The first and last day of this adventure includes your international travel to and from Port Moresby as well as accommodation on the first and last night.
Important: Refer to the specific tabs for full details on this event, particularly [booking info] so you understand the conditions prior to following the [Book Now] link.
Alternatively, exclusive group treks (minimum 14 participants), to suit your preferred travel dates are available on request.
Gallipoli Military History Immersion – 8-Day Educational Tour
Walk the Hallowed Ground of ANZAC Legend
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day educational immersion into the military history of Gallipoli, where the ANZAC spirit was forged in the crucible of war. This exclusive journey will take you through the key battlefields, memorials, and historic sites, providing an in-depth understanding of the events that shaped the ANZAC legacy.
Our Spirit's educational immersion is the ultimate Gallipoli experience. Discover yourself through the history of our diggers on this emotional journey.
Guided by experienced Australian leaders and hsitorians with comprehensive local knowledge and an unwavering passion for military history, hidden battle sites, treasures and most importantly its legacy. Our clients are given the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of the treacherous campaign with a sense of courage, endurance and mateship without the ultimate sacrifice that our digger's made before us.
Participants as young as 14 years and as old as 81 years have successfully participated in this pilgrimage with Our Spirit. We strongly believe, our passion for the history is second to none as we are able to personalise your experience by including detailed information for relatives of the diggers who fought at Gallipoli or elsewhere in the "WW1 campaigns".
Our adventure package includes a 3 month pre-trek training program, accommodation, site fees and much more. Please refer to each of the tabs for full details on our inclusions, exclusions and pricing for this adventure or contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Adventure Package Inclusions
Our comprehensive adventure package includes:
Limited group size
3 Month training and preparation program (refer to tab for details)
International Airfares and accommodation (refer to tab for details)
Australian leadership (refer to Leaders & Guides tab for details)
Pre-trek briefing at the hotel followed by daily briefings on the track
Vehicle transfers to/from
The start/finish of the Kokoda Track
Hotel to/from Bomana Cemetery to pay our respects to those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today
Kokoda Track Authority - licence fees and trekking permits
eXtreme Cuisine (TM) nutritionally balanced, energy appropriate trekking meals and snacks
Our Spirit provides all trek meals pre-packed for the group from Australia, including breakfast, lunch and dinner which are prepared on the track. Breakfast and evening meals are supplemented with local fresh vegetables and fruit, when available. Our ability to adequately cater for preferential diets, such as Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten free etc is limited however, we are happy to discuss options for medically related dietary requirements, upon request.
Certificate of completion and t-shirt
Subject to accessibility, GPS Spot tracking updates which enables family and friends to follow your journey along the Kokoda Track.
Airfares & Accommodation
Our adventure packages include:
International economy class airfares to Port Moresby from Brisbane. Ex Sydney only monday or friday.
Option to depart Ex-Port Moresby available only on special request
Pre-paid departure taxes from Australia and PNG
Airport/accommodation transfers in PNG
Package travel insurance to the value of $200 (individual coverage subject to approval for Australian residents only) or rebate on final invoice
Twin share accommodation in Port Moresby
PNG domestic flight from Port Moresby Popondetta
Adventure Package Exclusions
The following personal items and expenses are not included in this adventure package.
Travel Expenses:
Domestic airfares and accommodation (if required - refer to inclusions for details)
Passport and visa
Personal expenses in Port Moresby (including meals on first and last day of the trip)
Airline charges for excess baggage (limit of 17kg personal luggage allowed)
Basic personal first-aid kit, including insect repellent and pharmaceutical items
Note: a comprehensive equipment checklist is provided to participants, upon receipt of the deposit and prior to commencing the training program.
Please contact us if you would like a copy of our recommended budget to give you an indication of the total costs associated with this adventure.
Medical Expenses:
Pre trek preparation and associated medical costs (including, but not limited to obtaining medical clearance, required prior to commencing the training program)
Malarial medication and any prescription medications recommended by your doctor
Other Expenses:
We recommend trekkers take approximately $150-$200AUD to exchange on arrival in Port Moeresby for incidentals which are not included in the package. For example:
Subject to availability, additional fresh fruit and drinks can be purchased from local villagers along the track, if desired
Handmade crafts and souvenirs can also be purchased from numerous villages along the track
Pricing
Our standard adventure package is:
$4995 including International travel depart/return Ex Brisbane or
$4895 including International travel depart/returnEx Cairns or
$5195including International travel depart/return Ex Sydney (flight schedule permitting) or
$4495 (Ex Port Moresby), includes domestic airfare from Port Moresby to Popondetta
Note:Please refer to Adventure Package Inclusions and Exclusions tabs for full details on what is and isn't included. Prices stated are for trekkers carrying their own backpack (approx 12kg) with all personal gear including items provided by Our Spirit (i.e. sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a daily food ration pack) plus 2-3 litres of water. Our group guides carry all expedition equipment (i.e. tents, ropes, cooking equipment, group food supplies, etc..)
The following optional extras are also available at the time of booking or can be added up to 6 weeks prior to departure:
Personal Porterage Service:
To maximise your trekking enjoyment, hire the services of one of our PNG local legends who will carry either your own backpack - $600 or with one of our backpacks - $610 (limited to 16kg) along the track. If you choose either of these options, you will still be required to carry a smaller day pack (up to 6kg) with essential personal requirements. Alternatively you can hire a backpack for collection in PNG for - $30
Note:Unlike some trek operators, our porterage fees include all trekking meals and travel costs for the PNG local providing this service to ensure the income goes back to the village of origin and isn't wasted in Port Moresby.
Singles Supplement:
Our singles supplement is available for clients who want a hotel room to themselves on the first and last night of the trip. Additionally, they will be given their own tent to use for the duration of the trek. A surcharge of $255* is applied at the time of booking, if this option is selected.
Please contact us if you would like a copy of our budget, which covers exclusions and personal items for this adventure. Large group discounts and exclusive charters are also available on request.
*Subject to change in exchange rates between Australia and PNG.
Leaders & Guides
Our Spirit have the most experienced Australian Trek Leaders, doctors and qualified medics on the Kokoda Track. They ensure participant safety and deliver an experiential journey based on mateship, courage, endurance and sacrifice by:
Providing individual motivation and encouragement (including pre-trek training advice)
Creating opportunities for team cohesion
Presenting the most passionate and comprehensive historical briefings along the Kokoda Track (supported by various battalions from the Australian Military campaign. Eg. 2/16th and 2/14th battalions).
Guiding participants to significant battle sites on and off the Kokoda Track including the original wartime track (approved by Bert Kienzle and Stan Bisset 2/14th)
Informing participants of cultural etiquette and educate participants on basic Motu (local Papuan language)
Arranging ceremonial welcomes into villages
Hosting a tour of the Bomana Cemetery
Recognising and rewarding individual achievements on completion (including certificate of completion)
Our PNG Support Crew are Kokoda Legends are an essential part of our team and include:
Group Guides - provide essential local knowledge and safe passage across the Kokoda Track
General Crew - carry our food supplies and the group expedition equipment
Group Cook - prepares all trek meals and assists with general crew duties
Important: Unlike other trek operators, Our Spirit PNG support crew ratio is 1 local legend for every 2 trekkers, which enables us to ensure your safe direction and provide you with the best cultural experience on the Kokoda Track. Additionally, our package fees include all meals and airfares (to/from village of origin) for our local guides and support crew.
History
Gallipoli in World War I: A Defining Moment for Australia
The Gallipoli Campaign of 1915 was one of the most significant military actions involving Australian forces during World War I. As part of the Allied effort to open a new front against the Ottoman Empire, Australian and New Zealand forces (ANZACs) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915. The objective was to secure a route to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and force the Ottoman Empire out of the war.
However, the campaign quickly turned into a brutal and protracted battle. The ANZACs faced fierce resistance, treacherous terrain, and harsh conditions. Despite their courage and endurance, the campaign resulted in heavy casualties and ultimately failed to achieve its strategic goals. After eight months of intense fighting, the Allied forces evacuated in December 1915 and January 1916.
Though Gallipoli was a military failure, it became a defining moment in Australia’s national identity. The values of mateship, resilience, and sacrifice displayed by the ANZACs forged a legacy that continues to be commemorated every year on ANZAC Day (April 25)—a day of remembrance for all Australians who have served in war and conflict.
Travel Itinerary
Please note, the first and last day of this adventure includes your international travel to and from Port Moresby as well as accommodation on the first and last night.
Travel and Trek Itinerary
The following 8-day (7-night) adventure itinerary is recommended as a guide only. Weather conditions, public holidays and opening hours will inevitably determine the final journey of each tour. To maintain our unblemished safety record, all activities are done during daylight hours only.
Day 1
Monday, 6 Oct 2025
Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to this special Gallipoli Pilgrimage provided by “Our Spirit”!
Please make your own way to Turkey (Istanbul) and meet at our tour hotel in central Istanbul.
This evening the group will come together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant overlooking some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. The welcome dinner is a great way to introduce ourselves and for the group get to know each before setting off on the Gallipoli Pilgrimage.
Meals: (D)
Accommodation: Istanbul Hotel
Pilgrimage Inclusions:
Welcome dinner
Day 2
Tuesday, 7 Oct 2025
Istanbul to Gallipoli
This morning we depart Istanbul and drive to the Gallipoli peninsula.
As we travel along the northern side of the Sea of Marmara, your pilgrimage leader will facilitate discussion on the history of the Gallipoli campaign and the vital importance of the waters of the Dardanelles to the aims and outcomes of the battle. We will discuss the Australian Submarine AE2 and point out the location of her wreck
On arrival in the seaside town of Çanakkale we will visit the old Turkish fort at Cimenlik, which played a key role in the ill-fated British and French naval attacks of March 1915 that were the prelude to the Gallipoli land campaign.
We will enjoy a group dinner together this evening.
Meals: (B) (D)
Accommodation: Canakkele Hotel
Pilgrimage Inclusions:
Cimenlik Fort
Group Dinner
Day 3
Wednesday, 8 Oct 2025
Anzac Sector
Today we will explore the locations of some of the famous actions during the Gallipoli Campaign, such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Quinn’s Post, Courtney’s Post, The Nek, Chunuk Bair, The Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial (The Chessboard) and many more.
The stories of the Gallipoli campaign and of the men who fought there will unfold as we visit the battlefields. We will learn the stories of the battles and of the men who were there. We will visit the sacred ground where they fought and died.
As a fitting tribute and end to this emotional day, we will conduct a memorial service at the Lone Pine Cemetery, in honour of all the men who died during the campaign.
At the end of this memorable day, we will return to Çanakkale, where our evening is free.
Today it’s time to stretch the legs and walk in the footsteps of the ANZAC Heroes, we will get a soldier’s eye view of the battlefields and see them as the ANZAC’s did.
Our bus will deliver us to the ANZAC Sector where we will begin our walk. The walk will be at a leisurely pace and will take us from ANZAC cove up through Shrapnel Valley and Monash Valley and along the ridgelines towards the front line at Lone Pine.
During this walk we will be following in the footsteps of the ANZAC’s and gaining a new insight into the features and locations named by the diggers during the Campaign.
After a look around at the sights on Second Ridge we will meet the bus and drive up past Baby 700 and Battleship Hill to the heights of Chunuk Bair. Here you will gain a greater understanding of the importance of maintaining possession of the high ground in battle. Chanuk Bair was where the New Zealand diggers fought so bravely in the August Offensive of 1915.
We will return to the beach at ANZAC Cove via Rhododendron Ridge walking in the footsteps of the Kiwi soldiers during their advance in the August Offensive of 1915.
Participants will gain a greater understanding of the nature of the complex terrain of the peninsula where numerous groups became disorientated in the gullies and ravines while trying to advance out of the ANZAC Sector.
Today we will explore the battlefields on the Southern end of the Gallipoli peninsula. There is an ANZAC connection here as well and we will explore the area at Krithia where the Australian 2nd Brigade and the New Zealand Infantry Brigade were decimated in the attacks of early May 1915.
While here we will explore V Beach where the Collier SS River Clyde was beached with over 2000 British Soldiers on board on the morning 25 April 1915. Six Victoria Crosses were awarded at V Beach to men from the Royal Naval Division who attempted to maintain the bridge of lighters between the ship and the beach and recover the wounded. We will also hear of the SS River Clyde’s Australian connection before the war.
While here we will also visit W Beach, the Cape Helles Memorial, Achi Baba, and many more famous battlefields and cemeteries.
Today we will head to the northern part of the peninsula and visit Suvla Bay, the sight of the failed landings in the August offensive of 1915.
The key sites we will visit today include the Anzac battlefield at Hill 60, Lala Baba, Scimitar Hill and Green/Chocolate Hill. There is an Australian connection here as well and we will learn the story of the only Australian unit to serve at Suvla Bay - The Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train, a 300-strong engineering and construction unit.
This afternoon we will head back to Canakkale and then visit the Tarsus Çanakkale Park Museum where the Turkish Minelayer the Nusret is located.
We will also visit the ancient city of Troy, famous for tales of Achilles, Hector and the Trojan Horse.
Meals: (B) (L)
Accommodation: Canakkele Hotel
Pilgrimage Inclusions:
Hill 60
Lala Baba
Scimitar Hill
Green/Chocolate Hill
Tarsus Çanakkale Park Museum
The ancient city of Troy
Day 7
Sunday, 12 October 2025
Gallipoli to Istanbul
Today we farewell Gallipoli and return to Istanbul. Upon our return, we will check into our motel and have some free time prior to tonight’s cruise and farewell dinner.
For our farewell activities tonight, we’ll enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus Straits. The Bosphorus Straights separates Asia and Europe and provides a fabulous venue to see the sights of Istanbul from the water.
This evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus strait, the perfect way to end this wonderful tour.
Today after breakfast, sadly our tour comes to an end.
The day is at your leisure to check out of the motel and meet onward travel arrangements.
Meals: (B)
Training & Preparation
Our Spirit have the best safety and success record of any operator on the Kokoda Track. We attribute much of our unrivalled track record to our pre-trek training and preparation program, (you receive once deposit is paid)which includes:
Kokoda specific exercise program and nutrition advice - designed and monitored by our team of qualified exercise physiologists
Personal equipment and training advice
Quality trekking equipment available from our online shop (free delivery with orders over $100)
Recommended training buskwalks throughout Australia
Clear instructions, travel advice, supporting documentation and timely communication leading up to the event
Videos
Here are a few videos which capture the essence of the Kokoda experience with Our Spirit
Testimonials
Our Spirit is proud to share with you genuine testimonials and Facebook reviewsfrom clients who have participated in our expeditions. Beyond the standard written testimonials we have received over the years, a number of people have been interviewed independently by Creative Arts Director, David McIntoshand given their permission for Our Spirit to share their experience.
Considerations
Our Spirit holds current public liability insurance and maintains comprehensive risk management procedures for all our adventures as part of our standard business practice. Our experience, safety and success record on the Kokoda Track is unsurpassed by any other trek operator, however there are still some things which you should take into consideration prior to booking.
It is recommended that each person joining the party be physically prepared by the time of departure. An exercise program, including training walks and nutritional advice are included in the program.
There are several sessions within the program that require training with full packs, (that is the backpack and all equipment you intend to use on the trek). By wearing or breaking in your hiking boots (aided by our specifically designed premium trekking socks), you will minimise the risk of blisters and unnecessary sweat problems if they can be addressed prior to commencing the trek.
We recommend that you make your booking for this adventure at least 4 months prior to the departure date to ensure you have adequate time for the physical preparation that is required. Bookings generally close 3 months prior to departure when international flights and accommodation are finalised.
During the booking process, you will be required to submit your contact details as well as personal information about your health, any conditions or prescribed medications you take; your current fitness levels (including your height, weight, activity) and your emergency contact person's details.
Additionally, you will be required to check all items on the terms and conditions section of the booking form. If you are under 18 years of age, you will also be required to enter the details of a consenting adult who will receive a copy of the form.
A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking with the final balance due 30 days prior to departure.
Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you an email with instructions and important information that you will need to prepare for this adventure. Alternatively, please let us know if you prefer to receive the preparatory documents on a USB stick and we will post them to you.
IMPORTANT: Exclusive group bookings and group discounts are available by negotiation. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
More Information
CONTACT US NOWif you would like more information about this adventure.
Invite one of our highly qualified Kokoda Trek Leaders to deliver a comprehensive Kokoda Track History presentation to your group
Discuss your individual or group requirements
Have your adventure specific questions answered by one of our experienced Kokoda Trek Leaders.
Request contact details for clients who have trekked the Kokoda Track with Our Spirit and are willing to discuss their experience with you.
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