The following itinerary is recommended as a guide only. Track and weather conditions will inevitably determine the final journey of each individual trek.
To maintain our unblemished safety record, all trekking with Kokoda Legends is done during daylight hours only. Trekking at night on cliff faces and across raging rivers increases the risk of injury and should only be attempted by experienced Kokoda trekkers when absolutely necessary. As many of our Aussie diggers will attest, the Kokoda Legend’s journey is one of respect to those who did endure the Kokoda Track in these unthinkable conditions during the war in 1942.
A group meeting is held in Port Moresby (location tba) once all participants have arrived (approx. 5-6pm) so your Trek Leader can facilitate introductions and brief you on the journey ahead.
2
Transfer: Domestic/charter flight to Popendetta (as per participant travel arrangements) then ride in PMV to Kokoda Village where you will join participants coming in from the Beach Heads.
Activity:
On the road to Kokoda we will also visit Nishimura’s House, Awala and Wairope before crossing the Kumusi River and stopping at Oivi, Gorari before driving on to Kokoda. Upon arrival, Papuan locals from surrounding villages greet you with a ceremonial welcome. Experience the local culture with a local family and begin your familiarisation with the language of Motu and Papuan customs. Your trek leader will take you along the original war time track to explore the battle sites surrounding Kokoda Village and give you the foundation and understanding to support your journey that lies ahead. We enjoy a celebratory "Oro" feast provided by our Kokoda family before turning in for the night.
Points of Interest: In Kokoda, participants are greeted with a ceremonial villag welcomebefore a privileged visit to the Kokoda plateau and war museum.
Accommodation: Kokoda - Village guest house
4
Transfer: Trek from Kokoda Village to Deniki.
Trek Overview: Our trek commences from Kokoda Village through the rubber plantation to the village of Kovello and Hoi Village before a climb of approx. 400m into the village of Deniki
Points of Interest: A great opportunity to explore the original war track as well as the withdrawal and new defensive positions of the Australian Diggers during 1942. Marvel at the journey thus far as you look back from Deniki towards the Yodda Valley and Kokoda.
Accommodation: Bush camp (tents)
5
Transfer: Trek from Deniki to Alola via Isurava.
Trek Overview: Our trek commences from Deniki and climbs approx 500m into the village of Isurava and then on to the village of Alola.
Highlights: Our trek leads us to the village of Isurava, where we pay tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought to save our country in what is without doubt, one of the most important battle sites in Australian history. We visit the magnificent Isuarva War Memorial and take time to raise the Australian flag in tribute. We provide you with a description and full outline, as well as many unique insights into this famous battle site. Explore the battle site of the famous Bruce Kingsbury and the rock monument in recognition of his brave efforts for which he received the first Victorian Cross awarded on Australian soil. We will also spend time at Don's rock to pay our respects to the Bisset family and commemorate the passing of Butch Bisset by singing Danny Boy.
Accommodation: Village Guest House.
6
Transfer: Trek from Alola to Templeton's Crossing
Trek Overview: Today’s trek is an arduous one, with a steep descent then a 245m climb crossing the Eora Creek. This is followed by a 500m climb and a 125m descent to our campsite at Templeton’s Crossing.
Highlights: You will see the bridge named after Cullen and understand the strategy implemented by the 2/1st , 2/2nd in pushing the Japanese back along the track. On arrival at Templetons, we enjoy a relaxing and well deserved swim in the clear fresh waters of the Eora Creek.
Accommodation: Bush camp.
7
Transfer: Trek from Templeton’s Crossing to Naduli via Myola.
Trek Overview: An early morning start to another arduous day. First we climb up 250m then down 150m crossing the river before climbing 350m through the Kokoda Gap to the top of Mount Bellamy (the highest point on the track, 2200m). Our trek continues with a 300m descent to camp 1900, then a 100m ascent to arrive at Myola track junction then into the jungle canopy before arriving in the open plains of Myola. After visiting this area and seeing the downed bomber and weapons pits we make our way downhill to Naduli.
Highlights: Explore the supply area of the forward troop and experience the great hospitality of home made bread straight out of a “bush” oven. Examine ammunitions dumps and a downed aircraft and understand the strategic importance of this are in the whole campaign. Upon arrival in Naduli, you have the privilege of meeting the oldest “Magistrate” and Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel on the track, Mr Ovuru Ndiki.
Accommodation: Village huts/tents.
8
Transfer: Trek from Naduli to Menari.
Trek Overview: We start the day with a 400m descent down to the river and once more begin the 350m climb up through the waterfall to Launumo then down to the village of Effogi. the journey continues with a 250m climb up to Brigade Hill. After the ceremony we descend 700m and climb 200m to Menari.
Highlights: We visit the orphanage and see the great work that is being done and supported by OS. We then visit Nisihmura’s monument in respect of his fallen Japanese comrades. After this we head down to Effogi exploring the real Mission Ridge and Japanese lantern procession before heading up to Brigade Hill. At Brigade Hill we outline the battle and its strategy and also point out Nishimura’s fox hole where he cut the Australian retreat by placing a company of the 144th Regiment on the track. We read letters from Claude Nye’s sister, and Charlie MaCallum’s mother. Stan Bisset has also asked us to read his information here as well. After this service we make our way down to Menari Village. We explore the real position of the Australian head quarters along the Track. We also take timeout to explore the Australian withdrawal and new lines at Menari. At Menari Village you have the opportunity to see the actual site of the famous Damian Parer photo of Col. Ralph Honner addressing the 39th battalion.
Accommodation: Village huts/tents
9
Transfer: Trek from Menari to Nauro.
Trek Overview: Today we climb 270m up to Menari Gap and descend 380m down the “Wall” into the swamps of the Brown river, traversing the Brown River several times before we make our way up The Maguli Ranges climbing 350m to the village of Naoro. This is the original war track and was listed in 1942 as the Main Track, there has been a lot of conjecture about this in recent times by Uneducated people.
Highlights: A day to reflect upon the journey so far with greater appreciation for the tenacity of the Australian Diggers. It’s also a great opportunity to diarise your memorable moments of the trek so far. After an early start to the day, and meeting old Fuzzy Wuzzy (Faole Bokoi)
Accommodation: Village huts/tents.
10
Transfer: Trek from Nauro to Ioribaiwa Village.
Trek Overview: We continue to climb the many false peaks of the Maguli Range, after 550m of ascent we reach the top, passing Engineers Camp, and Dump 44 until we get to the Jap Ladder camp. Along the way we continue our in depth historical briefing. We eventually make our way down 700m the original track to offi creek. After lunch we climb the Ioribaiwa ridge 250m and explore the Australian positions. We then make our way down to Ioribaiwa village and see the furthest position the Japanese got before retreating back across the track.
Highlights: Climb the furthest point the Japanese reached before being driven back to the sea by the Australian diggers.
Accommodation: Village huts/tents.
11
Transfer: Trek from Ioribaiwa Village to Owers Corner
Trek Overview: Commencing with 11 river crossings, we then climb 550m up Imita Ridge before descending the “Golden Staircase” to the Goldie River. After crossing the river we ascend the last hill 300m to the finishing archway at Ower’s Corner.
Highlights: Today we explore the furthest point the japanese got to and look at the village of Ponoon, the golden staircase and the reinforcement positions of the 25th Brigade, after lunch we cross the Goldie River and ascend the final climb to Owers corner. At Owers Cnr we have the obligatory group photos.
Accommodation: Vesulogo - Village huts/tents
12
Transfer: PMV ride from Owers Corner to Port Moresby.
Highlights: The obligatory photos at the finishing archway signifying the completion of your personal challenge. On route to Port Moresby, we tour the Bomana Memorial Cemetery and pay our last respects to all those who fought for the privileges we have as Australians today and in particular T Logan, B Kingsbury, C Nye, L Langride, J Metson, T Bisset, Lt Owen, C Macallum.
Accommodation: Port Moresby - As per participant arrangements
13
Transfer: PMV ride to Bomana Cemetery, Port Moresby and back to hotel
Highlights: A very early start to the day as we leave the hotel for the official ANZAC Day dawn service at the Bomana Cemetery followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Australian High Commission.
An early dinner and presentation ceremony will be held at the Port Moresby Yacht Cub to celebrate in recognition of your achievements and completion of this amazing journey
Accommodation: Pot Moresby - as per participant arrangements