Kokoda & Northern Beaches Trek

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: Ela Beach Hotel.
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.

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 be transferred to the Northern Beaches, with a few photo stops along the way. We will board our boat on the beach at Gona. Cruising along the coast, it is difficult to imagine what took place 70 years ago. Our first stop is the beach at Sanananda, where the group will take a short walk into the village to see the Australian and Japanese museums (NB. entry fee of 10 Kina per person is not included in tour cost). Afterwards we cruise onto Buna, where we will be warmly welcomed by the locals with a traditional dance and flowers (where available). In the afternoon, you are welcome to take a walk through the village and go for a swim. After dinner, there will be a group briefing about the next days' movements. Overnight guesthouse in Buna.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided walk through the village viewing the local war remains and sites in the area. Return to Buna for lunch and a refreshing swim. Remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore and interact with the friendly locals, and prepare for the Kokoda trek which commences tomorrow.

We start the day by road transfer to Popondetta (approx 1 hr drive). 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.

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.

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. Along the way, a detour is taken to view the Japanese gunning position overlooking Eora Creek. 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.

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 1900 our campsite 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and Northern Beaches. 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.

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.