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  4. The Kokoda Track

Challenge mind, body and soul on this historic trek

With dense greenery, difficult passes, glistening rivers and incredible views, it is hard to believe that the historic Kokoda Track was the site of one of the bloodiest battles for Australian troops in WWII. Discover the humbling history and remote beauty of the track on this 11-day adventure, with seven days of intense trekking through the Papua New Guinea mountains. Conquering the trail requires dedication, courage and mateship – just like it did over 70 years ago. With the guidance of your personal porter, trekking leader and a hardworking local crew to illuminate the wartime stories of the trail, this trip will see you testing your personal stamina on a journey through tiny villages and thick jungle.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Finish
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Destination
Papua New Guinea
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
TESA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Trek the famous Kokoda Track the ethical way. We partner with a local cooperative that ensures local communities benefit directly from your visit.

  • Hear incredible tales of wartime courage from the local historian in Brigade Hill and meet a surviving PNG war carrier who aided wounded soldiers.

  • Hike up the arid spines of mountains and through valleys of lush rainforest, stopping to cool off in pristine rivers along the way.

  • Meet the people who live in this region, learn about the local cultures and contribute to these small and remote communities.

  • Trek every step with a personal porter, trekking leader and crew – all locals – to ensure that you have the best experience possible while supporting employment in the region.

Is this trip right for you?

  • While literature refers to the historic wartime track as 96 kilometres in length, today’s track measures roughly 165 kilometres including side trips and detours, which is the distance you will be walking on this tour. This equates to around 20 kilometres per day.

  • The physical challenges of the Kokoda Track are immense. Expect long, demanding days of hiking through steep, sometimes slippery terrain, often to points of high altitude and under a hot sun. You will be required to complete a Passenger Self-Assessment form for this trip, available from your booking agent. We also recommend you undertake a training program before you begin.

  • Due to the strenuous nature of the trek, the minimum age for this trip is 18 years old. Bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, cannot be accepted.

  • The accommodation on the trek is basic and multishare, often in communal village huts or tents. Please note that you will be sharing a mixed gender sleeping space unless camping. Tents are provided and carried by your porter.

Map of The Kokoda Track including Papua New Guinea
PNG - Kokoda walking
PNG - crossing the river
PNG - river crossing
papua new guinea kokoda track group
papua new guinea kokoda track hills

Itinerary
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Your adventure begins in the capital of Port Moresby. Take your included arrival transfer to the hotel. Attend a pre-trip briefing this evening at 6 pm to meet your fellow travellers and trek leader and local trekking crew.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception for more information on where the meeting will take place.

An airport arrival transfer is included in the price of this tour. Please speak to your booking agent to organise this no later than 14 days before your tour begins.

Rucksack and day pack hire is included in the tour cost. We use 55 litre, relatively waterproof rucksacks. Just bring your regular luggage and repack your belongings into the rucksack provided tonight.

The hotel in Port Moresby has internet access for an extra charge. There are only very limited places along the Kokoda Track where there will be mobile phone reception, so we advise you leave your phone behind with your main luggage.

This morning take a short, spectacularly scenic chartered flight over the jungle canopies and craggy peaks of the Owen Stanley Range to the landing strip of Kokoda (approximately 35 minutes). Arrive and meet your trekking team, including your your personal and food porters. Kokoda, situated at 340 metres above sea level, is a hot and humid place, but there’s a nearby river to cool off in if you need. There is free time explore and visit the Kokoda Memorial and War Museum this morning before the trek begins.

After lunch, lace up and set off for the village of Deniki (4–5 hours). Begin with a flat walk through rows of palm oil and rubber tree plantations, passing through Kovelo and Hoi villages before the first steep ascent up the Owen Stanley Range. Deniki village is 900 metres above sea level and on arrival you’re greeted with spectacular views across the Kokoda Valley.
Accommodation
  • Village Hut or Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kokoda - Kokoda Memorial
  • Kokoda - Kokoda War Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The total distance trekked today is around 14 kilometres which will take roughly 4—5 hours.

Depending on availability of aircraft and the size of the group the plane may have to make two journeys. Due to weather conditions the flight may be diverted to the airport at Popondetta. In this case, we take a private van from Popondetta to Kokoda(approximately 5—6 hours). The ride starts with bitumen roads, but then encounters a number of creek crossings and corrugated dirt roads for the remainder of the trip. If this alternate route is necessary, our arrival into Kokoda will be delayd and the trek will begin tomorrow.

Commence the first full-day trek with an early start to Isurava village. Pass through choko gardens planted by local villagers and by water holes where you can fill up your bottle. Your trek leader or porters will let you know the best fill-up points. Arrive at Isurava (1350 metres), a village relocated several times since WWII which now sits in a tranquil location with good access to water and sunshine. Continue to the famous Isurava battlefield and stop for a break to learn about the significance of the site. A powerful memorial built by the Australian Government commemorates the qualities of ‘Courage, Sacrifice, Mateship and Endurance’. Spend the night at the village of Alola (1400 metres), which overlooks Iora Valley and Auberi village.
Accommodation
  • Village Hut or Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kokoda - Kokoda Track trek with personal porter
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The total distance trekked today is 18 kilometres which will take roughly 8—10 hours. Please note that all trekking times listed in this itinerary are based on ideal, dry weather conditions. Rainy weather and muddy conditions can add several hours to these times.

The trek to Templeton’s Crossing begins with a walk through lush rainforest and past creeks and rivers that feed directly out of mountain springs. Follow the hilly trail to Iora Creek, and enjoy a short break to freshen up in the river. Continue hiking for 3 hours to Templeton’s Crossing, were iron rods symbolise the sites of fallen soldiers. Spend the night in Lokobo (1900 metres).
Accommodation
  • Village Hut (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The total distance trekked today is 22 kilometres which will take roughly 9—11 hours.

It can get cold at night so be sure to bring thermal base layers.

Get set for a tough day of trekking as you climb to a 2200-metre-high point on Mt Bellamy. Be sure to stay close to your personal porter while navigating the ascent. Take in some spectacular views across the Owen Stanley Ranges and descend a few hundred metres to your accommodation at Digger’s Camp. Set among lush rainforest, the village guesthouse is still around 2000 metres above sea level, so it can get very cold. Take a quick walk to flat grasslands and creeks of Myola, used for supply drops during WWII. Head back to Digger’s Camp and enjoy a dip in the river before dinner.
Accommodation
  • Village Hut or Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The track towards Digger’s Camp can be one of the more difficult legs of the trek, especially in wet conditions. It is not too steep but can be muddy and slippery.

Rise and shine and set off towards the northern face of Mt Bellamy, taking in views of the villages of Naduri, Kagi, Brigade Hill, and Nauro along the way. Make a 2-hour descent to Efogi I through open grassland and along steep, slippery trail, with a brief break en route in Naduri. Enjoy a well-deserved rest on arrival at Efogi I. Keep some change handy so you can buy some of the organically grown fruit the locals sell. Continue the trek to Efogi II with a roughly 2-hour descent. While this leg of the trek is relatively short, it will take place in the middle of the day and the trail has no canopy protection, so pace yourself. Arrive in Efogi II, a Koiari village of around 500 inhabitants, and settle into your locally-owned cooperative accommodation.
Accommodation
  • Village Hut or Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Trekking today will take roughly 4 hours.

Much of today’s trekking takes place in open land with no canopy protection. You will be exposed to the harsh sun, so it is essential you have your hat and sunscreen on hand and stay hydrated.

Embrace an early start this morning to trace the path taken by retreating Australian soldiers. The first climb takes you to Mt Bellamy, where you can turn and look back over the Efogi I and II. Continue following the ridge of Brigade Hill, known during WWII as Mission Ridge. Upon reaching Brigade Hill (approximately 1.5 hours), your trek leader and local historian will relate the wartime history of the spot where Australian forces were overwhelmed by fast-approaching Japanese troops. Begin the descent down the back of Mission Ridge to Menari (approximately 2 hours) on a steep and sometimes very slippery track. Meet local man Faole Bokoi, who was among the many PNG nationals who acted as war carriers and cared for wounded soldiers during the Kokoda conflict. Grab lunch and then set off again on a steep, 1.5-hour climb to the top of Menari Ridge. Enjoy the mental boost that comes with knowing you’ve ‘broken the back’ of the Kokoda Track, then make a descent to the Nauro Valley (approximately 1 hour). Cross the mighty Brown River to Nauro and cool off in a pleasant stream near your cooperative guesthouse accommodation near the original airstrip.
Accommodation
  • Village Hut or Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Trekking today will take roughly 6 hours.

If you trek during rainy season the section of trail near the Brown River could be swampy. Mosquitos are prominent in Nauro, so be prepared with repellent.

Tackle the Nine False Peaks to the top of Maguli Range (1350 metres) this morning. This involves roughly 3 hours of serious uphill trekking. From the top of the ridge, make the first of many descents today with a rest stop at Jap’s Ladder. Take another break at Ofi Creek and continue on to historic Ioribaiwa, situated at approximately 650 metres. It was here that the Japanese troops fought their final victorious battle against the Australians before withdrawing. Set up camp for the night.
Accommodation
  • Village Hut or Camping (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The total distance trekked today is 24 kilometres which will take roughly 9—10 hours.

Your journey continues down the steep Ioribaiwa Ridge, then across multiple river crossings to Uaule Creek. Come prepared with sandals or expect wet boots. Continue with a trek up the back of Imita Ridge for about 1.5 hours. From here, trek down a trail once known as the Golden Staircase, built by Australian troops during the war to transport artillery and supplies from Port Moresby. Take a break at the summit of Imita Ridge then descend to Goodwater. Continue to Goldie River (3 hours), then make the final climb to Owen’s Corner (30 minutes). Congratulations! You can now officially say you completed the Kokoda Track! Meet an Intrepid representative and transfer to Port Moresby, stopping en route to visit Bomana War Cemetery, where 3600 Australian soldiers were laid to rest. This evening grab a well-deserved drink with your team and fellow trekkers. Cheers!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The total distance trekked today is 15 kilometres which will take roughly 6 hours.

Your adventure has come to an end. Check out of the hotel is at 11 am and transfer to the airport can be organised on request. Just let your leader know your flight details this morning.
Included Activities
  • Port Moresby - Bomana War Cemetary
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Plane, Private vehicle, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Village community hut or camping (8 nts)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Kokoda - Kokoda Memorial
  • Kokoda - Kokoda War Museum
  • Kokoda - Kokoda Track trek with personal porter
  • Port Moresby - Bomana War Cemetary

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our The Kokoda Track trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

This tour involves a very physically and mentally challenging trek. Travellers MUST be in exceptional physical health to undertake this trip. A Passenger Self Assessment form is required when booking this trip, which you can access through your booking agent.
Strict luggage limits apply. Please see the 'Packing' section of the 'Essential trip information' for details.
Special Anzac Day departures operate on 15 April and 24 April. Dawn Service will be attended on 25 April (Anzac Day).
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years old and bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, cannot be accepted.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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