KOKODA TRACK
&
NORTHERN BEACHHEADS
13 Days 4950 ex Port Moresby
Accommodation
10 Nights Camping
2 Nights Hotel
Transportation
Mostly on foot
Vehicle transfers (by land and sea), return flight to Port Moresby
Included Meals
12 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
11 Dinners
Trip Grade
Category 3
High Heart Rate Holiday
Group Size
Maximum 14 Trekkers
Feel the humidity; sweat trickling down the brow as you rest, or flowing in a torrent as you climb! Appreciate how diverse the Owen Stanley Ranges truly are.
This is the real Kokoda.
Walking through pristine rainforest, absorbing stunning valley views, and making thrilling river crossings, with only a coarse rope and slick log between you and the frothing, chilling waters below!
Meet the incredible local people, learn about their culture as we walk with them, and rest in the villages they call home.
Attempt something that can push you to your physical and mental limits.
Do something you’ll never forget.
Today, the Kokoda Track holds almost a mythological place in Australian folklore, and to walk the track, is a pilgrimage for many.
Whilst an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of heroes, we’ll venture beyond and experience the battlefields of Buna, Gona, and Sanananda, retracing the full year that was 1942 in the Papua New Guinea campaign.
On the Kokoda Track, we’re primarily in the lands of the Koiari people who, generally inhabit the area between the foothills of the Owen Stanley Ranges east of Port Moresby and Kokoda (they once lived among the tree-tops and were renowned by early Europeans for their fierceness).
Closer to the coast, we’re in the land of the Mosquito (okay, so not technically correct, they are, however, the dominant species, so repellent is necessary).
This gives an insight into how tough conditions were in the battlefields of the Northern Beachheads.
Hot, oppressive conditions, with the battlefield more reminiscent of a swamp, than a gorgeous tropical beach.
Brutal, deadly, and an oft overlooked chapter in military history.
“He rushed forward firing his Bren Gun from the hip through terrific machine-gun fire and succeeded in clearing a path through the enemy.
Continuing to sweep the enemy positions with his fire and inflicting an extremely high number of casualties on them, Private Kingsbury was then seen to fall to the ground shot dead, by the bullet from a sniper hiding in the wood.”
– War Office, 9th February, 1943
The Journey
Arrive Port Moresby and transfer to hotel.
Pre-expedition briefing by your guide. Get to know your fellow adventurers!
(6-7 Hours) We’ll meet our local team, who we will be our unflappable support throughout the trek. From setting up camp, carrying our food, tents and equipment, they ensure we have a safe and enjoyable trek. Our trek begins, crossing the wide Goldie River and up the original ‘Golden Stairs’ to Imita Ridge. Beyond, we’ll have multiple crossings of Ua-Ule Creek before reaching camp at Ioribaiwa. (B,L,D)
(7-8 Hours) We start by trekking down towards Ofi Creek before climbing the many false peaks of the Maguli Range. After a quick lunch along the way, we will drop down to our campsite at the village of Agulogo. (B,L,D)
(9 hours) From Agulogo get your repellent on, as we drop down into the swamp and cross Brown River, before taking on fresh water and tackling the limb that is the ‘Wall’. Beyond, we descend into the village of Menari, where we’ll take on fresh fruit and vegetables (as well as being delicious for us, this helps support the local villagers). From Menari, we will climb up Brigade Hill where we will camp tonight. (B,L,D)
(6-7 hours) We’ll conduct a short service this morning, to recognise the sacrifice of all who died fighting on this battlefield.
Afterward, it’s a long down to Efogi, where, believe it or not we have crossed the half way mark. Onwards and upwards, we’ll finish in Kagi where we will make camp. (B,L,D)
Today is the local Sabbath (Seventh Day Adventists). There’s an invitation to join them (if you wish) in a church service to hear them sing, and observe how they pray. Afterwards we will take a leisurely stroll to a local natural wonder, relaxing and letting our muscles rest before the next day’s trek. (B,L,D)
(8 Hours) Today you will hike from Kagi to Templeton 1. We will trek via Bombers Camp (where a crashed American bomber was discovered in the 1990’s). We are almost on the home straight. (B,L,D)
(6 Hours) Hike from Templeton 1 to Isurava Battlefield. Throughout the day, we’ll see many weapon pits and ammunition dumps including the Japanese stronghold above Eora Creek.
Passing through Alola, you’ll notice changes in the landscape, before we visit Con’s Rock on the descent into the Isurava Battlefield (B,L,D)
We’ll hold another service at Isurava Battlefield, including both the trekkers and local guides. Coming together we will pay our respects to all who served in the Kokoda Campaign.
After visiting the site where Bruce Kingsbury’s actions won him the Victoria Cross, we’ll continue to climb down to Deniki and then on to Hoi. (B,L,D)
This morning we slowly emerge from the Owen Stanley Range before we reach the tractor trail. Marching into Kokoda Station, one can feel any range of emotions. Pride, achievement, relief? We’ve made it!
Our vehicle will be waiting and after a visit to the Kokoda memorials and the Bert Keinzle museum, we will ride the ‘Chiropratic Express” to Popondetta then on to Gona battlefield. From here, a boat will transfer us to the village of Sanananda. (B,L,D)
From our base at Sanananda, we will use our boat to visit the battlefield of Buna. In the afternoon we will walk up to The Japanese Hospital and tour Sanananda, before having downtime in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Relax as we travel to Popondetta, visiting Huggins Road Block en route.
We’ll fly from Popondetta back to Port Moresby, and transfer to the hotel.
Freshen up and, In the evening we will have a farewell dinner and small presentation. (B,L, D)
This morning visit Bomana War Cemetery (the largest war cemetery in the Pacific) before being transferred from the cemetery to your flight home or next destination.
Journey Extensions
Check out our Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.
A shirt 10 minutes drive from our hotel, the Port Moresby Nature Park is a colourful addition to an PNG getaway. This half day tour showcases PNG’s fascinating wildlife, allowing you to get up close to the Tree Kangaroo, Cassowary, Crocodile, Bird of Paradise and a plethora of parrots and reptiles.
The park’s facilities are world class (including a great little coffee shop so you can buy water and food there if needed) with great enclosures and information signage, and you’ll be fully guided by a park expert throughout.
If you’ve a few spare hours before or after your trip, we highly recommend this tour (the park opens at 8am so you can get there early and do a tour before your flight home).
Per person is $60
Includes: Transfers to and from park and an expert guided tour of the park.
Rabaul is an hour and a half flight away from Port Moresby and is a great town to explore and lots of activities.
You can go snorkelling, cruising, visit the Duke of York Islands or climb a volcano.
There are also bustling markets and great bird watching. A great additional trip for someone who wants to see other areas of Papua New Guinea, but wants to do more than just rest and relaxation.
Price per person is $600.
Nusa Island Retreat in Kavieng, on the island of New Ireland, is only an hours flight from Port Moresby, but feels a world away, with crystal clear waters, incredible scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and surfing.
After finishing a Kokoda trek, Nusa Island Retreat is the perfect place to recover, and to see a whole new side of PNG.
We can help you with your domestic flights to Kavieng.
Premium Room
Single Room: $330 per person/per night
Double/Twin: $240 per person/per night
Includes all meals and airport transfers
Tufi Resort is an hours flight from Port Moresby and is situated in the world’s largest tropical loch system where palm trees flow all the way down to the water’s edge.
Tufi is a boutique resort, built to overlook the stunning landscape by which it is surrounded.
With access to some of the best SCUBA and snorkelling in PNG, waterfalls, local villages and secluded beaches, Tufi offers excellent accommodation and food for those that want to get away from it all.
After finishing a Kokoda trek or for those want to relax, dive or fish Tufi is a perfect oasis.
Tufi is serviced by flights every second day from Port Moresby.
Check out their website at www.tufidive.com
Accommodation
Deluxe Bungalows (1 queen and 1 single) Sea facing balconies
Single $330
Double $250
Child $140
Deluxe Rooms (Balcony facing resort)
Single $295
Double $210
Standard Rooms (no balcony or sea views)
Single $235
Double $160
Includes all meals, accommodation, return airport, tea, coffee and GST.
Diving
Outer Reef
2 tank outer reef dive $200
3 tank outer reef dive $250
6 tank outer reef dive $460
House Reef Wharf Diving
1 tank wharf dive FOC
2 tank wharf dive $100
3 tank wharf dive $120
Night Wharf Dive
1 night wharf dive $110
Speciality Wreck Dive
Black Jack B17 Bomber $3000 minimum 6 pax Nov-April only
PISTOFF B25 Mitchell Bomber $1800
Includes tanks, air, weight belts, fresh fruit, cold drinks, tea, coffee, cookies, hot showers, towels and GST per person per day.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling on outer reef (per person on Dive Boat) $95
Fishing
Masalai (Shark Cat) 4 hour trip $650 seats 1-6 people. All staff and equipment provided.
Talio Mono Hull 4 hour trip $450 seats 1-4 people. All staff and equipment provided.
Cultural Tours
There are plenty of other Experiences you can take part in at Tufi resort from Full Day Tours, Bird Watching and Lookouts. Chat to the No Roads team if you would like ideas for day tours from Tufi Resort
Less than one hour from Port Moresby is the paradise that is Loloata Island Resort. This beautiful and intimate island is just off the coast of Port Moresby and is home to some of the best island reefs in the world.
If you have friends or family who would like to meet you in PNG after your trek, this is the perfect holiday destination for them.
There are dozens of sunken ships and even an aircraft to explore for SCUBA divers. For snorkelers, there are the reefs of Lion Island.
Each room and suite has a guaranteed ocean view.
Take advantage of the spa facilities onsite, where you can book in your next massage or any other pamper treatment.
For those that don’t want to travel too far away but just far enough to relax after their expedition, Loloata is a perfect place to spend a few days.
Includes
- Trained Australian and Local Guides for the entire expedition (who carry all group equipment, food & set up camp)
- Electrolyte supplements such as Hydralyte
- All domestic flights within PNG (as per itinerary)
- The support of a trained medic and our River rescue team
- Shower tent to wash with soap and protect the environment. Hot showers are available for a small fee.
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners (some dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan & gluten intolerant can be accommodated)
- All transfers as per itinerary
- A visit to Bomana War Cemetery
- All accommodation during the scheduled itinerary (2 nights hotel accommodation in Port Moresby, and tents inclusive of sleeping mats for the remainder of the trip)
- Kokoda Track Permit
- 1 to 1 General Guide-Client ratio
- A rubbish Guide that takes all our (and some other operators) rubbish from the Track
- Farewell dinner on the final night
- Snack Pack for each expedition day to get you between meals
- No Roads Expedition T-shirt
- Urine and health chart
- Access to your Australian Guide for advice prior to (and on) the expedition
- Access to FREE weekend training walks before and after the expedition
Excludes
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Personal spending money
- Tips for General Guides
- Any meals not listed as included
Note: Single rooms at the Hilton Hotel are available for a $300 supplement per night for the nights we spend in Port Moresby. Click on Single Supp when booking your trip.
Your Guides and Safety
An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for the beautiful place that is Papua New Guinea. The guide will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun, and safe. All guides are trained in Safety First Aid and are connected to our Port Moresby and Melbourne offices by satellite phone.
Personal Guide
Over 50% of our guests employ the services of a Personal Guide. This Guide will assist you in carrying your main pack, help you down tricky sections and become a great companion along your journey. Many of our guests form strong bonds with their Personal Guides as they help you across the Track.
The cost for your Personal Guide is $720. This covers the Guides pay, food, camp fees, transportation, employment of other General Guides to carry your Guides food and the final night’s dinner.
Accommodation
“No tents tonight, as we all opted to rest our sodden bodies and damp clothes inside a rickety hut. Seriously, the floor flexed as we tiptoed over it, and it wasn’t only the two oddly shaped windows allowing in some of the dull light but also the wider cracks within the floor.”
We’ll make you as comfortable as we can, but outside of Port Moresby, there’s no escaping the fact, that we’re inhabiting the remote. Provided for you, at every campsite (should you want it) are a single-person tent and a sleeping mat. You could get by with that alone beneath your weary legs, but we’d recommend bringing an inflatable mattress, and a sleeping bag as well.
At some sites, you’ll have the option of a guesthouse should you want a bit more space to stretch. Think 3 or 4 wooden walls, and a thatch roof and floor, and you’ve got a reasonable picture.
Certainly a popular place for drying boots and socks, they’ll also on occasion sleep a trekker or two. Just make sure to bring a mosquito net, just in case.
It might sound rough, but we assure you, some nights, will come close to the best you’ve ever slept!
When you walk with No Roads, you are honouring their sacrifice, and ensuring that the soldier’s legacy lives on. Kokoda will challenge you, demanding everything that you have, and more. But it will also change you in so many ways. You will truly understand the meaning of the words ‘courage’, ‘endurance’, ‘mateship’ and ‘sacrifice’
Andrew Flanagan,
Expedition Guide.
As we departed Deniki, the relatively open jungle (at least at this point) was carpeted in lush green growth.
This was the Choko vine, and little did we know, its freshly plucked fruit would form part of our dinner, that very night!
Food in PNG
“There I was, socks screwed up into balls, massaging wrinkles out of damp, tired feet when I caught a familiar smell. Was I back at the movies?! Minutes later, a large bowl of steaming salted popcorn was plonked on the table right in front of me, almost like a dream!”
We want to maximise the economic benefits from your visit to the local people everywhere we explore. The purchase of fruits & vegetables, allows fresh foods for our meals, and income for them. This provides incentives for villagers to offer a good standard of service to trekking parties as well as a vital source of income to pay for medicine, education, and transportation.
One of the biggest differences between us and other operators is our food. We do not get you to carry the food and we do not supply baked beans and 2 minute noodles for every meal. We cook up curries, vegetarian pastas, damper, prawn crackers, fried rice and the list goes on. Our Master Chefs are specifically trained in food handling to ensure you have not only a delicious meal full of nutrition, but one that is safe to eat. You may even have the opportunity to help the Chef prepare the meal, giving you a chance to engage our local team in conversation and build a bond otherwise not obtained.