Ua Ule campsite

This morning, we set off early for Owers’ Corner, stopping at Bomana War Cemetery en route. Depending on the weather and track conditions, our first day could be challenging as we acclimatise to our new environment. But we’ll trek at a leisurely pace and cheer each other on. First, we make a steep descent to Goldie River before conquering Imita Ridge. It was here, in 1942, that Australian soldiers dug in for what they thought would be their last stand against advancing Japanese forces. Unexpectedly, however, the Japanese forces had been ordered to retreat and Australian soldiers pushed them back towards the northern coast. Arriving at our campsite in the afternoon, we’re free to relax, explore or swim ahead of a delicious camp dinner under the stars.

Trekking distance: 9.4km (5 hours)

Meals: B L D

Nauro Village

After a relaxing first night in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea, we enjoy breakfast at camp before making our way across Ua Ule Creek to the foot of Ioribaiwa Ridge. We then make the slow, steady ascent to the summit before making our way back down to Ofi Creek for a picnic lunch and swim. Feeling refreshed, we take on another steep ascent to the peak of Maguli Range then make a short, sharp descent to our quaint campsite at Nauro Village.

Trekking distance: 14.7km (9 hours)

Meals: B L D

Menari Village

This morning, after breakfast, we bid farewell to Nauro Village and continue our descent of the Maguli Range until we reach an area called “the swamp”. While not technically a swamp, many parts of the track are muddy and we’ll likely get muddy too. We then cross the Brown River – a good chance to rinse off – before completing a short ridge climb followed by a steady descent to our campsite at the picturesque village of Menari.

Trekking distance: 10.8km (5 hours)

Meals: B L D

Brigade Hill

Today is a shorter day of trekking so we can rest ahead of our ANZAC sunrise service. Starting at a creek close to Menari Village, we begin the long, slow ascent of Brigade Hill to reach our campsite with a view, near the war memorial at the summit.

Trekking distance: 7km (3 hours)

Meals: B L D

ANZAC Day ceremony on Brigade Hill – Naduri Village

This morning, we wake at sunrise to participate in a special ANZAC Day ceremony. Surrounded by some of the harshest landscapes ever faced by soldiers in battle, we can begin to appreciate the enormity of the challenges Australian forces faced here. Following the ceremony, we enjoy breakfast together before continuing to Efogi Village 1. Here, we have the opportunity to visit the local war museum, home to the relics of bayonets and Bren guns, as well as the remains of an unidentified Australian soldier’s boot and foot bones. After ample time to explore, we make the short ascent to Efogi Village 2 then trek down to Naduri Village where we set up camp.

Trekking distance: 6.2km (5 hours)

Meals: B L D

Templetons Crossing 2 campsite

Today is a challenging day as we take on the dense, jungle terrain on the way to the Kokoda Gap – the highest point of our trek (2,190m). Depending on time and track conditions, we may trek past Myola Lakes, the site of one of the Australian Army’s major supply depots. It’s here that the Australian Air Force made low level drops of munitions and supplies, some of which wasn’t recovered during WWII and is often found embedded in the exposed banks of creeks that feed Myola Lakes. From here, we trek down into Eora Creek Valley at Templetons Crossing 1. In the afternoon, we follow Eora Creek towards the Owen Stanley Range and cross two steep spurs to our creekside campsite at the bottom of a narrow, steep-sided valley.

Trekking distance: 16.5km (8 hours)

Meals: B L D

Isurava Battlefield

This morning, after breakfast, we head off to inspect the defensive position Japanese forces held near Eora Creek, known as the Eora Creek Forest Fort. It’s also very close to The Lost Battlefield, an area uncovered in 2010 by Australian, Brian Freeman, with support from local Alola people. After ample time to explore the fort, we make the relatively easy trek through the forest to Alola Village then onto our campsite at the Isurava Memorial.

Trekking distance: 13km (7.5 hours)

Meals: B L D

Kokoda Village

On our last day of trekking, we make a long, continuous descent to Hoi Village, followed by a shorter, flat trek to Kokoda Village. Constantly rewarded with incredible views en route, we can look out over some of the ground we’ve covered on our adventure, once again appreciating the unforgiving harshness of this inimitable landscape. On arrival in Kokoda Village, we have ample time to visit the WWII memorials and museums before a farewell party at our campsite with our trekking crew to celebrate a successful adventure.

Trekking distance:8.3 (7 hours)

Meals: B L D

Port Moresby

This morning, we depart early for Popondetta Airfield for our flight back to Port Moresby. En route, we’ll pass historic sites, including Oivi Gorari, the Kumusi River and Wairopi. On arrival in Port Moresby, we head to our hotel to freshen up ahead of a farewell team dinner, where we’re awarded with our Certificate of Completion.

Meals: B L

Depart Port Moresby

This morning, we transfer back to Jacksons International Airport for our flight home. As you fly high above the city, you’ll be filled with the memories and moments that have made this adventure one you’ll never forget.

Meals: B L