Papua New Guinea: 11-Day Kokoda Track Expedition — Walk in the Footsteps of Heroes

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Port Moresby — Briefing

Arrive at Jacksons International. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon: comprehensive expedition briefing covering the track’s history, physical demands, safety protocols, and the story of the Kokoda Campaign. Visit the Bomana War Cemetery — the final resting place of 3,824 Commonwealth soldiers. The rows of white headstones and the memorial to the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels” set the emotional tone for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Port Moresby — Owers’ Corner — Goodwater Camp (1,100m)

Early morning transfer to Owers’ Corner, the southern trailhead of the Kokoda Track. Begin trekking through the foothills of the Owen Stanley Range. The first day introduces the terrain: steep ascents through lowland rainforest with the sound of the Goldie River in the distance. Arrive at Goodwater Camp — a jungle clearing beside a pristine mountain stream. Camp briefing and WWII history talk around the campfire.

Day 3: Goodwater — Imita Ridge — Ioribaiwa (850m)

One of the most historically significant days. Climb Imita Ridge — the final defensive line where Australian forces held the Japanese advance in September 1942. Walk the same razor-backed ridge where outnumbered Australian soldiers dug in, knowing Port Moresby was just behind them. The Japanese, exhausted and starving after their brutal advance, were ordered to withdraw the same night. This was the turning point of the Kokoda campaign. Visit weapon pits and defensive positions still visible in the jungle. Overnight at Ioribaiwa village.

Day 4: Ioribaiwa — Nauro — Menari (850m)

Trek through dense rainforest crossing the Ofi and Nauro Rivers. This section passes through the territory of the Mountain Koiari people — descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who carried wounded Australians to safety. Arrive at Menari village, where a major Australian field hospital operated during the campaign. Village children will greet you with songs. Overnight in Menari.

Day 5: Menari — Brigade Hill — Efogi (1,400m)

Climb to Brigade Hill — site of one of the most desperate battles on the track. Here on September 8, 1942, Japanese forces attacked the Australian 21st Brigade headquarters, splitting the force and cutting off the rear battalion. Walk the battlefield where 200 Australians held off 1,800 Japanese. The memorial on Brigade Hill is a somber reminder of the cost. Descend to Efogi, the largest village on the track. Overnight at Efogi.

Day 6: Efogi — Templeton’s Crossing — Dump 1 (1,700m)

A challenging day climbing through mist-shrouded moss forest draped in orchids and ferns. Cross Templeton’s Crossing, where Captain Sam Templeton of the 39th Battalion was captured and executed by the Japanese — his body was never found. Enter the high-altitude cloud forest dominated by pandanus, tree ferns, and moss-covered beech trees. The air grows cool and thin. Overnight at Dump 1 camp.

Day 7: Dump 1 — Myola — Kagi (1,800m)

Trek to the Myola dry lake beds — used as a vital supply drop zone during the campaign. The lakes are sacred to local Koiari people and offer sweeping views across the Owen Stanley Range. Visit weapons pits and ammunition dumps still scattered through the area. Descend to Kagi village for overnight — Kagi is known for its spectacular mountain views and traditional hospitality.

Day 8: Kagi — Isurava Memorial (1,320m)

The emotional heart of the Kokoda Track. Arrive at Isurava — the site of the most famous battle on the track where the outnumbered 39th Battalion, many of them teenage militia, held off 4,000 Japanese for four days in August 1942. The memorial bears four words: “Courage, Endurance, Mateship, Sacrifice.” Here, Private Bruce Kingsbury earned a posthumous Victoria Cross for his single-handed charge. The memorial overlooks the Yodda Valley — one of the most moving places in Australian military history. Overnight at Isurava village.

Day 9: Isurava — Deniki — Kokoda Village (400m)

Descend through Deniki village with views over the Kokoda Valley. Cross the Kumusi River via the modern bridge. Enter Kokoda Village — the endpoint of the track. Visit the Kokoda Memorial and museum. A local ceremony welcomes trekkers to the village. This is not just a physical achievement — it’s a pilgrimage completed. Celebration dinner with the village. Overnight at Kokoda.

Day 10: Kokoda — Popondetta — Port Moresby

Morning exploration of Kokoda’s wartime sites: the airstrip where supplies were flown in, the hospital site, and the memorial to the Papua Infantry Battalion — PNG soldiers who fought alongside Australians. Transfer to Popondetta for flight to Port Moresby. Hot shower, cold drink, and farewell dinner at the yacht club. Overnight in Port Moresby.

Day 11: Depart Port Moresby

Visit the National Museum to see Kokoda artifacts. Transfer to international airport.

Inclusions

• 10 nights (hotels, village guesthouses, camps)
• All meals throughout trek
• Australian-led guide + local Koiari porters
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
• Fly-in from Kokoda to Port Moresby
• All track permits & village fees
• Bomana War Cemetery & museum entries
• Group medical kit & satellite phone

Fitness Requirements

• Excellent cardio fitness required — 6-9 hours daily trekking
• Steep terrain: cumulative ascent/descent exceeds 5,500m
• Training program provided upon booking
• Minimum age: 12 (with guardian)