Kokoda Track Hiking Expedition

Day 1 – Welcome to Papua New Guinea!

You’ve just landed in one of the most naturally beautiful countries on the planet, so it’s only normal that you’ll be too excited to tackle logistics. That’s why one of our team’s friendly faces will meet you on arrival at Jacksons International Airport, ready to whisk you off to your hotel, hassle-free.

After freshening up, you’ll meet your new group of female hiking pals at dinner in the hotel tonight. Have fun, but not too much fun. Tomorrow is the day you’ll start the Kokoda Track, so you’ll want to be well-rested for the journey up ahead.

Accommodation: Gateway Hotel (or similar)
Included: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 – Bomana Cemetery & Owers Corner

Let the hiking commence!

Well – not yet exactly. First, you’ll make a stop at Bomana Cemetery, the largest war cemetery in the Pacific. With over 3,700 graves, it’s a sobering sight that perfectly captures the sheer devastation of the Kokoda Track campaign.

Then, it’s time to hit the Track! On day one, we’re easing you in with a short trek of just 90 minutes. It’s hardly going to be a walk in the park, though. You’ll start off by slipping, sliding and clambering down a steep slope to Goldie River before embracing your adventurous spirit to cross it on foot. Prepare to get wet and muddy! 

Wading through the waters with the help of your carrier, you’ll continue on to an abandoned village before setting up camp for the night. As you lay in your sleeping bag, you’ll feel a million miles away from home. Now the adventure has really begun.

Accommodation: Goodwater campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Imita Ridge

Rise and shine! This morning, you’ll hit the Track at 6am sharp to begin today’s 7-hour trek. It might seem early, but you’ll thank us when you’ve finished the hike before the day’s temperatures reach their peak.

You’ll kick off the journey by climbing the ‘Golden Staircase’ to Imita Ridge. This seemingly endless series of muddy clay steps etched into the mountain will give your legs a serious workout. It’s a struggle, but when you remember that the troops had to make this journey carrying heavy military equipment on their backs, your day pack will suddenly feel much lighter!

Finally reaching Imita Ridge, your Aussie guide will bring the stories of the soldiers who stood here in 1942 to life. The soldiers had strict orders not to retreat any further, making this spot a critical turning point in the campaign.

After such a gruelling day, you’ll finally make it to your campground at Ioribaiwa, ready to collapse into bed. Zzzz…..

Accommodation: Ioribaiwa Village campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Nauro Village

It’s an early start again this morning but with another seven hours of hiking up ahead, we’re not going easy on you – you know the score by now!

Today’s highlight is Ioribaiwa Ridge, the furthest point reached by the Japanese before being ordered to retreat. It’s a long and hot hike to the Ridge, that’s for sure, but your guide is so fascinating that you’ll hardly even notice the ground you’re putting behind you. They know pretty much everything there is to know about the Kokoda Track Campaign, and soon, you’ll be a Kokoda pro too!

You’ll begin to notice the bond strengthening between you – and not just your fellow trekkers – but with the carriers too. Shadowing your every step, they’re always ready to offer a guiding hand should you need it. The deep connections that develop between relative ‘strangers’ on this trip are so real, and so heartfelt… it’s hard to put into words really. But do know that this will be a highlight of your trip for years to come.

Moving on from Ioribaiwa Ridge, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the heroic battle, finding old weapons pits and ambush sites as you walk. This part of the Track is like a living history museum. Nauro Village will be home for the night, and the views from your campground here are out-of-this-world. Taking a billion photos here feels almost mandatory.

Accommodation: Nauro Village campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Manari Village

Endless peaks stretch out before you, shrouded in mist and clouds that make them look downright mystical. Is this a dream?? Nope! This world-class scenery is all yours to goggle at on the Kokoda Track! As you start hiking, eyes glued to the horizon, it’ll be hard to comprehend that just a few days ago you were living your ordinary life at home.

The trek today lasts around six jam-packed hours, filled with slipping and sliding across muddy terrain in the Nauro swamp. It’s tricky, but when you finally trudge into tonight’s campground, you’ll know one thing: you’re a tough cookie. A little bit of mud and sweat won’t stop you from achieving your hiking dreams! 

Reward yourself with a swim in the oh-so-inviting creek and delve head-first into local village life. If you play your cards right, the local kids might even perform a song tonight.

Accommodation: Manari Village campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Brigade Hill & Naduri

Today’s trek may be short, but it packs a punch. After yesterday’s gruelling journey, you’ll be relieved to know that the Brigade Hill climb takes just 30 minutes.

Brigade Hill, otherwise known as Butcher’s Hill, is a sacred site since so many soldiers from both sides of the conflict lost their lives during the four-day battle here. Many soldiers had no choice but to flee into the jungle, getting lost for several weeks before being able to reunite with their battalions. It’s heartbreaking, but by making this visit, you’re helping to keep the memory of these fallen heroes alive.

Once at the top, your trek leader will hold a memorial service for the fallen, uniting the group in a solemn reflection on the sacrifices made here. These moments are the reason you embarked on the Kokoda Track, and they’re every bit as moving as you’d expect.

Accommodation: Naduri campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Mount Bellamy & Templeton’s Crossing

Mount Bellamy, towering at 2,190 metres above sea level, is calling your name. 

This leg of the trek pushed battle-weary soldiers to their limits, and you’ll quickly realise why, but with your fellow adventurers by your side, anything is possible. Panting and sweaty, you’ll reach the top of the mountain together feeling like the Queens of the World! Cue the high-fives and fist bumps with your hiking squad as reality sinks in. You made it!

Mountain conquered, it’s time to tackle the mighty Kokoda Gap. It’s famous for being the subject of one of the most ridiculous commands ever given to Aussie troops by their Generals. What was it? You’ll have to wait and see… 

Home for the night is Templeton’s Crossing, a spot where Australian soldiers indulged in a long-forgotten luxury – a hot meal! Devour your dinner just like the soldiers and treat yourself to a relaxing dip in the river to soothe your aching muscles. Bliss!

Accommodation: Templeton’s Crossing campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Eora Creek Village

Another day, another opportunity to take in mind-bending vistas and historically-significant landmarks. The Kokoda Track just keeps on giving!

This morning, you’ll make a sharp descent to Eora Creek, passing weapon pits and heading towards the village where the historic clash known as the ‘Battle of Eora Creek’ took place. This engagement was notorious for being the most costly encounter of the entire campaign, and, of course, your Aussie guide will fill you in on all the details.

Your days of hiking are coming to an end, so don’t miss a second of the world-class nature surrounding your every step. You’ll be yearning for it once you’re at home!

After trekking for eight long hours, you’ll finally arrive at Isurava Battlefield. Under the starlit sky, take a moment to prepare yourself for the emotional memorial service that awaits you tomorrow morning. 

Accommodation: Isurava Battlefield campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Isurava Battlefield

Lace-up your boots and get ready to conquer the final stretch of your Kokoda hiking adventure! After this, it’s smooth sailing and relaxation all the way. You’ve got this!

As the sun starts to rise, you’ll start your day at the Isurava Battlefield Memorial. Reflecting on the bravery and sacrifice that took place here, you’ll be invited to participate in an emotional memorial service in whatever way feels right for you. Whether you choose to express yourself with poems, thoughts or just silent contemplation, it’s all welcome.

You’ll carry on your journey with a challenging descent, and then, after eight gruelling days and covering 96km of rough, rugged landscapes, you’ll arrive at the Kokoda Track Arch – a symbol of your victory! 

Whoop, holler, and happy-dance as you reach the end of the Track and snap photos together under the arch. This hike was no mean feat, but you’ve crushed it with absolute determination.

Accommodation: Kokoda Village campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Buna

After so much hiking, there’s only one way to recover – and that’s at the beach! This morning, you’ll hit the road to cover the four-hour journey to Buna. It’s not all sand and sunshine, though.

It’s hard to believe when you see the gentle waves lapping the shore, that this was once called ‘Bloody Buna’ and ‘Maggot Beach’. Ready to find out why? 

Most of the carriers you bonded with during the hike call Buna home. Their excitement will be contagious as they show off their homes and village to you. Your taste of local life in Buna goes well beyond a run-of-the-mill guided tour as you’ll actually have an opportunity to visit their homes and hang out with their families!

Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Buna

Continue your immersion into village life today by learning the age-old crafts of the locals. Of course, there’s no better way to learn than by getting your hands dirty, so roll up your sleeves and dive right in! The local women will be thrilled to teach you the art of weaving mats, creating roofs and crafting Bilum bags. 

You may not have heard of them before, but Bilum bags are colourful, handmade bags that hold a special place in Papua New Guinean culture and today you’ll learn what makes them so special.

Did you fall in love with the gorgeous handicrafts? In the afternoon, you’ll explore the local craft market that will be set up just for you! It’s time to give back to the villagers who have welcomed you into their lives, by picking up a memento or two made by them… to remind you of your time on the Kokoda Track.

Accommodation: Buna Homestay with your local porters
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Sanananda

Seize the morning with a 90-minute walk along the beach to reach the nearby village of Sanananda. It’s best to start early to avoid sweltering in the midday sun and arriving completely drenched in sweat. After days and days of hiking, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Sanananda, like Buna, was a site of fierce fighting between the Allies and the Japanese in WW2. If you’re a history buff, you can check out the small museums here showcasing local history. Had enough history? No worries. Lounge on the beach or hang with the locals during your free time. You might even recognise a few faces – some of your hiking porters live here too!

Tonight, experience an ‘only in Papua New Guinea’ moment with a heartwarming, live performance of local string musicians. It’d be impossible for your final night on the Northern Beaches to be any better.

Accommodation: Sanananda campsite
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Return to Port Moresby

Hold back the tears as you say a final goodbye to the Northern Beaches and the unforgettable villagers who welcomed you with open arms. The adventurous part of the trip is over, but you’re not done yet!

Today, you’ll take a 35-minute flight over the Owen Stanley Ranges. When you see the mountains you trekked over from above you’ll get a sense of the true scale of your achievement. On arrival in Port Moresby, the rest of the day is free to do whatever you want! An afternoon by the pool does sound tempting…

Your crew’s final night together has finally arrived so make the most of it at your farewell dinner. You’ve successfully traversed the entire 96-kilometre Kokoda Track on your own two feet, but it wouldn’t have been half as enjoyable without your kick-ass hiking clan! You’ve shared laughs, struggles and moments of triumph together, creating lifelong memories that will stay with you forever.

Accommodation: Gateway Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14 – Farewell Friends!

After one last breakfast, it’s a wrap – your unforgettable time in Papua New Guinea has sadly come to an end. After swapping contact details with your newfound friends, it’s time to head to the airport for your flight back home.

With one of the most historically-significant hiking routes for Aussies in the entire world under your belt, you’ll return home feeling a huge sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself. You really did it! The only question remaining is… where to next?

Accommodation: Gateway Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast