minimum 40L) only. The personal porter must be requested at least one month in advance - please ask our staff for more details.
Grading
This trip is graded ‘moderate to challenging’ under our fitness grading system. We recommend people begin their fitness preparation immediately upon booking. Solid work-outs that are aerobic (ie. hill walking, jogging, swimming, bike riding or gym work) of 45 mins to 1 hour four times a week is a guide to a routine training program. This should be combined with hill walking in rugged terrain, with a pack that weighs approx 15kgs, in variable weather conditions. The amount of training and preparation you do beforehand can determine the amount of enjoyment you have on the track. Medical assessments, performed by a medical practitioner are required to be performed when booking to assess your suitability for this trip.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.