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Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
My name is Shane Thomas. My mother Gail Thomas owns and operates Kokoda Trekking. We came to Papua New Guinea in 1972. Last year we started offering Australian led treks as I wanted to help out with the family business. To date I have walked 29 times. I grew up in Papua New Guinea so therefore speak the language fluently and am aware of the culture and customs. I also hold a current first aid certificate. I have walked with historical experts like Soc Kenzle, so have a good understanding of the history along the Kokoda Trail as well. We give you a book from Bill James as well which we can discuss along the way.
I walk with the same guides and porters each time, who I have personally selected. My porters all speak English and have individually walked the Kokoda Track more than 20 times each, so have a wealth of experience, and know what is expected. My staff and I take pride in getting you across the Kokoda Trail without incident.
We are an excellent team and work well together!
If you want a well managed Trek with a great TEAM that can handle any unforeseen problems, then continue reading further.
I recommend that you bring with you at least K700 ($350 AUD), as it is better to have more money than not enough and there are no credit card facilities at the end of the trail. Better to have more than less in my opinion. At times you can change Australian dollar to Kina at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat in Kokoda.
Please make sure you read at the bottom of this page, how I organise my trekking gear.
The Australian Guided Treks are designed to give you a feel of the culture as well as the history along the Kokoda Trail. We understand the need for a cultural experience as well as learning more about the history of the war campaign. You will learn about the history and the culture of the people living along the trail, and around the other parts of Papua New Guinea if you are interested.
If you would like to ask me any questions then please write on my Facebook Page wall.
Remember this package includes one nights’ accommodation at Sogeri Lodge prior to starting your trek.
I take one scheduled trek a month, usually towards the end of each month. On a scheduled trek the minimum number of trekker's is 1 whilst the maximum is 18. If you want to book a trek at the start of any month then the minimum number of trekkers is 5.
Guaranteed Departure
I believe that trekkers have the right to walk on the trek they have chosen on the dates they have chosen, whether there is one person booked or eighteen. Other companies reserve the right to cancel treks if the numbers are not there due to financial reasons. This is unfair to the trekker who then has to rearrange their holidays, flights etc. Keep this in mind when choosing a trek operator. Do you really want the hassle off rebooking your trek, and changing your flights at your own expense?
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note this itinerary is not set in stone and can change each trek, depending on conditions at the time.
Day 1: OWERS' CORNER - UA’ULE CREEK - The morning starts with breakfast at Sogeri Lodge before the drive out to Owers’ Corner in transport we provide. We continue our journey along snake road up to Sogeri Monument where we again stop for photographs. Now the fun begins as we travel via a dirt road for approximately 45 min to Owers' Corner weather permitting. The trek commences with your first descent down to Goldie River. We cross over Goldie River and commence our first climb to Imita Ridge “Golden Stairs which is no longer there”. Upon reaching the top it is another long descent down to Ua'Ule Creek where you will spend your first night out on the track.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
Today is the relaxer in my opinion. We walk from Owers’ Corner up to Imita Ridge, alongside the old Golden stairs. Imita ridge is the last point the Australian troops were pushed back too, before the advance. We ease into the trail, so try not to push anyone too hard on day 1. At the end of the day we enjoy a swim together in a usually crystal water river. Ua'Ule Creek is a good campsite that I enjoy visiting each time I walk the trail.
Day 2: UA’ULE CREEK - NAURO - This morning we will leave our campsite to head to Nauro where there will be numerous creek crossings. We then climb up Ioribaiwa Ridge, half way up your climb you will reach loribaiwa village. We continue our trekking up until we reach the top of Iribaiwa Ridge. This is the point during World War 2 where the Japanese retreated. It is now a steep descent down to Ofi Creek where you will enjoy your first lunch break and swim. You will then refill your water bottles for a steep couple of hours climb up Maguli Range to our destination of Nauro.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
The second day we walk to New Nauro. It is probably one of the two hardest days. There is one thing about the Kokoda Trail from Owers’ Corner end, you can stop walking at 12:00 pm, or you can push on for 4 more hours to the next camp site. Obviously it has to be a group decision to push on, and if I feel it will be too much off a struggle for anyone in the group, we stop. This is obviously a fine line though, as some trekkers enjoy the challenge, and I will be behind them all the way. This is a quite a hard day as you arrive at Ofi Creek at around lunch time.
Do you want to stop at lunch time? Well I have under certain situations, but normally we continue on. The climb to Jap's Ladder, is really the first BIG climb you will make. The Jap's Ladder Campsite is not the best, so most trekkers usually prefer to push on to Nauro from here, even though they are feeling tired already. Finally around 4-5pm we arrive at Nauro. Nauro is a very popular campsite with good facilities.
Day 3: - NAURO - MENARI - Today will be an easy walk down Brown River where you will cross with care as the river may be high due to heavy rain. You will then continue your walk onto the next creek where you will refill your water bottles for your climb up the WALL to the top of Menari Lookout, from the lookout you will enjoy the views of Menari. After a short break you will then descend down to MENARI Village where you will overnight ready for Day 4. Most trekkers refer to MENARI as having the best guest house on the trail “5 Star”.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
The third day is relatively easy when compared to the previous day. We arrive in camp around lunch time, which allows you to wash and dry your clothes and relax for the rest of the afternoon. Menari is a large village which has a primary school, so trekkers enjoy walking around and playing with the children.
Day 4: EFOGI - NADURI- Day 4 will begin with your first climb of the day up to Brigade Hill where we have morning tea and pay our respects to the soldiers that died defending the positon at the top. We then descend down to EFOGI where we have lunch. You will then have a steep climb up to EFOGI 2 and then down to the 2nd creek crossing of the day. We then have a tough climb up to Naduri Village where we overnight.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
Today is a fairly long day. We usually arrive at the NADURI campsite between 3:00 and 4:00 PM. We are now higher, so you will notice a drop in temperature at night, and probably use your sleeping bag for the first time. Naduri has a nice camp site with good showers and toilets.
Day 5: NADURI - EORA CREEK - From Naduri we start to climb up to Mt Bellamy to the 1900/Myola Junction campsite where we have morning tea. We will then climb up to highest peak of the entire track at 2150 metres. Weather permitting you will be able to see Port Moresby in the distance. You will then walk on down to Templeton’s Crossing I or DUMP I. After crossing the creek you will the have another climb with a short descent down to Templeton’s Crossing II where we will overnight.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
The climb to the top of Mt Bellamy, is not as hard as it sounds, or looks on the map. It takes around 1 hour to reach this point. The next section of the trail is usually extremely muddy and usually fairly slippery. We all enjoy a few slips and slides down the hill to Dump I. After leaving DUMP I, the going is fairly easy, with only a few half hour climbs left for the day. Templeton’s is a nice camp site by the river. The water is usually fairly cold, which is great for your legs at this stage of the trek.
Day 6: TEMPLETON’S CROSSING - ISURAVA VILLAGE - You begin day 7 with a small climb and then a long descent down to EORA CREEK where we have morning tea. We then have a small climb up to the Japanese fort where you can see trenches. We then descend down to a creek. The next step is a climb to Alola Village where we have lunch. We then walk to the Isurava Monument which is the highlight of your trek. Everyone’s emotions run high here, reflecting on how hard it must have been during a war scenario. We have a small service together, and learn about the battle that took place there. Following the service, you will then have a short break before moving onto Isurava Village. Isurava Village is about 1 hour from the monument area.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
Day 6 is relatively easy compared to what you have already done. It is great feeling arriving at the Isurava Memorial. The highlight of the entire trip, barring finishing in Kokoda. If you trek from Kokoda to Ower's Corner, you haven't really worked hard enough when arriving there, to fully appreciate what the diggers did during the war. This statement is made by most trekkers when they arrive here. The short service is very moving to most, and can be emotional for some. Isurava Village has a good campsite, with good facilities.
Day 7: ISURAVA VILLAGE - KOKODA - Here you will have a few short climbs and descents before heading down to Hoi Village for a short flat walk to Kokoda Village finishing under the archway constructed by the Kokoda Memorial Foundation the same group who erected the one at Owers’ Corner where you commenced your walk. Once in Kokoda you will have the chance to take a break at Kokoda Station and take in a range of must see attractions including the War Museum and other historical memorials, the local hospital, the library, and other attractions in and around the local area.. You will then spend your last night out on the track at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.
Shane's thoughts on the day.
The trek down to Kokoda, is relatively easy, as all the big climbs have been completed, and it is just a steady descent down to Hoi Village followed by a long flat walk to the end of the trail, finishing at Kokoda Station. There is now an archway there, which is great to see in the distance when walking towards Kokoda. After walking through the archway, everyone congratulates everyone on completing the trail.
The porters and guides become emotional and happy knowing they helped get you safely across the trail. We take group photographs here, before walking to the Kokoda Museum where you learn more about the battle that took place there. After we finish looking at the monuments, we go to Orohaven and celebrate together at the Wantok Tavern, laughing about your experiences along the trail. Here the boys really open up and play music all night. The ideal way to end the trek I believe.
Day 8: KOKODA - POM - Today is your last day in Kokoda where you will then be transported down to Popondetta to board your flight to Port Moresby. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes on a Dash 8. Once you touch down in Port Moresby you will be transported back to your hotels for a hard earned rest.
Congratulations! You and your fellow trekkers have just completed one of our most popular treks - one that has allowed you to not Sha
only walk, but take in the most beautiful scenery along the way at a more relaxed pace. Along the trail, you have climbed and descended more than 10,000 meters.
Well done - you are now part of an elite group of individuals to have experienced the Kokoda trail.
I look forward to trekking with you soon.
Regards
Shane Thomas
The Cost of the Australian Guided Trek.
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Online flight bookings can be made by logging onto: Airlines PNG or Air Nuigini. The earlier you book the less you will pay. You should also check the flight prices with each airline for travelling to Port Moresby and back to Australia as you may find that one airline is cheaper than the other. Airlines PNG is usually the cheaper of the two.
Although these treks are designed so that you rarely require additional accommodation, you may decide to stay in Port Moresby longer. If you do require additional accommodation, click here to compare hotel prices.
Remember this package includes one nights’ accommodation at Sogeri Lodge prior to starting your trek.
Please contact us for large group bookings, School or charity discounts.
The trekking costs include :
On Arrival to Papua New Guinea.
On arrival to Papua New Guinea you will be met at the Port Moresby International airport. Once all trekkers have been accounted for, we then drive everyone to the Bomana War Cemetery where you will be given time to pay your respects and to take some photographs.
After Bomana War Cemetery we will continue up the mountain towards Owers' Corner where we will stay for the first night in PNG at Sogeri Lodge.
Are you ready? Book now for your trek.
Feel free to contact us to ask any questions you might have. We'll be more than happy to help.
Australian Office - Brisbane
Nathan Thomas
Phone Office : (07) 32010017
Mobile Phone : 0415 499 495
Email : trekking@kokodatrail.com.au
What Shane Thomas (Australian Guide) takes on each trek:
I use a personal porter, so I have a backpack and a day pack. I have separated the all the items I take into three categories. The Backpack that my porter carries, the daypack that I carry; and what I personally wear on the trek.
65 - 70 Litre Backpack:
Day Pack if required (Only required if you are using a personal porter. Otherwise items will go in Backpack)
Wear each day
Extra Bag (To leave in Port Moresby)
You can leave a bag in Port Moresby that is given back to you when you arrive back from Kokoda. You can leave anything in this bag instead of carrying it to Kokoda with you.
